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.
Stick with the European bloodlines (Austrian is just fine too - no nonsense about breeding for looks because in the German and Austrian associations ALL dogs have to pass performance tests to get a championship, not just conformation (beauty contest).)
I have a 5 month old Lab who is smart as a whip - maybe not as smart as a Shepherd, but then Shepherds won't go get you ducks in flooded timber . . .