I believe that  German Shepherds should  be able to function as a working dogs, which means their body structure must not be compromised for looks. However I do not believe that workability excludes beauty and balance.

 

Adding a dog to your family should not be something rushed into. If it is a German Shepherd Dog you want then you must take the time to decide what you want. Then pick the breeder which will give you what you want. Rushing into buying a pup, when you don't even know what it is you are looking for creates the problems we see in the shelters today. These animals can only be what they were bred to be. If you want a couch potato not a working dog, do not buy a pup from a working line, it will not be happy without a job. Look for a breeder that understands what you need in your family and is not looking to just sell you a pup.