Cassidys Mom
Posted : 7/28/2008 1:02:53 PM
willowchow
I think if I had one I'd want a white female. I notice though there is a difference in the personality of the sexes --the females seem timid and shy. I wonder if this is the normal or I just happen to have two females I sit for like that--they are from different families.
Neither of mine have a shy or aloof bone in their bodies! While being aloof or reserved towards strangers is perfectly acceptable in the breed, shyness is not. Dena & Keefer are both much friendlier than is typical or even desired by many people with shepherds. I personally love that they love people and are very social with other dogs, I wouldn't have them any other way.
Both of them are very sweet and affectionate, but Dena is probably the more people friendly of the two. Keefer is an attention whore who will bump her out of the way so he can have it all, and he loves hugs, even from strangers, but she is much more likely to get excited when she sees a person approach and jump up to kiss their face. She also barks at the doorbell, (he never does, he barks at "stuff";), and she's more excited when people come over.
Keefer is definitely more bold and confident. Dena is more of a thinker when it comes to trying new things. Not timid, but maybe more careful would be a good description. Keef never stops to think about whether or not he can do something, he just does it, and either it works or it doesn't. The first time Dena tried jumping into the back of the SUV she didn't quite make it, and it took her a few weeks to get the confidence to try again. The first time Keefer tried it he was much younger and smaller than she'd been, and he bounced off the bumper and fell to the ground. Then he picked himself up and tried again and that time he made it.
That, in a nutshell, is the difference between the two of them - but he also had the advantage of her to show him the way. He was swimming several months younger than when she first tried it, actually the first time he was near water deep enough to swim he was out there swimming. She'd been wading for several months before she swam for the first time. Pretty much whatever she did, he followed right behind her and did it too, even as a young puppy. Dena didn't have anyone to follow and learn from so she had to figure things out for herself, but I think she'd be more cautious anyway, it seems to be in her nature.
She is calmer, more easygoing, and less drivey than he is. He is very energetic and very enthusiastic, and never seems to get tired. He can settle down and entertain himself just fine around the house, but at the park his motto seems to be "I'll rest in the car on the way home". 
Liesje, that is a gorgeous white shepherd!!!