The German shepherd is a widely loved and cherished breed. This dog has many wonderful traits that draw you in, but if you don't know much about shepherds, you may be in for a surprise. When a person purchases a shepherd without knowing the ins and outs of the breed, the experience is often an unpleasant one. Most shepherds are not “bad” dogs; they can be perfectly delightful companions. However, unless you know what makes a shepherd a shepherd, you may mistake certain behaviors for flaws or problems.