The German shepherd dog, commonly abbreviated as German shepherd, sometimes also called Alsatian dog, wolf dog and police dog ..

Average life: 9–13 years

Origin: Germany

Temperament: Obedient, Intelligent, Curious, Alert, Loyal, Confident, Watchful, Courageous

Weight: Male: 30–40 kg, Female: 22–32 kg

Height: Male: 60–65 cm, Female: 55–60 cm

Colors: Black, Focato Black, Black Tips, Red and black, Gray, Black and silver

The German shepherd dog, commonly abbreviated as German shepherd, sometimes also called Alsatian dog, wolf dog and police dog, according to the FCI cynological classification, meets the standard nr. 166 / 10.08.2010-D (D = Germany); belongs to the 1st group of dog breeds (sheep and cattle dogs) with reference to section 1, shepherd dogs with working patent and used as a utility, defense and multiple use dog.

The first historically recognized German shepherd dog was in 1899 Hektor von Linksrhein, a canine specimen of over four years of age registered in the breeding book of the newly formed association for the German shepherd dog (S.V.) with the abbreviation S.Z. 001 (Schäferhund Zuchtbuch 001).

However, the name that appeared on the register of the breeding was Horand von Grafrath, referring to the kennel affix of its owner. The association for the German Shepherd Dog (S.V.) took shape on the occasion of the first meeting of the founding members held in Augsburg on 23-24 April 1899 with the approval of the V.D.H. (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen).

Horand's characteristic qualities and the morphological qualities idealized by the pioneers of the canine association, sought after among the varieties of shepherd dog already present in the various zonal districts belonging to the entire Germanic territory, which had matured a certain typological identity, considered the more suitable for the purpose. From his breeding activity the straightness on which a systematic selection was made, aimed at fixing certain breed parameters in the new generations of canine specimens began to take shape.

The need to draw up a standard soon became necessary, therefore at the first indications advanced by captain von Stephanitz (first SV president) and by secretary A. Mayer on the occasion of the first general meeting of the members held in Frankfurt am Main on 20 September 1899 the amendments resulting from the sixth general meeting of SV members were implemented

From the results obtained, in fact, on July 28, 1901 the first standard of the German shepherd dog was made up of eleven points; the official document from which a regulated breeding activity was created. Over time, various changes followed the highlights of the standard (see standard historical notes of the German shepherd dog) dictated by the kinotechnical needs that were determined by the exhibition findings that culminated annually on the occasion of the German championship for the breeding of the German shepherd dog ( BSZS). To protect the "regulated" production of kinetics, an aptitude check was added to the registration in the breeding book (S.Z.).

In 1921, by Herr Otto Kämpfedel, head of the register for the breeding of P.T. (Zuchtbuchführer), the Körschein was introduced, a document certifying the effective character and morphological suitability of the canine subject registered in the Zuchtbuch (essential requirement) if intended for reproductive purposes. The need to introduce further legislation became necessary as a result of the growing production of canine specimens, which very often ignored the most obvious precautions provided for by the company directives on breeding. In this particular context, unscrupulous "dog traders" were inserted, who with their unorthodox and misleading behavior contributed significantly to inflationary racial production, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The S.V. she was forced to take the appropriate regulatory countermeasures aimed at preserving and even raising the specific breed requirements so as to eliminate the sinister commercial initiatives, induced by a high demand for specimens by the increasingly numerous breed admirers.

Smart and easy to train, the ever popular German Shepherd is a rather active dog who loves to be engaged in some activity. So he has to move a lot every day, otherwise he becomes spiteful and short-tempered.

To avoid overly aggressive and protective behavior, the German Shepherd dog must be socialized and trained to obey as a puppy.

The maximum height reached is about 65 cm, the weight about 41 kg.

He is a well proportioned dog. The head is broad and tapers gracefully into the sharp muzzle. The ears are quite large and erect. The back is linear and muscular and the tail is thick and forms a downward curvature. The coat is thick and rough and can be black, black with reddish-brown, brown, yellow to light gray markings. The hair must be hard and of medium length, however there are many specimens with long hair.

Life expectancy is around 10-12 years.

Personality:
The German Shepherd gets along well with children and other pets if raised together with them, but, due to his protective instinct, he can be wary of strangers.

The breed is considered intelligent and easy to train.

Some specimens derived from crossbreeds between dogs with poor characteristics can be short-tempered and nervous. This, combined with poor socialization and inadequate training, can lead to the risk of too cautious and aggressive behavior.

Domestic partnership:
Being a large and powerful dog, with a strong guardian instinct, the German Shepherd must be purchased from reliable breeders. In fact, the less pure specimens are usually nervous dogs.

To avoid overly aggressive and protective behavior, this dog must be well socialized and trained to obey as a puppy. He must live with his family and always be controlled when other people or pets are around; it should not be confined in a playpen or in a garden, either alone or with other dogs.

The German Shepherd is an active dog who loves to be engaged in some activity. He has to move a lot every day, otherwise he becomes spiteful and short-tempered.

The considerable moult takes place twice a year, but in other periods it constantly loses less hair. To control hair loss and keep the coat in good condition, it must be brushed several times a week.

History:
The origins of the German Shepherd breed derive, as the name indicates, from Germany. They were developed in the late 1800s by crossing several herd dogs. The breed was then subjected to rigorous selection and developed rapidly. In the United Kingdom, these dogs are known as Alsacians because fans of this breed wanted to protect them from the anti-German fanaticisms that emerged after the Second World War.

The German Shepherd was introduced to the United States by soldiers upon returning home from the First World War. The breed became known to the public thanks to the movie stars Strongheart and, later, Rin Tin Tin. In the Second World War it was chosen as a military race. The first guide dogs were exemplary of this breed. Today in the United States they are among the most popular dogs. In 1999, the German Shepherd was ranked third in the list of the 50 most popular breeds drawn up by the American Kennel Club.

The German Shepherd is a herd dog known for his courage, his loyalty and his defense instinct. This dog excels as a defense dog, police dog, military dog, guide dog for the blind and missing search dog. For many families, the German Shepherd is also a valuable pet.

The German Shepherd is simply one of the most famous and important dogs in the world, but it is not only this: let's discover all its characteristics.

The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog. Agile, well proportioned and medium-haired, it is not only beautiful to look at. His balanced character and his absolute loyalty to the owner have made him one of the most loved and popular breeds in the last 2 centuries.

We used to call this breed of dog by the name of German Shepherd. In reality the real name recognized is German Shepherd Dog, just to distinguish it from human German shepherds who used this dog breed to keep the flock at bay.

Many persist in calling these dogs also "wolf dog". And maybe they might have some connection with wolves, but no less or more than the other dogs. According to the latest studies, many breeds of dogs have a descent in common with wolves but this is very old and the character similarities have been lost over time. Certainly the German Shepherd of the past is not like what we know today. This is thanks to Captain Max Von Stephaniz who perfected the breed through repeated controlled crossings.

It was once also known as the Alsatian Shepherd. This is because, during the First World War, Americans preferred to avoid the term "German". Obviously the name fell out of use after the war and now few people call this dog.

The German Shepherd is a large breed dog, has a lean but muscular build. The coat is often black with brownish red markings. The ears are triangular and always raised, the almond-shaped eyes are hazel or black in color.

German Shepherd: curiosity
Here are some curiosities about the German shepherd that not everyone knows:

The first German Shepherd dog was called Hektor Linksrhein and was purchased by Captain Von Stephaniza from a breeder from Frankfurt. All German Shepherd dogs that exist today descend from Hektor.
The first in the history of cinema was Strongheart, who starred in 6 silent films, including "White Fang", before he died of cancer in 1929. His imprint is on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame".
Many are considered heroes. One of the most famous is Filax who was awarded for rescuing 54 wounded soldiers in the First World War.
The most famous club for German Shepherd dog enthusiasts has created a section reserved only for German Shepherds who are over 12 years old.
Although the most widespread German Shepherd breed has a black and brown or black or white coat, there are 11 recognized colors for this breed.

German Shepherd: price and breeding
Raising a German Shepherd dog is not a walk. You should be wary of the ads searched on the internet and dog traders who post litters on the classifieds sites. Always visit several ENCI / FCI recognized breeding farms because the price of a German Shepherd puppy can range from 1,000 to 1,500 euros.

This is because the care and maintenance entail many expenses for the breeder. Those who want to buy a German Shepherd dog must also consider the costs after the initial purchase, to have a pet that is always healthy and happy.

One of the most recognized nationally and internationally is the Casa Falcone German Shepherd Breeding which every year achieves important results on puppies and puppies at their breeding aimed at the German Shepherd adhering to the breed standard, both from a morphological and character.

German Shepherd: relationship with other dogs
One of the weaknesses of this breed of dogs is the medium-high tendency to be aggressive with other dogs. Especially in the male with the onset of sexual maturity. This tendency can be smoothed out by working on the German Shepherd when he is still a puppy.

One must often take a walk to show him other breeds of dogs and become familiar with his fellow men. During the walk, if the German shepherd tends to attack other dogs, he must not be allowed. Instead, it must be reinforced when ignoring other dogs.