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Site Updated 04/05/2008 |
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GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG APPEARANCE: The German Shepherd is a large, strong, substantial-looking dog. It varies in color, coming in many different shades, black and red, black and tan, also solid black. The fur can be either short or long haired. GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG HISTORY: The breed was originated by Captain Max von Stephanitz in the late 1800s and early 1900s. His goal was to breed an all-purpose working dog. Von Stephanitz admired the landrace herding dogs of his native Germany, and believed they had the potential to be all-purpose working dogs. Additionally, he was aware of the declining need for herding dogs and believed that the working abilities of the breed would decline unless it was put to other uses. Von Stephanitz created the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde, or SV as the official governing body for the breed. The SV then created the schutzhund trial as a breed test for the German Shepherd Dog, and prohibited the breeding of any dog which could not pass the trial. The schutzhund trial, along with the SV's conviction that "German Shepherd breeding is working dog breeding, or it is not German Shepherd breeding" led to a rapid development of the breed's abilities. After WWI, British and American soldiers, impressed by the abilities of the dog, brought home examples to breed. The breed instantly become popular, both as a family pet and as a working dog. To this day, the German Shepherd Dog is considered one of, if not the most intelligent and versatile breeds in existence. |
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Each year the best of these animals competed in sheep herding trials and it was at one of these trials that Rittmeister von Stephanitz discovered and purchased his "ideal" German Shepherd Dog. This noble animal, "Hektor Linksrhein" became, under the new name "Horand von Grafath", the first registered German Shepherd Dog in a Club founded by Stephanitz and his friend Arthur Meyer. The Club, the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde S.V. is the largest dog club in the world today. From the beginning, in 1889, very tight breeding controls have been maintained and a uniformity of type was established in a very short time. The standard has always remained, as von Stephanitz would have it, based upon mental stability and utility, with beauty as a natural by-product. As Germany became increasingly industrialized the tremendous working capabilities of the German Shepherd Dog were to be used in other areas; in Government Services as army dogs, as tracking dogs and for rescue work and later they became the first guide dogs for the blind in a special training school for soldiers blinded in battle in the First World War. Soldiers returning after the war brought stories of the prowess of these dogs, and before long, the breed was gaining popularity in both the UK and the USA. Unfortunately anti-German feeling ran high and the dog was denied his birthright and renamed the "Alsatian Wolf Dog" in England. This was later changed to Alsatian and it was not until 1977 that the powers that be in England gave the breed the correct name, German Shepherd Dog. |
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DESCRIPTION: The German Shepherd Dog is also known as the Alsatian. It is handsome, well proportioned and very strong. The coat most often comes in black with tan, black with red, sable or all black, but also can come in blue, liver and white, but those colors are considered a fault according to most standards. White is not an acceptable color for the German Shepherd, however they are now being recognized as a separate breed, called the American White Shepherd. The nose is black most often black but, blue or liver still do sometimes occur, but is considered a fault and can not be shown. It has a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body with a light but solid bone structure. Its head should be in proportion to its body, and the forehead a little convex. It has a strong scissors bite, ears wide at the base, pointed, upright, and turned forward (the ears of puppies under six months may droop slightly). The eyes are almond-shaped, never protruding, dark, with a lively, intelligent expression. Its bushy tail reaches almost to its hocks and hangs down when the dog is at rest. Its front legs and shoulders are muscular; its thighs thick and sturdy. It has round feet with very hard soles. There are three varieties of the German Shepherd: smooth coat, thick show coat, and the long-haired. |
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TEMPERAMENT: Often used as working dogs, German Shepherds are direct and fearless, eager and alert. Bold, cheerful, obedient and eager to learn. Known for their tremendous loyalty and courage. Calmly confident, but not hostile. Serious and almost human in his intelligence. They have a high learning ability. German Shepherds love to be close to their families, but they are very wary of strangers. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when it is necessary. German Shepherds have a very strong protective instinct, so they should be extensively socialized to prevent over-guarding when they are an adult. Aggression and attacks on people are largely due to poor breeding, handling and training. A well bred, well-adjusted, and trained dog is for the most part generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. They must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. It is extremely important to purchase your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder. Some are timid and skittish and may be prone to fear biting. Research a puppy's lineage carefully. To be successful pets, these dogs should be trained and socialized from an early age with a firm and loving hand. Coercive or angry training does not succeed well with these dogs. To be truly happy, the German Shepherd needs a task in life. The breed is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service, and in the military. The German Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, flyball, and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders, and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground. The German Shepherd is also a popular show and family companion. |
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HEIGHT/WEIGHT: Height: Dogs 24-26 inches (60-65cm.) Bitches 22-24 inches (55-60cm.) LIVING CONDITIONS: The German Shepherd will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least a large yard. LIFE EXPECTANCY: Around 12-14 years. GROOMING: This breed sheds bits of hair constantly and is a seasonally heavy shedder. A quick daily brushing is best unless hair in the house is not a problem. They should be bathed rarely, only once or twice a year to avoid skin oil depletion. |
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