When selecting a shepherd, your primary concern is to choose a dog with an outstanding temperament. It's hard to mold a puppy into the adult dog you want unless you begin with a puppy with the potential to be a well-tempered dog. Due to the German shepherd's rapid rise in popularity decades ago, as well as his current position as one of the most popular breeds in the country, these dogs have suffered at the hands of breeders who are only out to capitalize on this popularity. Every year, many German shepherd puppies are bred only for looks and, thus, end up with some strange temperaments.