We've been sharing life with GSDs for the last 30 years - amazing dogs & all so different.

Our current girl was bred for policework, but dropped out due to being born with a cleft palate - we have a soppy GSD that's scared to bite anything after growing up with a sore mouth.

Welcome to the HQ GrumpyBadger, it's great to have you. What's your girls name?

Was she going to be your K9 for policework or did you only get her after she dropped out of the program? I have a buddy who is a K9 officer and the work he does is very fascinating.

Hi Andre

Her name is Sadie, or Dauntless Tani on the paperwork; she came with both names.

No, I'm not a handler, we have freinds who have police dogs train on their land which is how we came to get her, we'd lost our last dog shortly before & she needed a home.

We did get a chance to meet her original handler last year with her, which was a lot of fun. Talking to him about the work he does with his other dogs was indeed fascinating.

Do you currently have GSDs?

GrumpyBadger said:

Hi Andre

Her name is Sadie, or Dauntless Tani on the paperwork; she came with both names.

No, I'm not a handler, we have freinds who have police dogs train on their land which is how we came to get her, we'd lost our last dog shortly before & she needed a home.

We did get a chance to meet her original handler last year with her, which was a lot of fun. Talking to him about the work he does with his other dogs was indeed fascinating.

Do you currently have GSDs?

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Dauntless Tani! Nice ahah. Must have been the police k9 name, Sadie is too sweet for a job like that.

Sounds like things just worked out for the best with how you got her. It's cool you got to meet the original handler, I would have had tons of questions.

I do not. I am on a puppy list with a breeder I really like, and dam I met and enjoyed. This will be my first GSD, I had labs when I was younger but fell in love with GSD temperament when I met an ex's dog who I got to interact with a lot. Then combined with my own research I knew what I wanted. I've been heavily researching and in the breeds communities from sport/show to deep dives on the internet for the last 5 years though.

Assuming all goes well with the breeding, my puppy will be coming home in May 2026. I actually created this forum as a way to connect with others who are more knowledgeable but also to document my process from before the puppy arrives, to after. I'll be posting in the next day or so some more info on my plans.

What got you into the breed? 30 years is true love and passion

What got me into the breed - I married a girl who'd always wanted a GSD!

Once we brought our first boy home I found they were the breed for me. it's the mix of intelligence, willingness, & quirky character.

30 years with shepherds, that’s incredible. You must have seen just about every side of this breed in that time.

Your current girl sounds special in her own right. It’s amazing how dogs adapt, even with something as tough as a cleft palate, she found her own way and still has that shepherd heart. Honestly, I think the ones who’ve had to overcome something often end up teaching us the most.

Thanks for sharing her story, it’s a reminder that every shepherd is unique, no matter what they were originally bred for.

oh and, welcome to the forum!

Welcome GrumpyBadger! I think a soppy shepherd would be perfect for extra cuddles.