24/09/2023
Me with my brother, William as we were leaving my amazing breeder.
For those who do not know, here's a brief history of my breed, the wonderful German Shepherd:
1. **Origins in Germany**: The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) originated in Germany in the late 1800s. They were developed by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who wanted to create the perfect herding dog. He believed that a dog should be bred for utility and intelligence rather than just looks.
2. **The "Perfect" Herding Dog**: Stephanitz came across a dog named Hektor Linksrhein in 1899, which he believed had the ideal traits he sought. He purchased the dog and changed its name to Horand von Grafrath. Horand became the first registered GSD and the foundational dog for the breed.
3. **Versatility**: Though initially bred for herding, the shift in the German agricultural landscape led to a decrease in demand for herding dogs. Recognizing their intelligence and trainability, Stephanitz promoted the breed for various roles including police work, guarding, and more.
4. **World War I**: During WWI, German Shepherds served as messengers, rescuers, and guards. Soldiers from other countries, particularly the U.S., took notice of the breed's abilities. After the war, many soldiers brought GSDs back home with them, leading to an increase in the breed's popularity.
5. **Rin Tin Tin**: One of the most famous GSDs was Rin Tin Tin, a puppy rescued by an American soldier in WWI. He went on to star in numerous Hollywood movies and significantly boosted the breed's popularity in the United States.
6. **World War II**: GSDs played a vital role again in WWII, serving on both the Axis and Allied sides. After the war, however, the breed's association with N**i Germany led to a temporary decline in its popularity. In English-speaking countries, they were often referred to as "Alsatians" to distance the breed from its German origins.
7. **Post-War Period**: The breed's versatility, loyalty, and intelligence led to its revival in various roles, including search and rescue, guide dogs for the visually impaired, police and military roles, and family pets.
8. **Modern Times**: Today, the German Shepherd remains one of the most popular and recognized dog breeds worldwide. They are valued for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility.
Throughout its history, the German Shepherd has been appreciated for its work ethic, trainability, and loyalty, making it a preferred choice for many roles both in professional capacities and as a family pet.