The Decision to get a German Shepherd

For some time my husband Richard and myself had been thinking of getting a  guard dog because of the remoteness of our house and the fact that our family of Border Terriers were not particularly good at guarding anything.

A German Shepherd was our only considered breed as both of us had grown up with them, in fact they were the first breed that I ever bred, hence my Germanic sounding affix.

We did not want to breed or show but we did want a purebred dog and quite liked the idea of re-homing an older dog rather than starting with an 8 week old puppy. We found that many older GSD's were looking for new homes, so we made enquiries to find one for us.

Roscoe Arrives

Roscoe came to live with us in August 2003 as a 10 month old youngster. His background was unknown other than he came to us via a friend in the Police Force, he had been rejected by the Police because he was, for one reason or another not suitable for their requirements. His name was Zack when he arrived but we felt he looked more like a Roscoe and changed it, he didn't seem to mind and like everything else took it in his stride.

He adjusted to our way of life in no time at all and whoever had bred and owned him prior to us, we would like to thank them for doing such a good job of rearing him and house training him. He is the perfect house guard dog.

Roscoe was a townie

To begin with it was quite obvious to us that he was a townie as he had no respect for other animals and in particular chickens! Being an intelligent dog he soon realized they came with the territory and had to be guarded rather than chased.

Another thing we thought rather funny and probably reflects the eating habits of a past owner is his liking for curry and rice! We often sit and look at him and say, "If only you could talk Roscoe, I wonder where you came from?"

Roscoe is much loved

One thing that we particularly love about him is his temperament, he is very confident and steady and is so good with our Border Terriers, particularly the puppies who just adore climbing all over him. He also has a very comical sense of humour and constantly amuses us with his antics when he plays with his toys.

Although we do not know his pedigree or registered name it is quite obvious he is a purebred dog and we think just as much about him as our show dogs.

He is now a much loved and valued member of our canine household and proves that taking on an older dog of dubious background and in particular of a guarding breed is not always as problematical as you think.

We are certainly glad we did it.

Roscoe in his new basket bought at Crufts 2005

First snow 2004!!

Roscoe and his wife Sniffy, they are quite devoted to each other and like most big husbands married to miniscule wives you don't need to be told who wears the trousers!

Roscoe in Richards 1927 Vauxhall 14/40, just about to go out for a spin

Roscoe watching the chickens, he is now guarding them rather than chasing them!

Roscoe in a favourite place so he can watch who is approaching

Roscoe playing with one of the Border Terriers in the garden

Sniffy, Roscoe & Odin taking it easy