German Shepherd

German Shepherd History

It is said that around the year 1000 a group of Scottish monks wishing to defend their monastery against marauders created a new, strong, and bold watchdog by crossing local sheepdogs with wolves. The monks obtained a majestic animal, intelligent, courageous, and aggressive, but easy to train : the first German Shepherd. Perhaps this genesis is steeped in legend, but the dog we know and admire today under the name German Shepherd was first presented officially at the Stuttgart Dog Show of 1 887, and it was truly the result of a cross between sheepdogs and wolves. From this time on. this magnificent dog, veritable king of the canine world, was officially named the German Shepherd, though it was commonly but erroneously called "Wolf- Dog".

Unlike other breeds. the German Shepherd has not suffered over the years from the caprice of fashion. There have always been numerous dog lovers in the world who have kept Shepherds, with a loyalty equal to that shown by the dog itself. It is impossible to count the number of human lives saved during the two world wars by German Shepherds. They instinctively found the wounded and bore them to safety. transported medicines and messages under artillery fire, sounded alarms, and located people buried under the debris of bombardments. More recently, their help has been indispensable after earthquakes and avalanches. And, finally, one cannot forget the role of German Shepherd as police dog, popularized in movies and television in the character of Rin Tin Tin.

German Shepherd Description

Handsome and imposing of bearing, happy, alert, extremely vigilant, honest, daring, ideal as a watchdog and bodyguard : all these qualities are an essential part of the German Shepherd. A dog of this breed would be considered just as imperfect if he were apathetic or overexcitable as he would if he had such physical defects as a short muzzle. jaws which did not meet properly, bow legs, or defective balance.

It is wrong to say that the German Shepherd is not suitable for apartment life. It is only necessary to exercise him frequently in order to keep him in good shape. What the German Shepherd needs most is an energetic master who can dominate him and make him obey. Training in a specialized school is also essential so that the dog will learn to obey commands as soon as they are given. There is a saying : "The German Shepherd is either at your feet or at your throat." Nothing is truer. He will be at the feet of his master and his friends, of the wounded and the blind, ready to obey and bring help; but he will be at the throat of the wrongdoer.

The ideal height for the German Shepherd is 24 to 26 inches (61 to 66 cm.) for the male and 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm.) for bitches. He must never be clipped, because the sun on his skin is not healthy for him. In the summer, he requires a good brushing and a bath from time to time.