I know I'll have another dog but I don't want to rush into anything. I love GSD's, but DH is saying "Don't we want something a little...smaller?" NO! (I reply in my huffy-est voice!) "I only feel safe with a GSD." Truth told, my darling Kati has been mostly deaf & partially blind for several years & wasn't really much of a watch dog. But, just the presence of a German Shepherd is good - even if their muzzle is totally white.

We would walk past little dogs who would be lunging at their leashes barking like crazy - Kati didn't have a clue they were there unless she smelled them. She would just placidly keep walking. In her younger years, she would have been "open for business" on ANY dog that threatened her. Especially the snack-sized ones.

We had this happen repeatedly with a lady in the neighborhood. She would always say, "Oh, these little guys were bitten by a German Shepherd and they always react like this." Meanwhile, Kati is just limping along - no idea these creatures exist. I would tell this woman (repeatedly!) "Lady - as you can see, this old dog is mostly deaf & blind. She has no idea your dogs exist." But, alas, next time we would meet - same thing. Sheesh!