The two best dogs I ever knew were German Shepherds. I'd love to get one like them for my family, when we get a dog. But a lot of horrible German Shepherds cropped up about 20 years back, nasty aggressive dogs. Probably a combo of bad breeding and bad owner. I guess you meet the breeder, meet the parents, don't get any puppy farm dogs... any other suggestions?
Mrs VS
Maybe this website will help.
http://www.newsketemonks.com/dogs.htm
A lot of breeders had only bred for size and appearence years ago,that put a lot of bad minded dogs on themarket.I found the best dogs come from imported bloodlines since the Germans and Austrians don't stupid breedings.The dog we just bought came from a lady who specializes in police dogs.The dog is just great,smart,and well socialized.At 4 months old she drive a horse away from me when she thought it was threatening me.1200lb horse vs 35 lbs pup but she did it.
Another suggestion is to go to a dog show, maybe a breed specific show. This way you can see their dogs and talk to the breeders.
I would stay away from the dogs with the low hips, that seems to be an American bred thing.
Look for a breeder who is also active in some sort of performance sport with the dogs, not just conformation. Obedience, agility, probably not schuetzhund (too aggressive). Breeder should also be a member of the local and national breed club and go regularly to the specialties -- and compete in events other than conformation at the specialties.
I would go with a dog from German bloodlines. It's the Americans who have messed up the temperament (AND the hips - very bad hips in American Shepherds.)
You can pick up a lot on the breeders' websites. Also, get in touch with your local German Shepherd Club and pick the members' brains. Go to some club events and look at the adult dogs -- talk to the breeders and competitors. They will set you straight on who is breeding the best all around dogs.
Example: we had a young couple come to one of our club's Agility trials with their son, who has severe Cerebral Palsy. They were looking for recommendations for a good dog for their son, who could be a companion and possibly an assistance dog to some extent. Within minutes a circle of handlers gathered with examples of all the major breeds in sight. Of course I put the case for a Labrador Retriever! But the Goldens turned up in force, as well as Aussies and some of the (calmer) Border Collies, and many other breeds as well. The boy got to pat and hug all the different dogs, who seemed to understand that he was a little fragile -- he got lots of nudges and restrained doggie kisses, and he loved them all!