Hi there Advicenators.
The last time I logged on here I was 21. Im almost 30 now. Wow I thought I was well put together at that time. I wasn’t. I was looking for validation in being right, or proving that I had the solutions to problems. I didn’t. It makes me think about all the times I went looking for answers online and who was on the other end of that answer. Was it someone like my 21 year old self who didn’t know anything? Be careful out there, friends, and I hope you get the answers you’re looking for.
-Kat
Gender: Female
Location: Washington
Age: 21
MSN: katlzxdcj@live.com
Member Since: June 1, 2007
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18/m
Hello! I was looking for some extra information on either getting a German Shepard or a Lab.
I won't be getting a dog till after college when I am able to afford it and take care of it the way it needs to be. Was just trying to get information on them so I can do my research for my decision in a few years.
I love German Shepard and Labs.
I guess my question is...
Which one is more suitable for an average American? Based on my low income out of college I want to know which one would be better to take care of and to give proper things in it's life.
Thanks! (link)
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Both dogs are great choices. They are both very loyal, smart, obedient breeds.
Like the last answer states, they are big dogs and they will need space to run and play. Labs love the water and activities where they can catch things. They chew a lot. German Shepherds are extremely active and by nature are herders. So an apartment life for them may not be ideal unless you are a very active person that jogs frequently or goes hiking, or that kind of thing. They both eat a ton. My old dog was a lab and he would go through a big bag of dog food in about 2-3 weeks, with feeding 2 times a day. Bags of dog food you can expect to cost at least $20-30, more usually for a better brand. They can become overly protective and territorial if not socialized properly, so if you're gone a lot, that may not be a good idea.
Large breeds are prone to joint disorders like hip dysplasia, and arthritis, more so the German Shepherds. They are also known to be genetically predisposed to canine degenerative myelopathy, which attacks the spine and causes them to lose use of their back legs.
Labs are generally healthier, only because they aren't predisposed to as many things as Shepherds. But it's still possible something may happen.
You may want to get pet insurance when you do get a dog. It's usually about $20 a month. If something does happen, vet bills are expensive and not many vets will work with you.
So all in all, labs and shepherds are both good choices as long as you have the space. They both have the ability to be very loving happy dogs. My personal preference are labs due to the fact that they are less prone to genetic diseases.
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