Used today: Military dog, Police dog, guard dog, assistance dog, companion
Other Name(s): Alsatian, Schäferhund, Deutscher Schäferhund
History of the Breed: This breed is credited to the work of Captain Max von Stephanitz in the late 19th century and early 20th century.
Mr. Von Stephanitz wanted an all-purpose working dog. He bred the prick eared European herding, guard, and farm dogs to produce the German Shepherd. Von Stephanitz 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. The SV prohibited the breeding of any dog that 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 World War I, both British and American soldiers brought these dogs back to their native countries.
Today the German Shepherd dog is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
General Appearance: This medium to large breed is athletic, powerful and well balanced. The head slopes into a long, wedge-shaped
muzzle without abrupt stop. The muzzle is long and strong. The dark colored almond shaped eyes are medium sized. The ears are moderately pointed,
in proportion to the skull, open toward the front, and carried erect when at attention. Its muscular deep chested body is longer than it is tall.
The body is covered in a double coat of medium length with a dense outer coat and thick bushy tail. The Shepherd dog color must have rich and
powerful colors typically black, with yellow to light gray markings.
Coat: Double coat of medium length with a dense outer coat and thick bushy tail. Black, with yellow to light gray markings.
The head, including the inner ear and foreface, and the legs and paws are covered with short hair, and the neck with longer and thicker hair.
The rear of the forelegs and hind legs have somewhat longer hair extending to the pastern and hock.
Color: Color varies by breed line, strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are considered serious
faults. A white dog must be disqualified.
Grooming needs: Medium, daily brushing
Temperament of Breed: Temperament varies by breed line. This breed has high intelligence and curiosity and as a working breed it
requires a purpose, a job, at a minimum it needs to interact with the family. They do not make good kennel dogs or backyard dogs because the
boredom can lead to destructive behavior.
Friendly with children: Yes, with proper socialization
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, with proper socialization
Suitability as a watchdog: Excellent
Exercise Level: High
Health Issues with the Breed: Major: Elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, bloat, von Willebrand's disease,
Minor: Skin allergies
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
