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THE FIRST GERMAN SHEPHERD
In 1899, a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, bought a five-year-old dog called Hektor at a small dog show. Enthused by the dog’s fine looks and obedient yet zestful nature, he renamed it Horand von Grafrath and two weeks later, with Artur Meyer, founded the German Shepherd Club, the Verein fur deutsche Schaferhunde, or SV Horand, who had a short coat and was roughly 24 in tall – small by today’s standards – was the first registered German Shepherd. The SV remains the world’s largest breed club.
WHAT MAKES A GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG?
Capt. Stephanitz had some very specific ideas about what a German Shepherd should be. He wrote: “The most striking features of the correctly bred German Shepherd are firmness of nerves, attentiveness, unshockability, tractability, watchfulness, reliability and incorruptibility together with courage, fighting tenacity and hardness.” None of these qualities have anything to do with looks, structure, coat type or even herding ability. Instead, the hallmark of the German Shepherd is that steady, somewhat aloof, alert and ultimately reliable temperament.
COATS AND COLORS
The typical German Shepherd is black with tan or gold markings, yet they can also be all black, white, or sable with black-tipped hairs on tan, gray, or silver. White and long-haired dogs are frowned upon in the show ring.
No dog can be a bad color. In practice, however, black and tan are probably the most popular. VARIETIES in coat length. Ninety percent of German Shepherds are born with standard short hair. However, the richness and elegance of a long, feathery coat appeals to many Shepherd owners.
THE IDEAL CHOICE
The German Shepherd is indeed an impressive breed – noble and handsome in appearance, highly alert, and always full of live.
LOYAL PROTECTOR OF THE HOME. Most dogs are kept primarily as companions, but even the smallest can also provide security through its vigil and keen senses. Because of its imposing size, looks and protective, ever-alert nature the German Shepherd is virtually ideal as a guard dog. But its behavior must be socially acceptable – good training and early interaction with other animals is vital.
BOUNDING WITH ENERGY. German Shepherd are large dogs that thrive on physical and mental activity. Bored Shepherds lead unhappy lives, and through frustration may tend to be vocal and even destructive. Properly cared for, this vigorous, responsive breed can be among the most rewarding of all dogs to own.
PERFECTION OR PERSONALITY? While breeders may try to produce show-quality dogs that conform as closely as possible to the official standard set for the breed, each individual will deviate in certain ways from the ideal. However, a winning character is certainly the most important quality for a good companion.
AN AFFABLE, OBEDIENT COMPANION. Obedience comes naturally to German Shepherds, but it is only through dedicated training that a dog becomes a truly satisfying companion. From the moment you become an owner, you will need to invest time, introducing your Shepherd to new situations and always teaching good conduct. A friendly, well-mannered dog is a pleasure both for you and others.
CARED FOR AS ONE OF THE FAMILY. A dog can provide an enormous amount of companionship and affection, but you must be prepared to care for your pet for at the next 13 years. Like a young child, it depends on you for its health and well-being. Make sure you can cope with inconveniences such as house training and shedding hair, as well as the expense of food and veterinary attention.
TRAINABILITY/OBEDIENCE. Shepherds are very responsive to training, and typically show great loyalty and obedience to their owners. Only the Labrador Retriever and the Australian Cattle Dog, breeds also specifically developed to work under human direction, are considered more trainable.
BARKING TO PROTECT THE HOME. The alert Shepherd is an ever-vigilant house guard. While Dachshunds, Lhasa Apsos, and Toy Poodles do just as much protective barking, the Shepherd may also put up a defensive presence. Only the Australian Cattle Dog is less likely to accept intruders.
PLAYFULNESS WITH OTHER DOGS. Despite a reputation for mild aloofness with other dogs, German Shepherds are more playful than many breeds, actively enjoying friendly interaction with fellow cannies. A lively character and natural inquisitiveness make them in fact a rather social breed.
NEED FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. A large, energetic dog bred for work, the Shepherd thrives on physical and mental activity. Only the Australian Kelpie and Cattle Dog and Chesapeake Bay Retriever have a greater need, although early experience influences this trait even more than genetics.
RELIABLE WITH STRANGE CHILDREN. German Shepherds are just as dependable with unfamiliar children as the “average” dog, similar to breeds such as the Shih Tzu and Keeshond. Even so, an adult should always be present. And children, until emotionally mature, should never be left alone with any dog.
NONDESRUCTIVE WHEN ALONE. Regarding destructiveness when left alone, Shepherds are just below dog “average,” about the same as Dachshunds, Schnauzers, and West Highland Terriers. In Shepherds, scratching on walls, digging in carpets or gardens, or barking when alone usually indicate anxiety or worry.
CALM IN NEW CIRCUMSTANCES. In this highly inherited trait, Shepherds are just below average, tending to be slightly nervous or fearful in strange situations, but less so than some smaller breeds. This can be diminished through selective breeding of more relaxed personalities and gentle training.
HOUSE TRAINABLE. Virtually all dogs respond fairly well to house training, but the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever are rated as the most receptive, reflecting both breeds’ aptitude for learning, general eagerness to please and exceptionally willing, dutiful natures.
