German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherd Dogs have varying personalities. They often make good-natured pets, with some being calm and watchful/observant and others being more energetic. Common traits of the breed are intelligence and alertness, their behavioral strengths are often reflected in their use as service dogs for law enforcement, search and rescue, and disability assistance dogs. These traits mean that pet German Shepherds, including those who just have German Shepherd as part of their background, benefit from physical and mental stimulation. They are known to be ready and eager to learn and respond well to reward-based training of obedience concepts, these, also, help to strengthen their bonding with their family.

German Shepherd Dog History:

The modern day German Shepherd breed is a cross of the long-haired, short-haired and wire-haired shepherd dogs of the German regions of Württemberg, Thuringia and Bavaria. They were initially bred for herding, due to their strength, intelligence and excellent temperament. However they became popular as guard dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, police dogs and military dogs.

Max Emil Von Stephanitz looked to protect and refine the breed at the end of the 19th Century. During World Wars I and II German Shepherds were used as German police and military dogs. Allied soldiers during World War I took notice of the Shepherd’s use as messenger dogs or search and rescue dogs as they were very good at locating wounded soldiers. Some soldiers introduced the breed to their home countries, the popularity of the German Shepherd took off. They are currently one of the most popular breeds in the world.