GERMAN SHEPERD

The German Shepherd Dog (Alsatian) is probably the most popular breed of dog in the World, this is a breed which inspires exceptional loyalty amongst his devotees; he excels at working for the police and military, guarding, obedience, tracking, guiding and absolute loyalty. His use as a dog in war time has been extensive - in 2003 350 dogs, GSDs and Malinois, were trained for work with the American military, both as sniffer dogs to find explosives and attack dogs. In World War 1 48,000 German shepherd Dogs were used by the German army to undertake a whole range of tasks from sentry duty to hospital dogs and messengers. Since then they have been used through out the World by many armies in areas of conflict.
The German Shepherd Dog was created at the end of the 19th century by Rittmeister Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry captain who together with a group of like-minded enthusiasts worked to bring the breed to a position of respect. As their use for herding was diminishing von Stephanitz promoted their use within the police and military where they have been outstandingly successful.
They are of medium size, up to 25" and weighing as much as 43kg which makes them a powerful dog, and having been bred for bravery it is essential that the German Shepherd Dog temperament is outstanding. In 1901 German specialists keen to protect the best qualities of the breed introduced the Schutzhund Test to ensure that dogs were of correct temperament.
"The tracking phase includes a temperament test by the overseeing judge to assure the dog's mental soundness. When approached closely on a loose leash, the dog should not act shyly or aggressively. The track is laid earlier by a person walking normally on a natural surface such as dirt or grass. The track includes a number of turns and a number of small, man-made objects left by this person on the track itself. At the end of a 30-foot leash, the handler follows the dog, which is expected to scent the track and indicate the location of the objects, usually by lying down with it between its front paws. The tracking phase is intended to test the dog's trainability and ability to scent, as well as its mental and physical endurance.
The obedience phase includes a series of heeling exercises, some of which are closely in and around a group of people. During the heeling, there is a gun shot test to assure that the dog does not openly react to such sharp noises. There is also a series of field exercises in which the dog is commanded to sit, lie down, and stand while the handler continues to move. From these various positions, the dog is recalled to the handler. With dumbbells of various weights, the dog is required to retrieve on a flat surface, over a one-meter hurdle, and over a six-foot slanted wall. The dog is also asked to run in a straight direction from its handler on command and lie down on a second command. Finally, each dog is expected to stay in a lying down position away from its handler, despite distractions, at the other end of the obedience field, while another dog completes the above exercises. All of the obedience exercises are tests of the dog's temperament, structural efficiencies, and, very importantly, its willingness to serve man or woman.
The protection phase tests the dog's courage, physical strength and agility. The handler's control of the dog is absolutely essential. The exercises include a search of hiding places, finding a hidden person (acting as a human decoy), and guarding that decoy while the handler approaches. The dog is expected to pursue the decoy when an escape is attempted and to hold the grip firmly. The decoy is searched and transported to the judge with the handler and dog walking behind and later at the decoy's right side. When the decoy attempts to attack the handler, the dog is expected to stop the attack with a firm grip and no hesitation.
The final test of courage occurs when the decoy is asked to come out of a hiding place by the dog's handler from the opposite end of the trial field. The dog is sent as the decoy runs toward the dog and handler. The decoy runs directly at the dog, threatening the dog with a stick. All bites during the protection phase are expected to be firmly place on the padded sleeve and stopped on command and/or when the decoy discontinues the fight. The protection tests are intended to assure that the dog is neither a coward nor a criminal menace."
German Shepherd Dog Breed Clubs in the UK have their own type of temperament tests, and before buying a puppy it is advisable to enquire about the puppy's parents and relatives, and certainly see at least the mother. It is wisest to buy from a specialist breeder who will have good knowledge of the dogs behind the puppy.
Although all German Shepherd Dogs conform to The Kennel Club Breed Standard there is a strong variation in type between the "British" and "German" German Shepherd Dog; to get the full picture you will need to discuss this with breed specialists. The coat is easy to manage and strong, clear colours are favoured. They can be black, black saddle with tan or gold to light grey markings or sable. Blues, livers, albinos and white or near white are undesirable, though there are breeders who specialise in these colours..
Like all working breeds the German Shepherd Dog should only be bought by someone who has a sufficiently strong personality to dominate him, and who has the time to give him opportunities to stretch his highly intelligent mind.