we've had tons of gsd foster dogs in the rescue. my roommate just also adopted a cross.
1. I know they shed heavily, and I really don't mind the fur, but do they shed more or less than a husky? shed less than a husky from what i've seen.
2. My neighbor's GSD barks every time someone walk past his home--even when he's being crated! Do they all do this? Is it a natural behavior or do they need to be trained to do that? depends on how they have been socialized. many i see at the shelters flip out barking when you walk by, now keep in mind a shelter isn't a good environment to judge a dog in the first place but they are prone to guarding their owners and other dogs. we've had many behavior issues with this breed foster wise. however, i do have a friend who has a GSD, his name is Whiskey, and i've never heard him bark.
3. Sadly this is a breed prone to a ton of health problems is there any way to prevent them from getting any of these health problems? Like, for example, grain-free dog food? The health problems are in relation to being over-bred IMO, either buy from a GOOD breeder or rescue and do frequent vet visits.
4. I'm a terrible runner, so I need a dog that would be fine by doing a long slow-paced walk only. The walks would be at least 60 minutes long and I'm gonna walk them twice a day. Do you think that's enough exercise for this breed? This breed would be fine getting the same amount of exercise you give Diamond.
5. I know they're a one-man dog and wary of strangers, but how do they get along with other dogs? Are they also wary of strange dogs? They can guard their owners and other dogs. Socialize them at an early age and you can avoid this issue.