I grew up with German Shepherds, as a child I would shake the apple trees so that my parents Shepherds could eat them lol....they were loyal and fun and gentle. I still remember them jumping through hoops of fire, they were Shutzhund and guard work trained, yet still so kind to me as a child. I knew from the first memory of these lovely dogs, I would only ever want this breed. I have now owned 3, and loved every moment of them. I lost my first girl a few months ago, Bless her, now I have a big male and a young female...I chose this breed because I love how they move, how they look, how they respond and how loyal and pleasing they are.