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Origins & History
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Description
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Temperament
* Special
note:
puppy mill temperament variances
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Rescue/adoption
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Notes for purebred buyers
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Exercise
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Grooming
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Photo
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Organizations
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Further web sites to explore
Origins
& History
A canine breed that has been
subjected to intensive breeding and development to be man's
servant, companion and guardian, the German Shepherd's
background is derived from very old breeds of farm and herding
dogs. It is said to have descended from Bronze Age wolves.
However, it truly owes its real beginnings as an outstanding breed
to the vision and dedication of Captain Max von Stephanitz, a
German Calvary officer, in the late 1880s and early 1890s.
First shown in Hanover in 1882, the parent club (Verein fur
Deutsche Schaferhunde) founded the breed officially in 1899 and
within fifteen years, the love of this breed spread rapidly in
many parts of the world.
The Kennel Club of the United
Kingdom registered this breed officially in 1919 after it was
introduced to the country by returning soldiers from WWI who had
fallen in love with the breed. For a time, it was thought
the word 'German' would affect the popularity of the breed,
bringing back unfavorable memories of the war, and it was
changed to the 'Alsatian Wolf Dog' for two reasons: 1) named
after the French-German border area of Alsace-Lorraine and 2)
Captain Stephanitz used 'Hektor' the first listing in his stud
book (Hektor was 1/4 pure wolf).
By 1926, this was the most
popular breed in Great Britain. In 1977, the name was
officially changed back to the German Shepherd Dog as its name
had not commonly been changed at all around the world outside of
Great Britain.
Currently, the German Shepherd
is ranked fourth in popularity at the AKC (2005) as well as with
the KC-UK (Kennel Club of the United Kingdom - 2005 & 2006).
Not as well known today for its
herding abilities as other breeds, the German Shepherd has
excelled at search-and-rescue work, police and military work,
bomb/drugs detection work, tracking and protection work.
It is truly a 'work of art' to see a well-bred and well-trained
German Shepherd today -- for it is said that while many breeds
can do a specific job slightly better, none 'can do it all' as
the German Shepherd can!
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Description
German Shepherds have a double
medium-length coat and can be black with tan, red, cream or
silver markings - either in the saddle-marked pattern or the
bicolor (Doberman) pattern. Others are sable with golden,
red or gray - some have black-tipped hairs. And finally
there are solid black German Shepherds. White (German)
Shepherds fell out of favor as a color throughout the years and
cannot be shown in conformation classes but may be UKC
registered (United Kennel Club) and shown as a "White
Shepherd".
The ears are usually always
alert and standing proud; both the ears and tail, which has
profuse hair, are left in their natural state (dewclaws on the
hind feet - if any - are usually removed). The Shepherd
with good breeding lines should have a full, thick coat with
luxurious 'chested' fur spreading wide and proud... there should
be a combined appearance of nobility and ruggedness at the same
time in their deep chest and has been referred to as the 'look
of eagles in their carriage and appearance'. The tail
should be carried low when relaxed (unlike the appearance given
in many other breeds), but the ears and eyes are the telltale
signs of what is going on inside that brain of theirs! It
takes a sharp (and knowledgeable) owner to pick up these slight
signs... good owners can look into their dog's eyes and know the
dog would die for them if need be.
This is a breed that 'makes few
friends' but when he does, he does so for life! He may not
'start the fight' but seldom walks away from one when provoked.
If a human, he'd be the one that 'goes daily to the gym for the
sheer fun of it' as the breed is legendary for vigor, flow in
motion and expending the least amount of effort for the greatest
amount of effect. When in full run, the well-bred German
Shepherd almost seems to levitate a few inches from the ground -
so smooth are the lines of the back combined with the even and
almost choreographed movement of legs and paws... similar to the
effect one sees in championship ice skaters during their turns
or at the ballet.
A fenced yard is a must, as is
close, consistent human contact. Isolation is a major
downfall of owners that aren't as knowledgeable as they should
be in owning a German Shepherd... this is not an 'open the back
door and let them out in the yard' or 'backyard dog' at all.
The greatest attribute of this
breed is its character - loyal, courageous, the ability to think
and retain what they have been taught without much effort at
all. Sadly, this is another breed that has suffered
greatly from negative media hype/sensationalism and the puppy
mills - both in temperament and appearance.
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Temperament
The AKC Standard refers to the
German Shepherd as having a personality that is direct and
fearless, but not hostile. There should be a certain
self-confidence and aloofness that does not lend itself to
immediate nor indiscriminate friendships. This is
NOT a breed for the novice dog owner, despite those who
fell in love with Rin Tin Tin in their youth.
For those breeding lines
developed for herding, the German Shepherd should not be gun shy
and will possess the courage to protect his flock from any attack -
be it human or animal. For those breeding lines developed
for police work, not only must he have this same degree of
courage, but a highly-developed nose as well. Those bred for
therapy or working with the blind must have a high degree of
intelligence and discrimination to order to differentiate
various levels of
judgment, observation, watchfulness and faithfulness to their
owner and task.
Temperaments from
reputable breeders (see puppy mill
variances):
There is a difference between a
dog's ability to be a "guard-dog" versus a "watch-dog". Having
said that, as a breed, this dog is a natural "guard-dog",
being more aggressive at night or when perceiving a sense of
threat, as well as being a very alert "watch-dog" all the time.
Intelligence, learning rates
and obedience are three separate issues. While one dog
breed might excel in learning rates and intelligence, their
tendencies towards obedience might not go hand in hand.
This breed is poor to very good in obedience (depending on the
individual dog) when compared to other dog
breeds. In learning rates when compared to other breeds,
this breed is EXTREMELY fast.
The same holds true in terms of
emotional stability and behavioral constancy - each varies
individually and separately as issues in each breed. In
this particular breed, they vacillate in emotional stability in
one dog, are average in another and yet in a third, would be
considered "stable" - all depending upon the individual dog.
Close observation is required of not only the puppy/adult, but
also the parents of a puppy to reach a conclusion of this issue in any
given individual. And as well, they go from varying in
behavioral constancies as a breed, to being constant - again,
depending upon the individual dog, its lines of breeding and
early socialization to develop a stable and confident
temperament.
Socializing with humans as a
family - with or without children - can vary greatly with each
dog breed. This breed can be very aloof - even with its
owner! However, this breed socializes well within a 'family'
environment once they know and trust all the members of the
'human pack'.
Unfortunately though, this breed does
not generally do well with small children and can be considered
'unsuited' to someone with small children, or who have small children
visiting unless the dog has been socialized as a pup with
children and trained well from the start. It's not
uncommon to see this dog playing for hours with children -
again, exercise and training are key factors in this occurring.
This breed is considered 'exceptionally
tolerant' of considerate and respectful older children
- however, each dog is an individual and should be regarded as
such. It can not be said strong enough that a child's
welfare and safety must be paramount in any situation - not only
for a child, but for the dog's future as well. (see
puppy mill variances)
In
terms of territoriality, this breed is high. With regard to
dominance of familiar people, this breed is average to
dominant. As for visiting strangers, this breed is reserved,
suspicious, and/or aggressive or fearful depending upon its
breeding lines (and it is bred to have these traits, so this is
normal behavior with the exception of being fearful). With other (strange)
dogs, this breed tends to be very submissive to very dominant -
again,
depending upon the breeding lines, the sex of the strange dog
and the individual dog itself.
It should
be said that in regards to dominance and territorial factors,
there are two almost separate lines of German Shepherds - 'show'
dogs and 'working' dogs. 'Working' shepherd breeding lines
tend to be more dominant and territorial - they can attempt
(without the proper early training and socialization) be food
aggressive and guarding their resting place even from owners.
'Show' shepherds tend to be less territorial and dominant
overall, but can be somewhat dominant towards others of their
own sex and breed.
Well-bred
Shepherds from reputable breeders should easily be able to
retain their training, exhibit high levels of intelligence (even
from an early age) and display patience, faithful watchfulness
and degrees of judgment. You can almost see the 'brain ticking' in a well-bred German Shepherd as
they are faced with a problem or new situation... a confidence
to handle the task they have already been trained for... an
understanding that they have failed in something but the
immediate desire to 'do better' the next time.
Rankings for:
-- Stress when left alone: Can become a chronic 'whiner' if
not properly trained, exercised and socialized at an early age;
poor breeding or 'pet-shop/puppy mill' varieties can easily
exhibit destructive behaviors - almost in an angry or highly
mischievous fashion (especially the 'one-person' type German
Shepherds)
-- Used for personal protection: Very high and will not
back down if owner or property is threatened
-- Used as a guard dog: High
-- Barking: Barks only with a cause
-- Level of aggressiveness: There is a difference between
aggressiveness and assertiveness - a well-bred German Shepherd
should should show assertiveness without aggressiveness (unless
ordered to do so by their owner, as in attack training).
-- Child friendly: Greatly depends on breeding lines,
socialization and reputable breeders
-- Socializing with other animals: Depends on whether the
breeding lines are for show or for working (see below under
Notes for purebred buyers)
(Special note:
Personality traits as listed above are not only genetic ones,
but are formed by time left with the mother, size of litter,
growing environment - and sadly - treatment by humans.
There are exceptions to every rule and these rankings are given
as a suggestion only to be used in your decision after careful
research and observation of your potential new canine member).
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Temperaments for
puppy mill German Shepherds:
-- Medium to very high regarding indoor activity
(instead of simply high); there can be an restlessness indoors,
an almost inability to 'settle down' or 'stay put' in any one
place for long
-- Low to high in behavioral constancy (instead of medium to
high)
-- Medium to very high in territorial issues
(instead of high only)
-- Very low to high in emotional stability
(instead of high only)
-- A tendency towards nervousness, fear-biting and downright
aggression
-- Very low to medium in sociability within the
family (instead of medium)
-- Dominance to strange dogs and familiar people is a complete
'crap shoot' in a puppy mill German Shepherd as it can range
from very low to very high (instead of the norm for the breed
which is high dominance to strange dogs and medium towards
familiar people)
-- For those bred for attack work, greater degree of challenging
and/or turning on their owners unpredictably
-- Greater (and major) health issues (many not developing until
well past the puppy stage)
-- Heartbreak and high economical factors (extra training and/or
vet bills) for the owner
-- Distressing for this magnificent breed is what puppy millers
have done to two of the most endearing qualities in the German
Shepherd: 1) its sociability with children which can range from
very low to very high (the norm is very high) and
2) its learning aspects in obedience and problem solving
(obedience levels drop in ranges from low to high instead of
simply high in well bred dogs, problem solving drops to ranges
from medium to high instead of very high as in well bred dogs).
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Rescue/Adoption
This is one breed that truly
suffers when found in rescue or at a shelter. In a shelter
housed with various other dogs and breeds - especially in small
"kennelized" facilities, their breeding tends to have them
almost 'claim' their kennel run as 'their' territory.
They'll appear watchful and even more aloof as they observe
prospective adopters parading up and down in from of the kennel.
Unless 'drop-eared' (a sign of poor breeding), the ears should
be alert and the tail level to slightly upwards when approached.
This is not one of those 'tie a dust rag to their tail so that
energy goes to good use' kinds of dogs!
German Shepherds just don't
'show well' in shelters... the environment goes against all the
noble attributes in the breed. A 'cowering' German
Shepherd can go both ways - towards being an unexpected fear
biter - or can have been abused by an ignorant human. If
you're considering adopting a shelter German Shepherd, TAKE THE
TIME to observe them in a fenced yard with a staff member who is
familiar with the dog... ASK and request this to occur at the
shelter (most shelters will accommodate you with this simple
request - if not, then you are adopting from the wrong shelter).
This is about the closest you will get to understanding the
temperament of the dog you might adopt. Even then, until
the dog knows what is 'his' area to be watchful over in
your home and what your expectations of him are, it will take
time for the adjustment to be successful.
In the rescue environment,
(generally) the German Shepherd tends to be a bit more like
itself in nature. You will find they still are not showing
their 'best colors' - especially if it is a large rescue
operation with many dogs. Your best bet is to adopt from a
rescue organization that has great experience with this type of
breed - a 'breed specific' rescue organization is truly 'buying
insurance' for a successful adoption. Rescue people tend
to rescue only those dogs which they believe and feel are
'adoptable' - "lost causes" and major problems that are 'untrainable'
usually don't show up in rescue. Most German Shepherd
rescue organizations have wide experience in what to expect -
and what to look out for - as well as great degrees of training
and knowledge of the breed.
Rescue and adoption of this
breed can be VERY successful if YOU have done your research and
homework PRIOR to making the commitment.
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Notes for purebred buyers
For any purebred German Shepherd puppy, both parents should have
OFA certificates (hips and elbows) and be screened for cardiac
problems as all three disorders are genetic issues. There is
no reason the certificates and test results would not
be available for your inspection if you are dealing with a
reputable breeder.
Common health issues are
allergies, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders and digestive
upsets - make sure to ask about all of these BEFORE you consider
purchasing a purebred. It shouldn't stop you from having a
German Shepherd, but it something to consider and be aware of.
Always attempt to see
both parents to get an idea of what you can expect to
see later once your puppy is growing - this is no guarantee but
should help in weeding out 'backyard breeders' and puppy mill
disasters. Most reputable German Shepherd breeders are
quite proud of their efforts and won't be offended if you ask
these questions - they'll be impressed you care that much about
these issues! If they are offended or don't have test
results or answers? Pass on the litter and find another
more reputable breeder.
'Show lines' and 'working
lines' will be different both in appearance and temperament.
Do your homework and research - determine AHEAD of time what
fits your lifestyle and temperament best - before you seriously
consider buying a purebred German Shepherd (puppy or adult) for
they can easily range from a Schutzhund dog, competition dog,
show dog or simply a couch potato!
Health and temperament issues
abound in this breed (along with other dog breeds that have been
ruined by irresponsible breeders and the puppy millers) - this
is a dog breed that you can easily get very invested in (both
time, financially and emotionally) so 'buy insurance' ahead of
time by making sure this choice is a good one in all aspects.
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Exercise
The German Shepherd absolutely
requires brisk walking every day and all-out running as often as
possible. It is a breed that was bred to have a job - when
this is denied the breed, unwelcome traits begin to emerge...
and exercise lessens the behavioral issues that develop.
This breed can learn to do anything and excels at just about
anything it is trained to do.
As important as physical
exercise is to this breed, the same degree of mental exercise is
required to keep the dog 'balanced'. Anything will work -
advanced obedience, agility, Schutzhund, tracking, herding -
even fetching sticks, jogging with you or aside of you on a
bike, 'Fly-ball' or catching Frisbees. And you don't need a
trainer (necessarily) to train both you and the dog at the more
mundane levels - although some of these disciplines can only be
taught by a trainer, there is a wide variety of resources
available today (the library, the Internet, books at a pet
store, etc.) to show anyone how to 'mentally work' the dog at
the lower levels so it is happy and contented. "I can't
afford to train my German Shepherd" is an irresponsible excuse
for an owner and a strong indication that maybe they shouldn't be allowed to
own this dog
breed. But this dog MUST be exercised - and MUST be
trained.
Some German Shepherds have a
greater sense of their inherited predatory drive and have been
know to kill cats on sight (especially those that are 'out of
control' or not managed well by their owners). Others get
along well with cats. If you've trained this dog properly,
it should alert on any cat or small animal it sees, but not
charge unless directed by you to do so while exercising (or on
their twice daily walk) with you.
A breed that can adapt itself
to either a city or rural environment - as long as properly
exercised and trained - the German Shepherd is not for the
novice owner or 'couch potato'.
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Grooming
German Shepherds shed all year
long - and very heavy twice a year (spring and fall) when a comb
and 'rake' grooming tool come in handy! Some almost 'blow
their coats' in fact, similar to a Malamute or Husky in fact,
and this shedding last several weeks when it occurs. Some
females 'blow their coats' during pregnancy and nursing,
especially if the litter is too large. Even when brushing
twice a day, the dog will still shed to the point if you spun
dog hair, you'd feel you could knit several coats yourself a
year! This is NOT the dog breed for a fanatical
housekeeper.
Every German Shepherd should be
brushed once or twice a day to control the shedding and keep the
coat and skin healthy and shiny. Some owners favor adding
a very small amount of olive oil to their kibble to keep a
shinier appearance to the coat. If your Shepherd loves to
swim in the pool all the time, high chlorine levels can somewhat
dull the overall appearance of the coat. A bath every week or so
generally keeps down that 'wet doggy' smell we all love (not!).
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Photo
(Images, courtesy of
Wikipedia under the GNU
licensing terms)
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Organizations
associated with this breed:
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Other
web sites to visit:
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Breed: the German
Shepherd Dog 