Love all the dog pics! German shepherds are my absolute fave. So I am a bit biased
I have 3, 2 boys1 girl. All great dogs, very smart, easy to train, of course not for everyone though. But they all do fine with my five year old daughter and all the other pets, including the birds. It is funny to see my imposing 95# male backing away slowly from our 9 month old BGmacaw!!! they definately know the birds rule here, but that's what works here. Of course I would never leave them all together unsupervised though, i always watch everyone closely when they are out together, but they do pretty well. they are good with the smaller birds too, but I limit those interactions just because an accident could happen so easily.
they are awesome dogs though. They are so versatile and bond so strongly with their people, very loyal and loving. Plus it is nice when my husband works nights, anyone I do not know knocks on the door, they suddenly have all three of them right there. They leave quickly
I haven't had any real issues with them at all. No snapping, excessive barking, separation anxiety, minimal destruction. But I really think they like many large strong breeds , need an owner who will take charge and follow through with it.
My female was adopted from a county shelter and she is the best dog ever. She had a very rough start to her young life when we found her and had a long ways to go to make a full recovery, but she was absolutley worth it! Totally bomb-proof temperament, very easy to deal with, calm, affectionate, loves kids, plus she is a beautiful longer haired shep with a pretty dark coat. I just KNEW she would be good for us. I was right!!!
My older male is actually a shep mix, possibly aussie, not really sure. He looks like a smallish golden retriever with all classic shepherd markings. he is not quite as smart as the purebreds, but still a very ideal dog in many ways. Low energy, calm, not aggressive at all, gentle. He came from a very high kill shelter over 5 years ago. he would be a good boy for anyone that wanted a larger dog, but not too much energy or too high maintenace.
My other boy came from a family that had bred their two pets once before neautering them and he and one other boy were the last two. I loved both parents and this one pup just completely clicked with us. He is very smart, very strong, plenty of energy, but ith a great temperement. He is very goofy and playful and friendly. He is a lot of dog though and I have to make sure he gets excercise and some training often. he is the epitomeof "bull in a china shop" I love my boy though!
Good luck with whatever you decide to go with, you will just know when you are ready.