Is a German Shepherd too much responsibility for a young owner?

As a GSD, Bruno really needs exercise twice a day at least 30-45 minutes at a time. That's because they are very high energy dogs that need lots of exercise to keep them healthy and their mind stimulated. If you have no time to play or walk Bruno, I would see about hiring a dog walked to give him that exercise. If you don't have time to play or exercise him, it may be best that you find him a home where he can get the play and daily exercise he needs, and you can get a breed of dog that's much more low maintenance in terms of exercise.

I'm very sorry that you may have to give Max away. As a GSD, he will need a lot of daily exercise. As a breed, they are very high energy dogs who require at least 45 minutes twice a day when fully grown, so he will need more exercise as he gets old. At his age, 30 minutes of exercise is fine, but he should get that twice a day. I would make an effort to get him more exercise in order to meet his needs.

German Shepherds are high energy dogs, especially as puppies. Ellie may need more vigorous exercise than just walking - although walking is great - such as 30 minutes of fetch in the backyard or secure (fenced) park area. With respect to walking, I would consider 3 walks of 30 - 40 minutes each to be sufficient. You might also investigate doggy day care in your area, to help her get some additional exercise and play time.

As you said, as long as you take them out 2 to 3 times daily they should be perfectly all right. They are large breed dogs and they need space; they can be indeed adaptable but walking them for at least one hour a day is essential. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

Both are very high energy dogs that require a lot of training and exercise. I'd only get one of those if you have the time to devote to their training and exercise. German Shepherds are not good for first time dog owners, so if you are a first time dog owner, a border collie would be better. I hope this helps.

Bruno won't be fully mature physically and emotionally until he is at least 18 months to two years of age. That's because large breed dogs mature slower than the smaller breeds of dogs. But that doesn't mean you can't get a puppy now, and I would recommend having Bruno neutered before getting another dog. Unneutered dogs can and do become very territorial and aggressive when intact dogs enter their home, and that can cause a lot of problems for you to deal with daily. In addition, if you get a female, this can lead to unwanted puppies when she goes into heat. GSDs are a very active breed, and if you have the time and energy to give both dogs all the exercise, attention, and training they need, there is no reason why you can't get another GSD.

Although every pet is different and has different energy requirements, this sounds like a good schedule for any dog. Plenty of exercise will help to keep this likely active mixed breed happy and healthy. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.