That is a good looking dog. We had one for 10 years. I try to mix it up when a dog I love dies. Always get a different breed.
Thanks!
He's strict western German bloodline. You can tell by his dark face and dark red (instead of tan like American bred Shepherds) markings that will get more pronounced after each of the four coat changes. He has a wedge shaped head which is very desirable in show. Being a west german bloodline, he will be a bit smaller than American Shepherds. He will get to about 90 lbs as opposed to 105-110 lbs.
His great grandfather was a Schutzhund III FIVE times. Most military and police protection dogs are only Schutzhund II. Getting Schutzhund III even once is incredibly hard... five times is almost unheard of. This dog at one point was ranked #33 German Shepherd IN THE WORLD when competing at the big show in Germany.
Once I get moved into my new place that has a fenced yard I am going to buy all of the agility equipment and begin his protection training. Luckily there is a Schutzhund club not far from me.