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Old World German Shepherd Dog

History

The German Shepherd breed was invented by “Captain Max” von Stephanitz in 1899. His first German Shepherd, named Horand von Grafrath, is the genetic basis for the German Shepherd as we know it today.

The German Shepherd was originally conceived as a sheep-herding dog, hence its name. Throughout the years, the specific working drives of tracking, obedience, and protection have been intentionally highlighted in the breed by selective breeding, making German Shepherds very well-suited for active working environments.

The breed was advanced in the United States by the renowned dog breeder and judge, Geraldine R. Dodge, who invited Rin Tin Tin to her prestigious Morris and Essex Dog Show in 1929 and wrote a book about the breed.

German Shepherds first came to the attention of the British authorities at the beginning of the 20th century where they were already being used extensively by German forces on the Western front during the first world war. German Shepherds were used commonly by the Germans during the time of World War I.

About Gold world German Shepherds

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) was originally bred for herding sheep. Various names for this dog include Alsatian — which originated out of Anti-German sentiment during WWI — and simply old world German Shepherd.

They can be found working as guide dogs for the blind or disabled, police work, guarding, search and rescue, therapy and in the military. Despite their suitability for such work, these dogs make loyal, gentle and loving pets inside the home.

They have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

Temperament
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and agile dogs, with a strong work drive with a personality marked by direct, fearless willingness to protect what it considers its “den” — a house, car, and property in a home situation — and “pack” — such as the human family in a home situation.

They are poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as a companion, watchdog, guide dog for the blind, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances demand.

German Shepherds enjoy being around people and other animals. Socialization is critical for young puppies in order to prevent aggressive behavior as an adult. Proper socialization as a puppy and their genetics go hand-in-hand as the key factors which determine what a dog’s temperament will be as an adult. A dog with certain genetics cannot be trained to be stable and friendly, and the genetics most fit for training are meaningless if the dog is not well-socialized as a puppy.

The ideal German Shepherd should be alert and fearless in defense of its den and pack, but loving and non-aggressive within the home environment.

Appearance
Exact standards for the breed vary by country and organization, but the following criteria are generally part of the definition.

The German Shepherd Dog is a large and strong dog with a muscular body, generally between 65 to 95 pounds (30 to 43 kilos), but have been known to reach more than 110 pounds (50 kilos). Typical height for males is 24 to 26 inches (60 - 65 centimeters) and females 22 to 24 inches (55 - 60 centimeters).

The fur is a double-coat (under coat and outer coat). While some organizations accept long-haired German Shepherds, short-haired dogs are typically and historically preferred.

German Shepherds are easily identifiable by their large head, ears which stand straight up, wedge-shaped muzzle and compact legs, with a very a distinctive gait. The ears do not stand erect until several weeks or months of age, and go through phases of both-ears-down, and one-ear-up, up to that age.

Their jaw strength ranges from 250 to1200 pounds (113 to 545 kilos), the strongest of any domestic dog.