Other Definitions
german shepherd dog (dict)
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German Shepherd Dog | erman Shepherd Dog | | lternative names | | {| align=center | | lsatian | | eutscher Schferhund | } | | ountry of origin | | a href="/encyclopedia/Germany" title="Germany">Germany | | lassification | | {| align=center | FCI: | Group 1 Section 1 #166 | | a href="/encyclopedia/American-Kennel-Club" title="American Kennel Club">AKC: | Herding | | a href="/encyclopedia/Australian-National-Kennel-Council" title="Australian National Kennel Council">ANKC: | Group 5 (Working Dogs) | | a href="/encyclopedia/Canadian-Kennel-Club" title="Canadian Kennel Club">CKC: | Group 7 - Herding Dogs | | a href="/encyclopedia/Kennel-Club-(UK)" title="Kennel Club (UK)">KC(UK): | Pastoral | | a href="/encyclopedia/New-Zealand-Kennel-Club" title="New Zealand Kennel Club">NZKC: | Working | | a href="/encyclopedia/United-Kennel-Club" title="United Kennel Club">UKC: | Herding Dog Breeds | | | | reed standards (external links) | a href="http://www.vomhausgochi.com/Website/standard.htm" title="http://www.vomhausgochi.com/Website/standard.htm">FCI, AKC, ANKC, CKC
KC(UK), NZKC, UKC | The German Shepherd Dog (known also as the Alsatian or Schfer(hund)) is an intelligent breed of dog. Because they are eager to please, they are easily trained in obedience and protection. German Shepherd Dogs are often used as working dogs in many capacities, including search and rescue (SAR), military, police or guard dogs. They are also used as assistance dogs / service dogs (such as guide dogs), though not as much as Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. Appearance The German Sheperd is a large, strong substanstial looking dog. It varies in colour, coming in many different shades, mostly cream (tan) and brown. (A separate coat appearance, the so-called "long-haired German Shepherd," is not usually considered a recognized breed. The long hair gene is recessive. In appearance they look somewhat like the Tervueren type of Belgian Shepherd Dog. An example with pictures can be found here) Temperament 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. There are several types or lines of GSD and the behavior and conformation of each is quite different. The major lines are the international working dog, the international show dog, and the North American show dog. The working dogs are very high energy--they must be trained to do a job of some sort--and their appearance is somewhat varied. The international show dogs have less energy and a very consistent type or appearance. The North American show dogs have a markedly different type from the international dogs. Proponents of each style believe that their dogs represent the true German Shepherd Dog. Health As is common in many large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. Other health problems sometimes occuring in the breed are von Willebrand's disease and skin allergies. German Shepherds are also prone to bloat. They have an average lifespan of twelve years. History The breed was originated by Captain Max von Stephanitz in the late 1800s and early 1900s. His goal was to breed an all-purpose working dog. Capt. von Stephanitz admired the landrace herding dogs of his native Germany, and believed 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 breed would not survive unless it was put to other uses. Breed names The proper English name for the breed is German Shepherd Dog but they are usually informally referred to as GSDs or simply German Shepherds, although Alsatian also is commonly used in the UK (the reason for the alternative name is historical: during World Wars 1 and 2 Germany was out of favour in the UK and many names were translated or anglicised). Miscellaneous German Shepherds often compete and excel in obedience trials and Schutzhund competitions. German Shepherds are also often trained as police dogs, due to their trainability, size and work drive. See also
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