History
On April 22, 1899, the German Captain Max von Stephanitz founded
the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (SV), the first parent club
of the breed now known as the German Shepherd Dog.
The German Shepherd Dog can trace it's roots back several
centuries to the mountain sheepdogs of Germany. In the late
1800's the German military began using these dogs to carry
medicine and ammunition, and also as a guard dog. Throughout the
years the German Shepherd has been bred first for temperament,
which is why they generally have wonderful dispositions.
The German Shepherd Dog is known throughout the world for his
uncanny intelligence and faithfulness. This versatile breed has
well-earned the reputation as family companion, Seeing Eye Dog,
Guide Dog, police dog, and, of course, herder.
The German Shepherd Dog is an excellent house-dog, but if you
live in an apartment or a small house you will need to give your
dog daily exercise.
They are excellent travelers and love to ride in the car for
long trips. They are truly a companion and can be taken
everywhere - fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, etc.
Appearance
Males: 24 to 26 inches, 75 to 100 pounds
Females: 22 to 24 inches, 50 to 75 pounds
The German Shepherd Dog is longer than tall, with the most
desirable proportion as 10 to 8½. The length is
measured from the point of the prosternum or breastbone to the
rear edge of the pelvis, the ischial tuberosity. The desirable
long proportion is not derived from a long back, but from overall
length with relation to height, which is achieved by length of
forequarter and length of withers and hindquarter, viewed from
the side.
The first impression of a good German Shepherd Dog is that of a
strong, agile, well muscled animal, alert and full of life. It is
well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and
hindquarter. The dog is longer than tall, deep-bodied, and
presents an outline of smooth curves rather than angles. It looks
substantial and not spindly, giving the impression, both at rest
and in motion, of muscular fitness and nimbleness without any
look of clumsiness or soft living. The ideal dog is stamped with
a look of quality and nobility difficult to define, but
unmistakable when present. Secondary sex characteristics are
strongly marked, and every animal gives a definite impression of
masculinity or femininity, according to its sex. (from AKC
Breed Standard)
Coat
Color - comes in many colors, ie. black and tan, solid black,
etc. In the US white is a disqualifier in the show ring. The coat
is a medium length double-coat with a dense outer coat.
Personality
The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and
fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a
certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and
indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly
standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to
meet overtures without itself making them. It is poised, but when
the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to
serve in its capacity as companion, watchdog, blind leader,
herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may
demand.
The dog must not be timid, shrinking behind its master or
handler; it should not be nervous, looking about or upward with
anxious expression or showing nervous reactions, such as tucking
of tail, to strange sounds or sights. Lack of confidence under
any surroundings is not typical of good character. Any of the
above deficiencies in character which indicate shyness must be
penalized as very serious faults and any dog exhibiting
pronounced indications of these must be excused from the ring. It
must be possible for the judge to observe the teeth and to
determine that both testicles are descended. Any dog that
attempts to bite the judge must be disqualified. The ideal
dog is a working animal with an incorruptible character combined
with body and gait suitable for the arduous work that constitutes
its primary purpose.
Head
The head is noble, cleanly chiseled, strong without
coarseness, but above all not fine, and in proportion to the
body. The head of the male is distinctly masculine, and that of
the bitch distinctly feminine.
The expression keen, intelligent and composed.
Eyes of medium size, almond shaped, set a little obliquely
and not protruding. The color is as dark as possible. Ears
are moderately pointed, in proportion to the skull, open toward
the front, and carried erect when at attention, the ideal
carriage being one in which the center lines of the ears, viewed
from the front, are parallel to each other and perpendicular to
the ground. A dog with cropped or hanging ears must be
disqualified.
Seen from the front the forehead is only moderately arched, and
the skull slopes into the long, wedge-shaped muzzle without
abrupt stop. The muzzle is long and strong, and its
topline is parallel to the topline of the skull. Nose
black. A dog with a nose that is not predominantly black must be
disqualified. The lips are firmly fitted. Jaws
are strongly developed. Teeth --42 in number--20 upper and
22 lower--are strongly developed and meet in a scissors bite in
which part of the inner surface of the upper incisors meet and
engage part of the outer surface of the lower incisors. An
overshot jaw or a level bite is undesirable. An undershot jaw is
a disqualifying fault. Complete dentition is to be
preferred. Any missing teeth other than first premolars is a
serious fault.
Care and Health Concerns
 German Shepherds are
prone to certain health and genetic disorders. Some of them
include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Pannus, and
Degenerative Myelopathy. None of them are extremely common, just
be aware and check with your breeder before you buy a puppy.
Responsible breeders do everything possible to produce
normal-eyed puppies, which includes annual eye exams of all
breeding adults, and using only dogs who are certified to be
normal by a board-certified ophthalmologist. The Canine Eye
Registration Foundation (CERF) is a registry that monitors eye
problems in all purebred dogs and which also provides
certification of normal eyes.
Breed information copyright, © The American Kennel Club.
For more information on the German Shepherd please contact the
German Shepherd
Dog Club of America.
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