Without overstating the fact, your Shepherd would probably risk its own life for you. Ask US soldier/handlers in Vietnam how many GSD's saved their lives when under enemy fire! Get a member of your family to attempt a feigned attack on you and see the GSD's reaction!

You have got a highly intelligent mind able to calculate and assess situations for itself. A mind that is so receptive to training that they quickly become totally versatile in many activities, agility, obedience, tracking, rescue, herding, guarding and more. Collies may be the fastest thing on four legs in agility, but watch a really good Shepherd, the sheer accuracy and control - not pent up speed and often a few errors!

A full sized adult male will depend a bit on its breeding but you could expect a height 24/26inches and weight 30/45kgs and a female height 22/24inches and weight 25/40kgs. Heights are usually reached within 10 to 18 months but filling out continues on until the age of three. Avoid the oversized animal, well boned with a good frame - yes, but not excessive!