The German Shepherd should possess firmness
of nerve, attentiveness, imperturbable nature, watchfulness, loyalty and incorruptibility
in addition to courage, fighting spirit and aggressiveness when it is required. These
traits make him outstanding as a watch dog, guide dog, protection do, and tracking dog.
(The Standard of the Deutsches Schaferhund)The real history of
the German Shepherd began in the late 19th century. Three great Shepherd areas
became prominent in Germany. The dogs from these areas were used to develop the present
breed.
Captain Max Von Stephanitz, often referred to as the "Father of the
German Shepherd", immortalized the dog in his book, The German Shepherd Dog in
Word and Picture. He was a noted disciplinarian and headed the Society for the
Promotion of the Breeding of German Shepherd dogs from its founding in 1899 until 1935. He
guided and directed an intensive-breeding program to fix type and was adamant in his
demands for utility and intelligence.
In America the breed was well established before World War I. The German
Shepherd Club of America came into being in 1913 with 26 members. Today local clubs
together with the Parent Club, continue to guide the breeding of this most popular
dog. (Louise Ackerman)
