My German Shepherd just wants to be home with all her people, as most dogs do, but she definitely behaves differently than any other dog we’ve had.

1. They think they’re lap dogs.

Who doesn’t love oversized dogs sitting on them?

2. They like to talk, a lot!

Mine loves to talk all the time. She seems to do it most when we’re all watching TV and want her to be quiet, but it’s still the funniest thing.

3. They have the cutest head tilts!

Usually mine tilts her head in confusion when we say something she doesn’t understand.

4. You always know when they’ve gotten into trouble.

They’ll walk around with their head down and make a crying noise until you’ve seen what they have done.

5. They don’t bother chewing shoes…

Instead they go straight for the furniture! Maybe yours will even chew a whole into the back of your new couch, too. It makes a great story to tell, though.

6. The weird mormons won’t bother you.

Those mormons that like to go door-to-door in the summers and tell you about the bible seem to stop showing up when they see your german shepherd. Sometimes they’ll just ask you not to open up your door and they’ll go straight to the next house.

7. They’re always ready to play!

And if you don’t throw their ball, they’ll stare at you until you do.

8. Your german shepherd is always ready to eat your leftovers.

This intense stare is all too familiar when I sit down with my plate of food.

9. They will give you a hug right when you walk through the door.

Even if you have only been gone 10 minutes, they’ll be overly excited to see you.