The German Shepherd Dog was originally a herding and farm dog. The name is a direct translation of the German Deutscher Schaferhund, the name given to the breed by Captain Max von Stephanitz (known as the 'father' of the breed). Due to anti-German sentiment at the end of World War I, the breed's name was officially changed by the UK Kennel Club to the 'Alsatian Wolf Dog', a name adopted by many international kennel clubs. Later 'Wolf Dog' was dropped and the name 'Alsatian' remained until 1977.
Today the German Shepherd's best qualities have been developed to produce a middle sized dog of courage, agility and intelligence while never becoming clumsy or heavy. He is powerful and rugged and his duties have expanded to include police force and military work where he may be involved in Search and Rescue, guard duties and drug and contraband detection. In addition they may work as guide dogs for the blind, as well as being devoted and protective companions and family dogs.
It is one of the most popular of breeds, respected and renowned throughout the world.
The breed is easily recognized and was established in Germany around 1899 by Captain Max von Stephanitz and others who sought to produce dogs with the working qualities that they required. The parent club of the breed was founded in the same year (1899).
The German Shepherd was first exhibited in the US in 1907. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1908 where it is classified as one of the Herding Group. Its popularity increased sharply after World War I when the dogs performed heroically in Europe in all manner of positions including with the Red Cross, police and on guard duty. Around the same time, Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart were wowing audiences in the silent movie era.
The general impression should be of a strong, well-muscled and well-balanced animal. An air of nobility and fearlessness plus a certain aloofness gives the dog a courageous, self-confident manner. He may not make friends immediately but his devotion to his family or master is total. While making a great family dog, some are 'one man dogs' and may prefer one member of the family to others.
The German Shepherd is longer than he is tall, measuring from 22 to 26 at the shoulder. Weight typically varies from 75 95 pounds. The look is of a deep-bodied, substantial dog with a curved outline rather than an angular one.
He has a keen but calm expression with medium sized eyes of almond shape. The ears open toward the front and are moderately pointed. The muzzle is long with a black nose and strong jaws. The clean-cut neck is reasonably long and the head is carried more forward than up except when on the alert when the head will be raised. The topline slopes into a shortish, strong back. The body is deep without being bulky.
The capacious chest has ample room for heart and lungs, ribs are well sprung and continue well back with the underline only moderately tucked up. The bushy tail is set smoothly and carried low in a slight curve unless excited when it may be raised but never beyond a vertical line. Long shoulder blades are well muscled with forelegs straight, pasterns strong and springy with all four feet well padded with well-arched toes and dark nails.
For show purposes, most colours are acceptable with strong, rich colouring being preferred. These may include black with tan, red, cream or silver, solid black and sable. White dogs are not permitted. The double coat is of medium length with the outer coat thick, dense and water-repellant. The undercoat is heavy and woolly. The hair grows longer on the neck and on the back of the legs as far down as the pastern and hock.
German Shepherds with long coats are not considered 'correct' by most show standards. Notwithstanding they are beautiful dogs and have many admirers.
The natural gait is an elastic, ground-covering trot with long strides at both walk and trot. The hindquarters push powerfully forward covering the maximum ground with effortless, smooth rhythm and flow. The back must remain strong and firm with no roll or sway. The feet travel close to the ground.
When being stood for showing, the German Shepherd is placed with one hind leg under the body and the other extended to the rear.
As with all dogs, temperament is of extreme importance. The German Shepherd may be aloof with strangers but should not show aggression or timidity. They are excellent with children once a relationship has been established. Young dogs may be a bit boisterous for the very young and very frail. German Shepherds are slow maturing and need consistently firm but kind discipline to develop into a well behaved dog. Being so well conformed and agile, they need plenty of exercise. Bored, frustrated dogs of any breed soon become problems. They enjoy social interaction and are not suited to living in isolation.
Being so intelligent, they are ideally suited to obedience training. They are heavy shedders but don't need clipping. Just an occasional bath and regular combing.
Choose your German Shepherd carefully. Inbreeding during the breed's formative years has resulted in hip and elbow dysplasia being relatively common. Arthritis, von Willebrand's disease (a disorder of the blood), canine degenerative myelopathy (which results in muscle weakness and lameness) and skin allergies may also affect some dogs. Because of the open nature of the ears, regular inspection and cleaning is recommended.
So take care when choosing your Shepherd, treat him well and you will have the most wonderful, trustworthy, loyal friend imaginable.
Sources:
www.akc.org
www.justshepherds.com
www.canismajor.com