Former CR-V turned Element owner here. The E is the best vehicle for german shedders in my opinion.
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German Shedders - love it! Looked at the Element, but too small. Dog is 85 pounds, plus jumps, obedience equipment and...oh yeah...my luggage. We tie DH to the top. Gotta love the roof rack!
To train a dog, you must be more interesting than dirt.