I love german shepherds, although I've never had one. You?
I have owned a German Shepherd. Though the person I purchased her from called it an Alsatian since they were from Ireland.  It was a great dog but was overly protective with my kids against their friends.
That's interesting.  At first I read that as German Shepherds are from Ireland. lol I can understand the concern with kids around.
Yeah, we had to train her better but its just her protective herding instinct.  German Shepherd are working dogs bred for herding sheep but instead she herded my kids!
Haha! Well, that can be helpful you know.  But not the roughing up their playmates.  Still, my understanding is that they are very smart dogs, very loyal.  iirc they have some problems with hip displasia right?
They are so intelligent but yes, that is one downside to that breed; hip problems.  I actually had a White Shepherd which is the same as a German Shepherd but just different coat colors. 
Oh that sounds really striking.  Beautiful.  Did you raise it as a puppy or adopt an older dog?
We rescued it as a puppy.  She was gorgeous!  She passed away 4 years ago.  Her breed wasn't recognized by the United Kennel Club until year 1999.  Although I never showed her in an event. She would've won!