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ORIGIN: Germany
The breed was created by Captain Max von Stephanitz in the late 19th century and early 20th century. His goal was to breed an all-purpose working dog. The first registered GSD was Horand von Grafrath. Von Stephanitz admired the landrace herding dogs of his native German Empire and saw that they had the potential to be all-purpose working dogs. Additionally, he was aware of the declining need for herding dogs and believed that the working abilities of the breed would decline unless it was put to other uses. Von Stephanitz created the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde, or SV as the official governing body for the breed.
The SV then created the schutzhund trial as a breed test for the German Shepherd Dog, and prohibited the breeding of any dog that could not pass the trial. The schutzhund trial, along with the SV’s conviction that, "German Shepherd breeding is working dog breeding, or it is not German Shepherd breeding," led to a rapid development of the breed’s abilities.
After World War I, British and American soldiers, impressed by the abilities of the dog, brought home examples to breed. The breed instantly became popular, as both a family pet and a working dog.
Well-bred GSDs have powerful jaws and strong teeth, can develop a strong sense of loyalty and obedience, and can be trained to attack and release on command. Poorly bred GSDs, such as those from puppy mills, can be fearful, overly aggressive, or both. GSDs (like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and Dobermanns), are often perceived as inherently dangerous, and are the target of Breed Specific Legislation in several countries. If a GSD is violent or aggressive, it is often due to the combination of poor breeding and the owner’s lack of control or training. GSDs are often used as guard, attack and police dogs, which further contributes to the perception of being a dangerous breed. However, many GSDs function perfectly well as search dogs and family pets—roles where aggressive behavior is unsuitable.
GSDs’ sense of loyalty and emotional bond with their owners is almost impossible to overstate. Separation trauma is one reason they are now used less often in guide dog roles, since guide dogs are typically trained from puppyhood by one owner before final placement with their employer.
Temperament differences among lines
The different types or lines of GSDs display differences not only in appearance but also in ability and temperament. Dogs from working lines have very high energy, and have been bred for consistent temperament, working drive, and intelligence. Therefore, they have a natural propensity toward protection, tracking, and obedience. These dogs can be used as pets, but will be unhappy if not exercised daily or trained to do a job of some sort. Many of these dogs populate dog pounds in
German and Eastern European lines tend to be stockier, with shorter snouts and more muscular chests, and typify the working lines.
North American lines have a tendency towards a longer croup, longer back, higher wither and temperament ideal for companionship. They do not require constant stimulation to keep from becoming bored and possibly demonstrating destructive behaviors.
These dogs can make excellent pets, provided that a responsible breeder has not sacrificed consistent temperament or health in the quest for popular standards of good looks.
