German Shepherd

The German Shepherd — the Alsatian in older British usage — is a German working breed of medium-to-large size, bred for herding and now one of the most recognisable working dogs in the world.

History

It was developed in Germany at the end of the nineteenth century from herding stock, standardised by Max von Stephanitz around a working ideal. Its intelligence and trainability quickly pushed it into police, military and service roles.

Temperament

The breed is known for confidence, alertness and a strong bond with its handler, with a working drive that wants a job. Well-raised it is steady and loyal; without direction that same drive turns to trouble.

Care and training

It needs substantial daily exercise and mental work, and it thrives on structured training that uses its intelligence. The double coat sheds heavily, seasonally more so, and needs regular brushing.

Health

The breed is associated with hip and elbow dysplasia and, in some lines, degenerative myelopathy. These are known tendencies for the breed, not a verdict on any one dog; the measured figures are in the panel.