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Companion, rescuer, guardian and protector. These are just a few words to describe the working class dog breed, known as the German Shepherd. This intelligent dog, has been a distinct breed for over a century. They are descended from the shepherding and farm dogs of Germany and Central Europe. As an official breed, they began in 1891 when two men, Captain Reichelmann-Dunau and Graf von Hahn, both members of the Phylax Society, which was started to sponsor the breed, began work on researching the lines of the German Shepherd, and sought to improve it. The Phylax Society crumbled in 1894, when a conflict arose: Should the breed be developed for working purposes, or aesthetics and beauty?

The breed took the public's interest once again in 1896 when Dr. Gerland von Hildesheim introduced specially trained police dogs. Hildensheim took up the mantle of Captain Schoenherr, who's profound love of the breed, lead him to become head of the Prussian Government Breeding and Instruction School of Service Dogs.

A time came, when the breed nearly vanished. German dog fanciers, led by Max von Stephanitz, a cavalry captain in the German militia and author of a book, devoted to the German Shepherd Dog worked tirelessly to raise awareness and population of the breed.

In 1899, Stephanitz integrated a large Swabian shepherd dog into the line, to add the strength and sturdy composition we see in the breed today. Even now, in modern times, Stephanitz is considered by many, the father of the breed.

News of this versatile and devoted dog reached overseas. The German Shepherd Dog Club of American began in 1913, with twenty six members working to bring the breed to America. After the war began, a great desire to boost the breed emerged. Despite prejudice against all things German at that time, the breed thrived because of its versatility, utility and beauty. Before long, German Shepherds could be found all over the world, working as search and rescue dogs, security officers as well as for the police and the military.

In 1917, the Germans began training the breed as guides for the blind. The breed's intelligence, obedience and loyalty ensured it's success in this capacity. The German Shepherd soon became not only a guide for the blind, but for the hearing impaired as well.

The modern German Shepherd is well known for it's fearless nature, great strength, intelligence, and it's willingness to subordinate to a human master, making for ease of training. The breed carries an appearance of nobility

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