German Shepherds that are too shy or too aggressive could indicate a poor breeding history.
Used by police and military forces around the world, and with a loyal following among dog aficionados, the German Shepherd Dog, or GSD, is a prime example of a breed that is a jack-of-all-trades and master of most. These animals make superb guide dogs for people with disabilities. With proper training, GSDs are great family dogs, especially for active families that enjoy spending time outdoors.
History
The GSD was first recognized as a breed in 1899 at Karlsruhe, Germany, and was derived from herding and farm dogs. Max von Stephanitz is credited for much of the initial work in developing the dog breed. He wanted to transform German herding dog genetics into the genetics of a working dog that would excel at a larger variety of tasks.
Physical Description
The German Shepherd is a fairly large, well-muscled dog that is not so bulky that it loses any of its superb agility. Ideal male height at the shoulder blade is 24 to 26 inches and 22 to 24 inches for females. This breed can be seen in a large variety of colors, though a darker color that resembles a saddle on the back and lighter color elsewhere is a common configuration. According to the American Kennel Club, a white coat disqualifies a GSD from consideration as a purebred.
Gait
With help from the genetics of its wolf ancestors, the German Shepherd is a superb trotting dog with plenty of endurance for long, relatively fast journeys. A multi-talented breed such as the GSD must be skilled at every gait, since it may have to use these gaits during the various tasks it is requested to perform.
Temperament
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent dogs that display an alert and fearless demeanor. They have a protective nature, so once they have bonded with a person or group of people, these dogs can be hostile to strangers. Proper canine training is essential for families who own these dogs when the family members invite unfamiliar guests to their home on a regular basis. The dog is an approachable, poised animal that rarely acts aggressively unless it senses a threat, which makes behavioral training easier than with a more emotional breed.
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