German shepherd dogs are, as their name implies, a breed that originated in Germany. They were developed beginning in the late 1800s by crossing various herding breeds. The breed was subjected to stringent selection and it progressed quickly. In the United Kingdom, the dogs are known as Alsatians because fanciers of the breed there wanted to protect the dog from anti-German sentiments after World War I.
German shepherd dogs were introduced in the United States by soldiers returning home from World War I. The breed caught the public eye because of movie stars Strongheart and later, Rin Tin Tin. By World War II German shepherd dogs were the military breed of choice. The first guide dogs were German shepherd dogs. Today, they are one of the most popular dogs in America. In 1999, German shepherd dogs were third on the American Kennel Club’s list of the Top 50 Breeds.
The German shepherd dog is a herding breed known for its courage, loyalty and guarding instincts. This breed makes an excellent guard dog, police dog, military dog, guide dog for the blind and search and rescue dog. For many families, the German shepherd is also a treasured family pet.
German Shepherd dogs are known by their wolf-like appearance, strength, loyalty, and noble disposition. They were originally bred to herd sheep and protect flocks from danger, but German Shepherds are so much more than working dogs.
You might be surprised to learn just how companionable these dogs are. In addition to doing police work, you’re likely to find a German Shepherd following their owners on challenging adventures, learning tricks in obedience classes, and playing in the family backyard.
Read on to learn more about this popular and majestic breed, and to find out whether a German Shepherd dog (known to enthusiasts as a GSD) is right for you.
German Shepherds have been bred for intelligence and independent thinking as herding dogs, so GSDs tend to be curious learners and like to be useful. Because of their curiosity and wariness of strangers, German Shepherds make excellent guard dogs (but can be overprotective if not well-socialized).
With their loyal personalities and eagerness to work, you’ll find German Shepherds to be very obedient when it comes to training and following commands. It’s no wonder the German Shepherd is such a popular dog.