All the credit for the development of this highly intelligent, loyal and obedient breed goes to Max von Stephanitz. It was exclusively his idea that fused a great range of sheep herding dogs into one single breed. He envisaged a dog of principled character, wise working ability, faithful and extensively trainable. Shepherd dogs used to be the true working dogs during 18th and 19th centuries. In Germany, the shepherds used their dogs to guide their group of sheep or domestic animals. These dogs did not have any particular origin. For those dogs, the only necessity was their working ability, but not their looks.
During late 19th century a movement initiated in the process of guiding sheep, which was led by Captain von Stephanitz with an idea to establish his organization, Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde for breeding dogs combining both talents and looks. In his breeding technique, although the primary emphasis was given on improving the working efficiency, Max von Stephanitz also put his effort to improve beauty of the German Shepherd.
One of the early problems involved in the timeline of the development of the German Shepherd was when there was an apparent decline in the demand of shepherd dogs. By that time, it was again von Stephanitz who trained the German Shepherd as a police dog, which turned out to be a great source of service to mankind in general. During late 19th century and early 20th century increasing number of dog shows led the breeders to consider both the appearance and the efficiency of their dogs equally.
In 1899, with the persistent guidance of von Stephanitz, the concept of the modern German Shepherd took its place in reality with the establishment of Verein. During the First World War, England discovered the German Shepherd and brought this dog under the name of Alsatian home. By that time the overall control of all breeding in Germany was done by Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde. In the post Word War II phase, Germany was destroyed and in ruins, so was the breeding organization as well as the breeding policy. It was typically assumed that the best German Shepherd was bred in North America during that phase.
During late 19th century, von Stephanitz implemented his extensive knowledge, expertise and breeding experience into new experimentations. He adopted different concepts used in the German Shepherd breeding techniques advocated in England during that period. In 1899, von Stephanitz purchased Horand von Grafrath while he was attended a dog show. Horand was awarded as the first registered German Shepherd in the studbook. It was the great range of qualities of this breed that made Captain von Stephanitz so elated.
Horand, a medium sized dog, was the symbol of the perfect combination of vivacity and physical activity. His beautiful lines all over the body made his very attractive. A dog of obedience, bravery, defense and energy was extensively admired for its mental alertness. The perfect blend of these exquisite qualities and boldness are all that made the German Shepherd so valuable worldwide. In today’s world, imported German Shepherds are in high demand for their outstanding sense of smell, excellence in obedience, sound temperament and brilliant physical structure and working efficiency.
The German Shepherd is the perfect combination of action and elegance. It is widely accepted for its obedience, physical activity and working ability. This article offers all the basic German Shepherd information including its history.
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