German Shepherd

History

One man created the German Shepherd breed in 1899: Captain Max von Stephanitz, a career captain in the German cavalry, aimed to develop a German breed that would be unmatched among herding dogs.

Upon retiring from the military in 1898, von Stephanitz began his second career: breeding dogs to create a better German herding dog. Observing German-type herding dogs and attending dog shows throughout Germany, Stephanitz studied the breeding practices of the British, noted for their exceptional herding dogs.

In 1899, von Stephanitz visited a dog show when a wolflike-looking dog caught his attention. Having been impressed by the dog’s powerful physique and intelligence, von Stephanitz formed a society to establish a breed out of his descendants, the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

As Germany became increasingly industrialized, von Stephanitz saw that the need for his breed of herding dogs was fading. Dedicated to preserving his species as a working dog, he decided that the dog’s future lay in police work and military service.

Using his military connections, von Stephanitz convinced the German government to use the breed. German Shepherds served as Red Cross dogs, messengers, rescuers, guards, supply carriers, and sentries during World War I.

It wasn’t until the war that German Shepherds gained popularity in the United States. As a result of the dog’s bravery and intelligence, several Allied soldiers took the dog home with them.

German Shepherds were bred in America, and those born in Germany began diverging dramatically after World War II. U.S. police and military departments imported German Shepherd working dogs because domestic German Shepherds failed performance tests and had genetic health problems.

Over the past few decades, some American breeders have begun to emphasize the breed’s abilities rather than just its appearance, importing working dogs from Germany into their breeding programs.

Traits

One of the world’s most recognized dog breeds is the German Shepherd Dog, also known as the Alsatian in Great Britain and parts of Europe.

Besides being a movie star, German Shepherds have also led the blind, pursued criminals, sniffed out illegal substances, served in the military, visited the sick, and herded stock.

German Shepherds have even become national heroes. Rescue workers and families were comforted by German Shepherds after the 9/11 terrorist attacks as they looked for survivors in the rubble of the World Trade Center.

Despite the German Shepherd’s best traits, they aren’t suited to everyone. This high-energy dog was bred to herd flocks all day, requiring a lot of exercise and activity. They’re more likely to bark and chew when bored and frustrated without an outlet. There is no end to the amount of shedding these dogs do. German shedders are often referred to as “German shedders.” Brush them several times a week and buy a good vacuum cleaner. 

It’s a good watchdog but probably not the sort of family dog that will make guests feel welcome. German Shepherds can learn to adapt to new situations and people if exposed to many different conditions and people from puppyhood onward. Chaining or tethering German Shepherds for the sole purpose of standing guard is not a good idea. The dog will become frustrated and aggressive if they do this. In addition to living indoors with their families, German Shepherds also benefit from being able to run around in a large, fenced yard.

American-bred German Shepherds are calmer than their German counterparts but exhibit more behavioural problems, such as separation anxiety, than their German counterparts.

Alternatively, German breeders look for dogs that can work and have a traditional look. German Shepherds must pass numerous tests before being bred in Germany so they measure up to the breed’s physical and mental standards. German Shepherd Dogs from Germany tend to have a more energetic and driven personality.

Health

This breed is typically healthy, but like all breeds, they may experience specific health conditions. Not every dog of this breed will get these diseases, but it’s essential to be aware of them. Some common health problems include:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (Bloat)
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
• Allergies

Regardless of how healthy your dog is, a pet’s health insurance plan can help you stay prepared for any of your dog’s medical needs.