The German Shepherd Dog
 Holtgrew |
 Loyaler German Shepherds, LLC |
 GerdesHaus Kennels |
 Byorka de Zennevellei, Sch.1, TR2, HD/B Vom Windlied |
 V2 Mutz Von Der Piste Trophe Sch3 FH2 KKL1 & ZW of 72 Alambre Ibizan Hounds |
 Woodside German Shepherd Dogs |
 Estaron German Shepherds |
European farmers developed dogs to tend their cattle and sheep. Progenitors of the breed exhibited the characteristics of fearlessness, intelligence, soundness, stamina and most important service ability. The short-lived Phylax Society was founded in 1890. It's sole achievement was to create a standardized German shepherding dog.
One of the earliest all-breed dog shows in Germany was at Karlsruhe in 1899. In attendance was a German Calvary Officer named Max von Stephanitz and his friend Herr Artur Meyer. They noticed a medium sized yellow dog that exhibited exemplary behavior as well as an admirable appearance. Upon being told that this was not a show dog but rather a true working dog, they promptly purchased the dog. They understood that they had just purchased a dog of tremendous potential and the two began the Verein Fur Deutsche Schaferhunde with Von Stephanitz becoming the first president. The Verein immediately began keeping a stud book of it's own and initiated the Seiger (Championship) wherein one dog and one bitch were selected as the Seiger and Seigerin. The modern German Shepherd Dog had been born. The motto of von Stephanitz and the Verein were "Utility and Intelligence".
The German Shepherd Dog is a dog of very high intelligence, easy to train, extremely loyal to it's family and a protector par excellence. The dog exhibits a stable and sound temperment yet is aloof with strangers. As a natural result of these traits, this breed lends itself to a variety of activities from herding to search and rescue, from work as a Police K-9 to a leader dog for the visually impaired. These dogs do very well in Agility competition and Schutzhund, which comprises aspects of tracking, obedience and protection. Notice that this breed is known as German Shepherd Dog and not German Sheep Dog. This is easy to understand when one is able to see the herding breed at work. This dog seems able to not just take direction from the shepherd but in fact to "replace" the shepherd, driving and herding as if from instinct.
The German Shepherd Dog is fearless and direct in its approach but should never be hostile. The ears are erect and slightly pointed. The dog should be longer than tall with preferred proportions being 10 to 8 1/2. The male is 24 to 26 inches in height with the bitch being 2 inches less. The withers slope into a flat back; the only other thing that should be sloping is the long croup . Colors range from solid black to black and tan, black and creme, sable and even red or auburn highlights. Solid white is also seen but is a disqualification in AKC sanctioned conformation events.
German Shepherds can be wonderful family dogs. They do need a great deal of socialization beginning at an early age or they can become overly shy and possibly aggressive. It is extremely important to reasearch a reputable breeder when considering a German Shepherd. There are numerous pet stores/backyard breeders that have German Shepherds, most do not have the true German Shepherd structure, health or temperament.
Both parents should have OFA certificates (hips and elbows) and be screened for cardiac problems. Also ask about bloat, vWD, seizures, low thyroid, sebaceous adenitis, OCD, panosteitis, and cancer. Allergies, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, and digestive upsets are common.
Indiscriminate breeding has lead to hereditary diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, (be sure both parents have had their hips certified at least OFA good) blood disorders, digestive problems (probably due to nerves),epilepsy , chronic eczema, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), dwarfism and flea allergies.
