Going further, GSD

You do realize a GSD is a German Shepherd Dog correct?
 
GSDs come in many different lines, sizes, and colors.  The GSD is BY FAR the most diversified (and divided) breed of dog between lines AND people.
 
There are East German working lines (I Plan on getting one from Eurosport K9), American Showlines, West German Showlines, West German Working lines, and Czech lines (also working).
 
The GSD is not a dog for the faint of heart, no matter what line you get.  You will also find people are extremely divided on the correct temperament of the GSD (most often leaning towards the Am line dog as most incorrect).
 
These dogs require a lot of training, exercise, and dedication, and are not for the average dog owner who wants a Golden Retriever type animal.
 
These dogs are fiercely loyal, BUT they are still no Golden.  If you want a happy go lucky dog that willingly leans on everybody and immediately says "Hi!" to strangers, the GSD is not for you.  They are supposed to be aloof to strangers, which most people think means unfriendly.  That's not true.  Aloof means when a stranger asks if they can pet your dog, and you say ok, the dog isn't going to give a whit, because the stranger doesn't own them.  If you can't deal with people asking you why your dog "isn't friendly" a GSD is not for you.
 
If you can't deal with a vocal dog, a GSD is NOT for you.  I always tell people who are looking at shepherds for a pet "It is not a matter of whether or not a Shepherd talks, it's how much."  Every GSD I have EVER known WILL talk in some capacity!  My Old Man only talks when he feels something needed to be said.  Strauss lets me know what's going on every single second of his life[8|]
 
The GSD as a whole is a serious dog.  They do have a good sense of humor, within their own family unit, but overall the picture presented is a steadfast, noble animal.  They like to play, but again, are not the happy tail wagging nutso Labrador, and they WILL give the look of  "Why are you being such a tard?" if they feel you're doing something beneath them
 
Shepherds are also not for those who aren't willing to put a dent in their pocketbook (unless you're looking at rescue, which is considerably cheaper).  Any GSD pup from a good reputable Amline breeder starts at about $1000 and goes up depending on show/pet quality.  A German Showline costs about $2000-3000 (I've shopped around for German showlines...Mittelwest would be my kennel of choice).
 
My working line dog is going to cost me about $1800.  Not cheap.  But I'm also buying a working prospect.  Things to think about

I have admired GSDs since I was a kid - always had mixes and 12 years ago got my first all GSD. Now I have Molly - a rescue obtained via her former foster mom from this board.
A breed that needs tons of socialization. And I can see what the previous poster meant about them not caring about strangers. My former dog, Sadie, when someone asked if they could pet her she wouldn't even look at them. She'd watch us while someone petted her - it meant nothing to her at all.
Plenty of exercise, they definitely need to be with their family, lots of time.
Molly is a hoot....her personality just shines and I believe she laughs at us laughing at her.
Great dogs but learn as much as you can before committing to one. It's a committment of many years and they do bond.
 

Thanks!

yes, i have done some research on them and I do realize they are expensive, but we already discussed this as a family. they have always been kind of a dream dog of mine, I like there energy. We live out in the "boonies" and we have 5 sheep that i'm sure she will have no problem with chasing around for fun (like the others). I was also considering a doberman, but i just can't decide, i was hoping someone could help me in this hard decision!*

Melaney*

While they are wonderful dogs, german shepherds absolutely are not for everyone.  Certainly not for the first time dog owner.  They do need extensive training and socialization and until you have LIVED with a shepherd, you have no idea what kind of energy they truly have.
 
I have six...and three are fosters who good enough homes couldn't be found for. German shepherds should never be strictly outside dogs.

I know Glenda has more experience in Shepherds than I do (mostly because she's been around longer, bless her and thank goodness for her knowledge!), but I just wanted to state that, yes, GSDs aren't for everybody...my very first dog (as in MINE not the "family dog") is Strauss...a GSD.
 
I was looking at Rotts, Dobes, and Giant Schnauzers for a dog as I wanted something flashy to show in conformation.  I have no idea how I ended up with GSDs, but I did.  I love them to death.  Everybody else suggested dogs like Labs and Goldens for a beginner dog....I don't like either breed.
 
I think a nice Am line GSD or middle of the road German Showline works well for people new to the breed/first time dog owners, but I would certainly NEVER recommend a workingline for a first tmie dog owner (that's just cruel xD).
 
So I guess I just have to disagree with a GSD not being a good "beginner dog".  I've had some issues with my boy, but for the most part they're really just general dog issues that can be "cured" with training.  Not everybody has the opportunity to live/hang out with a GSD before they decide "this is the breed for me"

All my years of owning cockers, gsd mixes, mutts, you name it, absolutely did not prepare me for a "real" german shepherd.  I never had a dog who ATE furniture, dug massive craters (not talking the little holes others had made) or the absolute unstoppable energy the darned things had.  And shoot, I'm an old broad with lots and lots of dogs under my belt.  But, I sure wasn't prepared for what a gsd really is all about.
 
There are a LOT of things you have to know about german shepherds and I hope you really prepare yourself with a TON of research before you get a gsd pup.

Thanks for the words of caution!

I will say though that I wouldn't consider myself a beginner, but i wouldn't say overly experienced, i'm still learning a lot of new things. I understand that gsd's are a handful but i think i am willing to take the challenge (good thing I have until spring to think about this)!!! I have had coon dogs, spaniels, labs,doxies, beagles,  mixes, ect. but i wanted to try something new and exciting, so i am bravely walkin towards german shepherd dogs!

I definitely have to second the "Being Vocal" part...my pup IS a talker! [] It is almost to the point where he seriously talks and responds to what I am asking him...not to mention all the little random noises he makes walking around the house! I wouldn't trade it for the world. []

Just be sure you go into it with your eyes wide open!

I'm a huge german shepherd fan.  They are absolutely wonderful, but, by golly, they can be a major handful!  Of course, I've never had just ONE..........
 
Vocal??  Oh yes they are!  It's really fun when someone gets up to use the bathroom ABOVE the room their crates are in and they all "go off" at 5AM!  That's their very favorite time to YODEL![]

I grew up with dogs.  Mostly mixes then when I was a teenager my parents bought a shepherd.  He  was everything to me and sadly died way too young thanks to a tick.
 
When we got married we waited until we had a yard to get a dog.  I knew I wanted a shepherd and did a great deal of research before deciding on a breeder.  I was so lucky to find an American shepherd breeder who breed for temperment and show.  She had a few pups left in the liter and told us to come over and look.  Two hours later we made it to here house.  We met mom, tall skinny girl.  Dad well he was out?  We sat in the yard and waited for the puppy to pick us.  Here comes Madi pink collar and all. The breeder decided not to show madi.  We bought her for $400? and had to agree to have her fixed and never show her.  (I now know it is because she has hare-toes) Never the less, Madi icked us and it was the best and hardest thing I think I ever did.
 
 
Shepherds are great.  WARNING.. they shed, they think like a human and they need to be needed.  Did I say they shed?  They shed, yes they shed. 
 
The first two years are hard, you need to got to school with the kid.  But the time helps you bond.  I still say dog training should be called people training.
 
Madi is now 8 much calmer and really needs a purpose in life.  Everyday we do some kind of adventure.  Even if it is as small as me hiding treats for her all over the house.  But I was lucky, she never tore up the house, she only speaks when I ask her to (not sure about everyone else's shepherd Madi is a quiet girl) and gets along great with our cat and  my students at school. I have no human children so she and my cat get all of my attention.  Shepherds are great dogs but as everyone has posted look for a good blood line.  Do you want a guard dog, a worker or a family companion? 
 
Best of luck.  Everyone on this board is very kind.  Feel free to ask any additional questions.

Did I say they shed? They shed, yes they shed

trust me, my lab/sher pei sheds all year long, I can definally handle it!

Yeah....I live with a Lab....his shedding is no where NEAR that of my GSDs.  I've met SharPeis....no where near the shedding of a GSD.  ESPECIALLY when the GSD is blowing coat!
 
Be prepared for weekly, if not daily vaccuuming

My family always had mutts, then I took a lab mix (turned out to be great dane?mix?) from a friend who coulnd't keep him because he outgrew the kids.  For about 10 years I was without a dog, its really hard in S Florida, so many rules on  breeds not allowed, etc.  I visited shelters & dog parks regularly.
When we shopped around for a house, I wanted a big enough yard to get a dog.  We started with a visit to local HS & adopted 2 cats.  As busy schedules came to an end we looked for a dog, I wanted a GSD or Dobie or Rottie, or another Dane. 
When we looked at our HS one day, we found Peanut GSD/Rott mix - our baby!  14 months later, Draico fell into our laps - recued with a cable embedded in his neck & friends couldn't keep him - they have a zoo, so we brought him home.
to sum it up:  both dogs are vocal, both dogs are velcro - follow me even into the bathroom, both dogs need & love exercise, both dogs dig - Peanut mastered escaping under the fence, both dogs shed - i brush them daily sometimes twice, both dogs are friendly when off their property - they go up to people at the park & look for pats oh the head, Draico's tail wags more often than Peanuts, both dogs will get into mischief if they become bored - exercise a must!, and Draico snores - not loudly, but still.........
We ADORE them, my husband always had small dogs - mom fears big dogs, well I brough SU around to big dogs & Peanut brought mom around.  I lack the experience Glenda has but I can this, while they require a commitment & work, they are the best.  I love the looks I get "what? it wasn't me" 
I hope this helps coming from a first time GSD owner, I have a lot to learn still.  Good luck.
PS - I found a brush at Target today that they love & saves me time, more efficient than the slicker brush I used to use. 

and three are fosters who good enough homes couldn't be found for.

Sounds like they found a plenty good enough home! : )

Great post about GSDs, Glenda.

One other thing anyone looking at a GSD should note-- when you get a working dog, they NEED to work. If you don't give them a job, they will give themselves one, and you probably will not like it. So be prepared to find work to engage your GSD.

I don't generally recommend GSDs for inexperienced dog handlers, but if you're willing to do your research and then put in plenty of time and work in terms of training and socializing your dog, they do make fabulous companions. But be warned: These are smart dogs, highly active mentally as well as physically, and if you can't keep one step ahead of them, you will NOT like the results.

GSDs need plenty of attention, solid training, lots of mental stimulation, regular physical activity, regular socializing, and a lifelong commitment to your vacuum.

But hey, they make awesome companions, and they train up beautifully!

Jan