I got a male for my 6 year old boy. I have had a lot of dogs but this is our 1st german shepherd. I will never own another breed. This dog just turned 6mo old and is huge. He is a super great family dog, guards the house and yard like its his top priority. He wont run off when out of the fence. He listens and behaves. Its like he knows what we are saying. Its crazy. We keep him around us all the time. He came from a working line. Its like he has a job to do. And it seems like its to please my family. Its awesome. Great breed. Im sold. Im still amazed at how smart he is and his character.