One of the big parts of owning and buying a puppy/dog is knowing what kind of dog breed you're going to get and their breed's habits. Kind of like huskies needing discipline, collies needing space, and bulldogs needing lots of special care. One dog that is particularly interesting to own and raise is the German Shepherd. You could say they have their own little 'perks'.

1. Know the genetics.

Like any full blood breed of dog, the German Shepherd has some health issues you need to know about. Hip dyspepsia, compulsive behavior and perennial fistula are a few of the more serious things seen in German shepherds. Always check and make sure the line of German shepherd you are buying from have a healthy genetic line.

2. Playful puppies.

They are like every other puppy; stubborn, mean and playful. Buy them plenty of toys to play with or you might start discovering your shoes are missing. Hide anything that is of value for awhile, otherwise they will find it and eat it before you can blink.

3. Quick learners.

Being one of the smartest dogs, German shepherds are inherently smart and quick learners. This can be a blessing and a curse all in one. When training this is a good trait for them to have because after they get it down you won't have to spend as much time training. However, it can also be a bad thing if you don't catch them on bad behavior and they will get accustom to doing something they shouldn't.

4. Socialization.

German Shepherds are protective and territorial by nature making them wonderful guard dogs. This is also a double sided sword when it comes to being social. Being protective is a desired trait in a dog, it is up to you to enforce what they need to be protective of. If the German shepherd isn't used to being around people or other animals while they are young then their protective drives will kick in when they are older be nearly impossible to take anywhere. Positive enforcement with people is key in raising a German shepherd.

5. Giant goof-balls.

As smart as they are they are also giant goof balls and can be found sleeping in strange positions if they aren't sleeping on top of you. Most are giant lap dogs and enjoy cuddling with their person.

6. Types.

There are all types of German Shepherd breeds. West German, American/Canadian, Czech, and east German are the legal types of German shepherds used for showing but there are other fractions such as the bohemian shepherd and the king shepherd.

7. Jealousy.

German shepherds are jealous animals, so owning more than one might cause a few fights if there aren't more people in the house. When loving on one of the others yours might come up and butt in so the other doesn't have the opportunity.

Aside from being a great companion, German shepherds are also wonderful pets to own.