I would prefer the normal height too but I currently have the storm shield which would need the extra height. Although, she's not always going to be in the storm shield. So have some deciding to do plus I still haven't mocked up the door dimensions to see how it goes in and out.
Did you go for it?
Out of interest were you thinking the Maxess because the less tall ones don't fit the GSD? Or just for some extra capacity.
I am planning the same but would prefer the normal size one.