My first dog was a GSD. She was an absolute dream and one of the easiest dogs I have ever lived with. Virtually trained herself.

My second dog was a GSD and was easy if a little stubborn on occasion.

My third dog was a GSD, poorly bred with a nervous but guardy disposition. Very challenging to own and without the experience I already had at that stage would have been potentially disasterous.

At the end of the day they are all individuals with individual temperaments, personalities and requirements. A first time owner can not do better than to find an assesed adult rescue dog from a foster enviroment.