Alsatian
The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most easily recognizable and versatile breeds worldwide. Originating in Germany, the breed was first used to herd and protect sheep. Today, German Shepherd Dogs are popular police and military dogs, as well as companions.
Appearance
A large breed, German Shepherd Dogs stand between 22-26 inches and weigh in at 75-95 pounds. They have erect ears and a long bushy tail that hangs down with a slight curve at rest. Their double length coat can be either medium or long, however the longhaired variety is not recognized by some kennel clubs. The most common coat color is black and tan, but almost any combination is allowed, save blue, liver, and solid white. Recently white German Shepard Dogs have been recognized as a separate breed, as the White Shepherd in the United States with the United Kennel Club (UKC) and Berger Blanc Suisse in countries that recognize the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
History
In 1899 an ex-cavalry officer by the name of Max von Stephanitz began the careful breeding that would lead to development of the German Shepherd Dog. He selected local shepherd dogs from Wurtemberg, Thurginia, and Bavaria as his rootstock, along with a dog named Horand von Grafrath. Horand (originally shown under the name Hektor Linksrhein by his previous owner) was a shepherd dog that became the father of today’s breed. Later he was registered by Stephanitz as a Deutsche Schaferhunde, or in English, German Shepherd Dog. Stephanitz continued to develop the breed, emphasizing on their working abilities rather than appearance. By the early 1900s the breed’s popularity had already spread worldwide. After WWI it was believed that the title of “German” would hurt the breed, particularly in the United Kingdom. The led the Kennel Club (KC) and others to change the name of the breed to Alsatian Wolf Dog, later they dropped the “wolf dog”, leaving the name to simply be Alsatian. The name would not be reverted back to German Shepherd Dog until 1977.
Temperament
The German Shepherd Dog is first and foremost a working breed, although they often find homes simply as companions as well. They are bold, fearless, intelligent, and eager to learn. Highly protective of their families they can become aggressive around strangers, especially if they have not been socialized. They must be trained in obedience at a young age, as untrained dogs can easily become a problem when they are older. This can lead to aggression both with other dogs and toward humans. Generally, if well trained and socialized they get along with both canine and non-canine pets in their household, and children in the family. As a working breed German Shepherd Dogs are happiest when they have a job to do, they excel in dog sports, as military and police dogs, drug detectors, and a rescue workers.
Health and Care
German Shepherd Dogs tend to live between 12-13 years. Poor breeding has led to an increase of genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, bloating, von Willebrand’s disease, and skin allergies.
Although they are large dogs, German Shepherds can do well in an apartment if they have plenty of exercise. They need a minimum of a long walk daily, but do best if they have a physical job to do.
The fur of a German Shepherd Dog is constantly shedding. This requires a daily brushing to remove dead hair.
