27/09/2026
Yesterday the movie Heart of the Beast, starring Brad Pitt and a German Shepherd named Odin, opened in theaters across the US. As a German Shepherd breeder of 26 years, I must be ready for the excited wave of people who will suddenly want this amazing breed. Of course I can absolutely attest that this breed is the best, and yes I am biased! They're loyal companions, fierce protectors, lovers of children, able to learn just about anything, able to work all day at tasks, they possess an other-worldly level of intuitiveness, and they make the best family dog, I believe of any breed. I often tell buyers, once you own a well bred, well trained German Shepherd, no other breed will satisfy you. You may have other breeds, but you will always also have a shepherd, or always be planning for your next one.
Still, people forget they are watching a well bred, extremely well trained dog in this movie. They lack the research and understanding into what this breed requires BEFORE you ever get a specimen like Odin. A German Shepherd like Odin comes from a reputable, ethical breeder who works diligently pairing the best bloodlines and researching lineage to create ultimate representations of the breed. Dogs who possess strong nerves, intense and controllable drives, intelligence, correct athletic structure, and outstanding temperaments. Then it is up to the owner to be confident in their handling of the dog, work consistently and faithfully with that dog, and provide both the physical and mental exercise this breed requires. If any of these pieces is missing, the results can be disastrous. They can be nervy, fearful or aggressive dogs if not bred from solid stock. Without proper training they quickly become out of control pests in the neighborhood. Without strong, confident leadership they become reactive and frustrated.
So, while you watch this movie and think to yourself, "I need one of those amazing dogs", remember to honestly evaluate whether you AND your family are ready. Do you honestly have the confidence and strength to win the leadership role with this breed? Because they will test you...and your spouse. If you are lacking, they will control the situation with disastrous results! Are you willing to spend the time daily in training and exercising his mind and body? A walk around the subdivision is not enough, and also not fair. Are you ready for a home full of dog hair, with clothes covered in "German Shepherd glitter", and an extremely overworked vacuum cleaner? Are you ready to never go to the bathroom alone again or be able to cook without stepping over your best friend constantly? Are you ready for paths of water dribbled all across your kitchen floors miles from the water bowl?
If you are, then get ready to experience absolute loyalty, absolute intelligence, absolute power, absolute companionship, and the most absolute love you have ever experienced. Are all shepherds like Odin, no. Can you find one like Odin for your own home, yes, but only by finding the best breeders and providing the structure, training and time that this amazing breed needs every day. If you're ready, come visit us, but make sure you are truly ready for this dog. Once you find a great breeder, the failure of a dog is solely on your shoulders.
