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Herding breeds: German Shepherd Dog
Origin
The German Shepherd Dog, or GSD, was developed in Germany in the 1880s as a herder. The German Shepherd Dog was once known as the Alsatian, and was created from crossings of unknown farm dogs. In 1899, Max von Stephanitz and Artur Meyer attended one of the earliest dog shows for all breeds ever held in Germany. On that day, von Stephanitz purchased a herding dog he viewed at the show, and he and Meyer decided to form the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde, S.V. Max von Stephanitz was the organization's first president, and until his death in 1936 remained so. The Verein became a catalyst in the canine world and the largest specialty club, with 50,000 members and more than 600 affiliated clubs.
The Verein and its president held a very strict code when it came to breeding German Shepherd Dogs. They were very careful that all who bred were held to the code of "utility and intelligence."
Although the German Shepherd Dog was originally intended to be a herding dog, von Stephanitz acknowledged the significance of expanding the breed's usefulness in other directions. He convinced the government to use the GSD in police and military work. GSDs went on to become the first dogs used as guide dogs for the blind. In Germany, the dog was used as a military dog during each of the wars.
One of the more famous GSDs, Rin Tin Tin, was actually a dog that was brought to America after World War I by a soldier named Larry Baker.
General description
Height: 22-26 inches
Weight: 60-110 pounds
Color: Black, black and tan, golden or gray with black.
Grooming requirements
The German Shepherd requires daily exercise, regular brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming. You will need a coat rake and a shedding blade for this breed, as well as a metal comb for the thick coated dogs of this breed. Brushing this breed will substantially cut down on its shedding. When a GSD sheds coat, you could easily create enough fur pillows for your neighborhood. You will need to be especially attentive to their grooming needs at this time. If you let the clumps of fur build and hang off their bodies, the coat and skin underneath cannot breathe, and therefore suffocates. This can cause bald spots and rashes. Be sure to be very aware of your GSD's grooming needs while they are blowing coat.
Health considerations
Hip dysplasia, congenital heart problems, von Willebrand's disease, bloat, IGA (immune system deficiency), and Panosteitis, a serious inflammation of the long bones, which is more prevalent in GSD's than in any other breed.
Breed characteristics and personality
A fenced-in, secluded yard is highly recommended as German Shepherd Dogs are very territorial. It is considered the best guard dog in the world and is in demand for use in military and police operations. It is forceful and positive in manner, with strength and courage. It has a direct and fearless gaze, and is highly regarded as a companion, protector, and friend. The ideal dog is nimble and fit with a self-confident but somewhat aloof air.
The German Shepherd dog has some potential behavioral problems such as timidity, fear biting, nervous, territorial, aggressive, dominant, guarding, excitable, separation anxiety, uncontrolled whining. Thus early socialization and obedience training are highly recommended.
Uses
This is one of the most versatile dogs. It has been used as a guide dog, in bomb detection, protection, sled dog, working dog, police dog, military dog, narcotics, companion dog, etc.
Web links
AKC German Shepherd Dog page
The German Shepherd Dog Club of America
German Shepherd Dog Club of Los Angeles
German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria Inc.
The German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Eugene
German Shepherd Dogs Australia
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