VA1 2001/2002 Yasko vom Farbenspiel SCHH3 Kkl 1

Introduction

A protective, loyal, intelligent, hard-working breed, the German Shepherd will guard your home and do whatever it takes to make you happy. In exchange, all a German Shepherd will ask for is love and appropriate leadership. However, German Shepherds are happiest if they have a job to do, even if it's just making sure the kids don't run out of the yard.


Breed History

German Cavalry Captain Max von Stephanitz founded the German Shepherd Dog breed in the late 1800's from existing types of German herding dogs. He sought to establish a versatile, intelligent herding dog that could also be used for purposes other than herding and guarding livestock. He was looking for a dog that was noble, intelligent, strong, and able to do a variety of jobs. Nowadays, most German Shepherds trace their lineage back to the foundation stud purchased by von Stephanitz, Horand von Grafrath.

The German Shepherd Dog is also known as the Alsatian or Alsatian Wolfdog, terms that were introduced in England during World War I, because anti-German sentiment spread quickly as the war began. English fanciers did not want their dogs thrown into the fray simply because the breed had the word German in it, and changed the name. The term Alsatian is still commonly used in the United Kingdom today.

During World War I, the German Shepherd Dog proved its worth in a variety of ways. German Shepherds served as messenger dogs carrying messages across the lines, search dogs finding wounded soldiers on the battlefield, and guard dogs protecting rear areas. The breed became popular both with the general German population, as well as with servicemen from other countries who often brought them home after the war.

After World War I, German Shepherds served as the very first breed to guide the blind. The original guide dog program was started in Germany as a way to aid blinded World War I veterans return to society.

Today, German Shepherds are still widely used in this function, as well as in other functions they filled during World War I. The Shepherd became, after the war, the number one choice for law enforcement agencies, the armed forces, and a variety of other service uses. In the United States, some people who don't know the breed by name, may refer to them as "police dogs" or "K-9 dogs" as if that were their breed name.


Physical Description


The German Shepherd dog is a dog of medium build. Bitches (female dogs) should be between 22 and 24 inches at the withers; males between 24 and 26.

The dog should be of flowing lines, with wide-set erect ears, a keen expression, a strong head, and muscular hind and forequarters. They should be lean and well muscled and able to perform the task they were originally bred for - herding.

The German Shepherd's fur is a double coat, with a harsh, dense outer coat that protects the dog from the elements, and a wooly undercoat. The black and tan "saddle" pattern is the most recognizable coloring of the German Shepherd, however, they come in many different colors. Richer colors are preferred, and the breed standard stipulates that the dogs' nose must be solid black and that the eyes should be as dark as possible.

Two-toned dogs can be black and red, black and tan, black and cream, blue and tan, or liver and tan. Solid colors may be solid black, solid white, or any of the dilute colors such as liver, blue and cream. Additionally, German Shepherds are also seen in sable, or agouti coloring, which is more common among working lines, and a pie-bald coloring caused by a genetic mutation that is referred to as panda coloring. Under the current breed standard, not all colors are allowed to be shown in conformation (in the show ring): dilute colors such as blue and liver, as well as solid white dogs are considered disqualified under the standard. One should note that these dilute colors are not considered "rare" colors and are only described as such by people wanting to ask unreasonable prices for puppies based on their "unusual" coloring.

Solid white dogs, also referred to as White German Shepherds, or WGSD, may be shown in separate events of White GSD Clubs and organizations. Overseas, White German Shepherds are also known as Berger Blanc Suisse, or White Swiss Shepherds, and are recognized by the FCI and UKC as a breed separate from the German Shepherd Dog.

Click here to see the different patterns of the German Shepherd
Click here to see the different colors of the German Shepherds

Purchasing a German Shepherd

When purchasing a German Shepherd, go to a reputable breeder! This is certainly not a breed that should be purchased from a pet store or back yard breeder.

Some of the things you will want to ask your breeder is whether the parents have health tests - OFA on their hips and elbows, as well as CERF. Ask to see them. Ask whether the parents are titled - working titles in Schutzhund are almost a prerequisite to any proper breeding, and give a good idea of the temperaments, working drives, and abilities that the pups from this litter are genetically predisposed to. Ask to meet the parents, and see whether they and any offspring are listed on the Pedigree Database. Check the titles of the dogs within the pedigree. Ask if any pups from this breeder have been reported to have serious health problems, such as hip dysplasia.

Indicators of a bad breeder are the following: misspelled breed name in the advertisement or kennel website; a claim to breed "old fashioned, large" dogs; breeding for disqualified colors such as blues or livers; doesn't know what OFA or CERF means; has no contact with any previous puppy buyers; offers no health guarantees; will not let you meet the parents of your pup before purchase; has no titles on any of their breeding stock.

Ask about a guarantee. While guarantees are offered (if not, r-u-n!), sometimes the fine print is overlooked. Make sure your guarantee, which should offer a replacement dog for major health problems, does NOT require you to return your dog to the breeder, for a replacement or a refund. Sadly, the fine print may offer you a refund or a replacement only if you return the dog, with whom you have bonded, and you will be informed that the returned dog will be euthanized. This is not a reputable guarantee, and doing business with a seller who has these requirements can result in heartbreak.

Do your homework before making a purchase. Ask to meet the dam of the litter, for she will have a major influence on her pups temperament.


American Kennel Club (AKC) Category