German Shepherds

Breed History

The German Shepherd is one of the most recognizable

working dog breeds in the United States due to its long
history as a superior worker and companion. It all began with
a German cavalry officer by the name of Captain Max von
Stephanitz, who took it upon himself to create the ideal
German herding dog in the final years of the 1800’s. Up to
this point, each district of the country had had its own
distinct type of shepherd dog unique to the area. By selecting
from these various strains, von Stephanitz combined those
with favorable characteristics to create the ultimate German
farm dog. The breed was first seen in the United States in the
early 1900’s and was recognized as an official breed of the
Herding Group in the American Kennel Club (AKC) by 1908.
The first World War, and the accompanying politics, led to a
decline in interest in the breed in many countries including
the United States. In Germany however, the versatility,
resolute attitude and unending work ethic of the breed were
distinguishing them as an unsurpassed war dog. Following the
end of the war, television characters such as Rin Tin Tin soon
brought the breed back into the spotlight and led to a
resurgence of popularity in the United States.

Breed Characteristics

The German Shepherd dog is of medium to large stature,

maturing to around 60-80lbs as an adult. Their medium
length, double coat is generally fairly wash and wear,
requiring regular brushing, but needing little additional
attention. As with many double coated breeds, Shepherds are
moderate shedders, christening all their belongings, including
their people, with marks of their presence and love. Most
people will recognize the German Shepherd in their classic
colors of black and tan, however this breed comes in a wide
range of coat colors and patterns. Built to be an athlete, their
long legs and deep chest lend themselves well to any job the
Shepherd might undertake. While generally healthy, the
breed does experience some genetic diseases which
responsible breeders will screen for when possible. Hip and
elbow dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy, which affects
the spinal cord, are some of the more common issues found in
the breed. Due to their deep chested confirmation, bloat or
gastric dilatation volvulus, is also a concern with some dogs.

Is The German Shepherd Right For You?

Having a job is something that most German Shepherds

thrive on and undertake with enthusiasm. Given the history of
the breed, it is no surprise to find that they can excel at a
wide variety of occupations. Many members of the breed still
retain the instincts that were necessary to perform their
original task, herding and guarding sheep. However, they are
far from limited to livestock care! Channeling the German
Shepherds high drive and significant energy, not to mention
their substantial intelligence, in a positive direction can take
many forms. Often seen in the competitive obedience ring, on
the agility course, and in the protection sport world, these
dogs truly have few limits. Due to their early working roots,
many shepherds have a tendency to choose one special
person that they attach to, although they love every member
of their family. Most owners will readily admit that they have
a shadow wherever they go. This high level of investment and
engagement makes the shepherd an ideal working partner,
regardless of the undertaking! Outside of the companion dog
realm, many shepherds excel as service dogs for the disabled,
search and rescue, and fulfill various military and law
enforcement roles.

Even without livestock to guard, many Shepherds take the

protection of their homes and families very seriously!
Teaching young shepherds, or new additions to the family,
how to appropriately interact with guests through positive
socialization is an important focus for their early training. As
with many herding breeds, shepherds tend to experience the
world with their mouths, especially when playing or excited.
To ensure household harmony, it is important to teach them
to discriminate when it is acceptable to use their mouths, and
when it isn’t. While often goofy with their people, the
shepherd’s serious attitude towards the rest of the world
makes them excellent candidates for everything from basic
obedience training to more advanced endeavors.

The ideal household for the German Shepherd is one that

can embrace the shepherd's high level of involvement (owners
will never complete another task alone ever again!) and
understand how seriously most members of the breed take
their occupation. Rare is the shepherd who is willing to laze
at home without adequate outlets for their keen intelligence
and considerable energy. Without these appropriate
channels, they can be quite creative in making up their own
entertainments, sometimes much to the dismay of their
owners. Many shepherds do well in families with children,
especially once they have reached maturity and gained the
impulse control necessary to stay calm around small, active,
children. When exposed young, or introduced properly as
adults, many shepherds do well in multi-pet households. Some
members of the breed may struggle with their inherent desire
to herd or chase other species, however appropriate training
can usually address this. Often thriving on routine, some
shepherds will enjoy going out and meeting new people, as
long as their personal space is respected. Any owner who is
willing to invest the time and energy required to produce a
well trained and active shepherd will be rewarded with a
bond like no other.

Finding your next family member

When choosing a puppy of this breed, ensure that

appropriate health testing has been done on both parents
and possibly grandparents. The American Kennel Club
outlines what tests are suggested for each breed to prevent
the continuation of genetic diseases. the recommended health
tests for Shepherds are hip and elbow orthopedic evaluations.
When meeting the puppies, ask to see both parents and any
other related dogs that may be on site. Both puppies and
adult members of the breed should seem friendly and
congenial, any sign of overt aggression (apart from a female
with very young puppies) should be cause for concern. Some
Shepherds may initially come across as reserved or
standoffish, but should relax and become more social once
introduced by their owner. Avoid dogs from families who
remain hostile, or continue to exhibit aggressive behaviors
even after an introductory period. Responsible breeders
should be invested in finding the best homes possible for
their puppies, so expect lots of questions and detailed
conversations about setting new puppies up for success. Seek
out breeders who are willing and able to provide support and
information long after you take your new addition home.
Most breed enthusiasts will be involved in confirmation
exhibitions or other sports to help further the breed, with the
production of puppies as a secondary goal. When inspecting
the puppy raising areas, watch for good hygiene and
sanitation which will lead to healthy puppies. Since proper
socialization starts well before puppies are ready to leave
their mothers, it is important to consider what types of early
experiences each litter has been exposed to. Puppies who
have lots of early, controlled, positive, experiences with a
variety of people, animals and environments are generally
predisposed to later social success.

If your new family member is coming from a rescue situation,

it may not be possible to gather some of this information.
However, many of the same guidelines will apply. Look for a
happy, outgoing dog who is willing to approach and engage
with you. Given that the shelter environment can be
overwhelming for some dogs, some level of initial reticence or
shyness may be seen. Taking dogs for a brief walk outside of
the rescue can sometimes help them relax and bring out more
 of their true personality. Once they have had a chance to get
more comfortable, look for a dog who is willing to engage
with you and will solicit your attention.

Regardless of their origins, German Shepherds make some of

the best canine partners and companions. When given the
training and opportunity, they can excel at almost any sport
or occupation, and are truly invested in working with their
humans to that end. Getting to witness the goofy side of
these normally serious dogs is a true privilege and pleasure.

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