The History of the German Shepherd

12/28/23, 10:49 AM

The History of the German Shepherd | by Shawn Romer | Dec, 2023 | Medium

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The History of the German Shepherd Shawn Romer 3 min read · Just now

The German Shepherd, a breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility, has a rich history that dates back to late 19th century Germany.

This essay delves into the origins of the German Shepherd, tracing its development from a herding dog in rural Germany to its status as one of the most recognized and respected breeds worldwide.

The inception of the German Shepherd breed is closely linked to the efforts of Max von Stephanitz, a former cavalry captain and a former student of the https://medium.com/@shawnromer/the-history-of-the-german-shepherd-460e53a1cabe

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12/28/23, 10:49 AM

The History of the German Shepherd | by Shawn Romer | Dec, 2023 | Medium

Berlin Veterinary College. Passionate about German herding dogs, Stephanitz aimed to standardize and refine these dogs into a distinct breed.

His vision was to create a dog breed not solely based on its looks but more importantly, on its working abilities, intelligence, and character.

Stephanitz's quest began in 1899 when he purchased a dog named Hektor Linksrhein, a strikingly intelligent and capable herding dog. Impressed by the dog's abilities and physical attributes, Stephanitz changed his name to Horand von Grafrath and declared him the first German Shepherd Dog, marking the foundation of the breed. This event also led to the establishment of the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV), the German Shepherd Dog Club, which Stephanitz headed.

Horand von Grafrath served as the ideal model for the breed standard.

Stephanitz’s breeding program focused on traits like intelligence, strength, reliability, and a keen sense of smell. The breed was initially developed for herding and guarding sheep. However, the versatility of the German Shepherd quickly became evident. Their intelligence, obedience, and ability to be trained made them suitable for various roles beyond herding.

The early 20th century was a significant period for the breed. With the decline of herding as a primary occupation in Germany, Stephanitz advocated for the use of German Shepherds in other service roles. During https://medium.com/@shawnromer/the-history-of-the-german-shepherd-460e53a1cabe

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12/28/23, 10:49 AM

The History of the German Shepherd | by Shawn Romer | Dec, 2023 | Medium

World War I, the breed was employed for various military roles, including message delivery, rescue missions, and as Red Cross dogs. Their performance in the war garnered international attention, and the breed's popularity soared.

The German Shepherd's attributes made it an excellent choice for police work and as a service dog. The breed's keen sense of smell led to its use in search and rescue missions, and as narcotics and explosives detection dogs.

Its intelligence and trainability made it a preferred breed for guide dog training for the visually impaired.

The breed's journey to the United States began in the early 20th century. The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the first German Shepherd in 1908.

The breed's popularity in America was significantly boosted by the adventures of Rin Tin Tin, a German Shepherd who starred in several Hollywood films in the 1920s. The breed quickly became one of the most popular in the United States.

Throughout its history, the German Shepherd has been subject to various breeding practices, leading to some diversity in the breed. In particular, lines bred for show purposes often differ in appearance and temperament from those bred for working purposes. This has led to a discussion among https://medium.com/@shawnromer/the-history-of-the-german-shepherd-460e53a1cabe

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12/28/23, 10:49 AM

The History of the German Shepherd | by Shawn Romer | Dec, 2023 | Medium

breeders and enthusiasts about the importance of maintaining the breed's working abilities alongside its physical standards.

In conclusion, the German Shepherd's origins from humble herding dogs in rural Germany to one of the world's most versatile and recognized breeds is a testament to the vision of Max von Stephanitz and the inherent qualities of the breed. Whether in service, in the field, or as loyal companions, German Shepherds continue to exhibit the intelligence, strength, and versatility that have been their hallmarks since their inception.

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The History of the German Shepherd | by Shawn Romer | Dec, 2023 | Medium

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