Not a beginner dog breed. If you don't have tons of experience training dogs, these guys will get the better of you. Strongly advise correcting negative behaviors IMMEDIATELY and consistently! ... Oddly this includes non-obvious things like barking. An alert bark is Good! But a dog that will not hush when told can be a liability... Spanging, hitching, surfing, or squatting - too much barking will get you run off. Also, attempt to socialize with other people often. Yes, a good road dog doesn't just go with anyone - but a dog with separation anxiety if YOU aren't with it 24/7, also a liability. If you can't leave pup with someone for as little as 5 minutes without it freaking out... Prevents shopping in gas stations or wherever, gets ya 86 from the bar you piss at, makes even friends dread dog sitting... So forth.
These guys are a handful!
But, super intelligent! Extremely high energy. And, properly trained, amazing animals. Remember, shepherd is literally sheep herd er... They are a work dog, bred for centuries to do tasks - and they're bred to think and make decisions for the herd in their charge. They're bred to be the boss, making larger groups, do and go where the dog directs them. This is why, to be master, to be alpha - You have to know what you're doing, be experienced with, training dogs - otherwise this breed will consider you sheep, and the dog will end up in charge.
Excellent choice, for those with the knowledge and skills to work with such an intelligent high demand breed. But NOT a beginner's dog. Don't do you and the animal a disservice by not being upto the proficiency level necessary for such capable animals.
... When in doubt - take classes! With professionals! You and dog class - you need to learn too... Not a dog you can just send to obedience school and it comes back trained. This one would love school, learn everything, perform perfectly, and still not listen to a sheep owner. Take the class with the dog - if necessary.
Good Luck!!