EVERYONE has to have at least one "Duke-Dog" in thier life.

I grew up with a German Shepard named Duke. And another named Smokey. Smokey would bite AIR if it didn't have an azz or leg to sink his teeth into.

(Meanest dog I have EVER seen. In fact, my Dad was the ONLYONE that could even feed him. He would bite anyone that stuck his hand near his mouth!) They were gaurd/watch dogs at my Dads business. "Duke Dog", was an GREAT dog. He did his job, with out biting anyone. We also had a Doberman, and she was the sweetest dog I have ever met, BUT, when anyone approched her, she would litterally smile....a HUGE SMILE, and show her teeth. Anyone that wasn't supposed to be there, would see her pearly whites and think she was about to have a azz sandwich, and would RUN!!!!
Good luck with your new puppy. I can't imagine life with out a dog.
From a breeder:
Now, Let's Talk About German Shepherds
When people tell me they want a German Shepherd, I first ask them "why?" That may sound odd coming from someone who lives with a pack of German Shepherds 24 hours a day and wouldn't have it any other way, but the truth is most people understand little about the breed, and most of what they know comes from childhood memories of Rin Tin Tin. In fact, the movie industry has done a great disservice to domestic dogs with their anthropomorphic portrayals of Rin Tin Tin, Lassie, Old Yeller and even cartoons such as Lady and the Tramp and Scooby Doo. The truth is dogs are NOT furry, four footed people and can't be expected to act as though they are. When you think about it, it is quite incredible and says a lot about the adaptability of canines that they fit so well into a human's lifestyle.
By and large, pet dogs are well behaved and tolerate our abuses and unrealistic social requirements amazingly well. With no ability to understand our motivation, dogs are willing to accept the boundaries and behavior parameters we so arbitrarily establish for them. Certainly the majority of the time, our dogs behave in a predictable manner according to our wishes; however, this often leads to a false belief that dogs perceive their environment just as we do, and that spells trouble. Too often dog owners become complacent because Fido is such a good boy and fail to take appropriate precautions to protect both the dog and other people and/or property.
An adult German Shepherd is a large, strong, and intelligent animal with canine drives and behaviors that can make it dangerous. Before you purchase a German Shepherd, you must learn about the breed and honestly evaluate whether you are able to put the necessary time and effort into owning one. Keep in mind that a German Shepherd is going to become stronger and more agile than most adult men. They are not weak willed dogs and will often challenge authority. Controlling a German Shepherd with fear and a heavy hand will alienate the dog and cause it to react with shyness or increased aggression. Likewise, being too soft and inconsistent will quickly establish the dog as alpha and relegate the owner to a subordinate position. More than any other breed, a German Shepherd needs to establish a strong bond with its owner. This bond is comprised of love, trust, and respect which you must earn through patience, consistency, and affection. That is what controls the dog and makes it want to please and obey you.
It's my opinion that parenting is the most difficult job we have, and in a perfect world there would be education requirements for prospective parents. It's often been said that a dog has the reasoning capacity of a two year old child. I would add that a dog is more like a two year old with a loaded gun. Owning a German Shepherd is like having a perennial child with HUGE teeth. So educate yourself about the breed. Understand the history and genetic makeup of German Shepherds before you bring one into your family. For the next 10 to 15 years, you are going to be responsible for raising, socializing, training, and loving the most incredible breed of dog I've ever had the pleasure of sharing my life with. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I reiterate that it's a huge responsibility and should never for even a moment be forgotten or taken lightly.
The above was pirated from breeder:
http://www.windridgek9.com/
Here's a pic of my "Gordy Girl" (Gordon Setter)