After alot of thought we have decided to have a german shepherd as our family pet but am having great difficulty in deciding wether to have a dog or a bitch. I have seen both sexes and really liked the dogs. Does anybody have any advise please!

Think it's a matter of personal preference really. Some people prefer bitches, others wouldn't have a bitch if you paid them!! And vice versa with dogs!

I have one of each (although the boy is just 5 months old). Ultimately, I think it doesn't matter, so long as you understand the breed generally, and put a huge amount of effort into socialisation and training. You also need to seek a breeder that breeds from stock with good hipscores, and does all the relevant health tests (haemophilia etc), and excellent temperaments with good outgoing personalities.

Good luck with whatever sex you choose! Enjoy

Katrina

Agree with Katrina, they're also a very intelligent breed and need a lot of mental stimulation.  A bored shep can be a recipe for disaster.

I've found bitches can be more biddable, dog's more stubborn.  Of course that is not the general rule and you can have vice versa qualities in each. 

I always keep a dog and a bitch together and find they complement each other very nicely. 

Make sure you go to a reputable experienced breeder who hip scores, and haemophilia tests (sires).  They will be able to advise on their particular line.

In general bitches are smaller and lighter than males and generally not as strong; a lot depends on whether you prefer dogs or bitches, if you want to be bothered with seasons (even for a short time until she is old enough to spey) etc.

Or the leg lifting of the males. 

If you like the look of a male more than a bitch then if you ahve a male do not neuter it at least until it has fully developed makle characteristics, as neutering young will prevent proper development of male characteristics.

I would never choose to keep a male here, but do love our boy when he has visited, but can't be doing with all that Macho showing off :D

Other people can't bear the mood swings with bitches, and them outsmarting you rather than trying to defy you :D

>>Other people can't bear the mood swings with bitches, and them outsmarting you rather than trying to defy you

:D :D Oh how very true :P

I've had both, IMHE, the boys are easier to understand, take a bit longer to train and in 2 cases, were the biggest wusses ever :D

My bitches were far brighter than me.........that doesn't mean much though :rolleyes: extremely neurotic, temperamental, fiercely loyal (as they all are) and a sheer pleasure to share our lives with.

But if/when I get another, I will seriously consider another bitch, as I just love a challenge.

LOL I much prefer dogs in any of my breeds as the bitches do seem to be very free with their favours amougst people ;)

If you can't make up your mind try meaning a few of each sex & then you can see the temperament etc & what suits you

The dogs are very big wusses IMHO :D  thats probably why I loved them so much ;)

Speak for yourself, my Cavalier boy is anybody's!!!!! :-)

LOLOLOLOL I was writing of GSD boys not the t*rty cavaliers mine are loyal as long as no one else has more tasty food :D

My friend had a GSD boy who was a nutcase. They didn't give him enough training early on and he turned into a naughty devil. In the end they had to rehome him because they could not give him the time he needed. Whatever sex you get, start the training early.