The German Shepherd Dog, also known as the Alsatian, the Alsatian Hound, the Alsatian Shepherd, the Alsatian Wolfdog, the Berger Allemand, the Deutscher Schäferhund and simply the GSD, is one of the most popular and widely recognized of all canine breeds, famous for its bravery and loyalty as characterized in the TV series “Rin Tin Tin” and the movie “Strongheart.” Their original function was to move and control sheep. The German Shepherd was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a member of its Herding Group.
The mature male German Shepherd ideally stands between 24 and 26 inches at the highest point of the shoulder; females should be between 22 and 24 inches in height. They typically weigh between 50 and 90 pounds, with bitches usually being smaller and lighter than males. Their dense double coat should be brushed regularly to help control shedding but should not be trimmed. Strong, rich coat colors are highly preferred in this breed. Washed-out colors and blues or livers are serious faults, and white is a disqualification in most breed clubs, including the American Kennel Club.
The German Shepherd was developed in Germany in the late 1800s, originally to manage large flocks of sheep. The forerunners of the GSD resulted from crosses of native dogs in northern and central Germany. The German Shepherd’s role was to move along the edges of the flock and usher stray sheep back into the fold – not by barking or heel-nipping, which could panic the sheep, but instead by silent, steady and stealthy movements. The
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is perhaps best known as the strong, courageous and obedient guide dog for the disabled and service dog of police K-9 and search-and-rescue units, valued for its tenacity, intelligence, loyalty and focus. GSDs are often sought as guard dogs and protectors. However, while they are first and foremost a working breed, GSDs can make outstanding, loving family companions. German Shepherds have a rather distinct personality marked by a direct and
According to the AKC breed standard, “The first impression of a good German Shepherd Dog is that of a strong, agile, well muscled animal, alert and full of life.” They are athletic, agile and muscular dogs with a curved outline. The skull slopes into a long, wedge-shaped muzzle that ends in black nose and teeth that meet in a scissors bite. German Shepherds have medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes that are dark, alert, and expressive. They have
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