German Shepherd Dogs

German Shepherd DogsIn 1899, in Karlsruhe, Germany, the German Shepherd was bred by Captain Max von Stephanitz with a group of others. It was a blend of farm and herding dogs of older days. Very quickly, the German Shepherd made its debut in America in 1907. Part of the development of the dog’s popularity during the mid-90s and beyond was the breed’s representation in Strongheart and Rin-Tin-Tin.

The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Valued highly as a trainable and tough police dog, the German Shepherd is also excellent for herding, and living as a loving family pet. An active and playful companion, the German Shepherd works well with most families.

An effective guard dog, the German Shepherd is fearless in its protective instincts, and for this reason is not always recommended for being around smaller children without supervision, as they are capable of intense reactions. But that being said, once the German Shepherd bonds with a child, it will protect and love the child faithfully.

The most recognizable color combination, for the German Shepherd, is black and tan although other colors are possible. The German Shepherd requires consistent exercise and does well being trained on a leash. He does need brushing as well, with his long shedding fur.

Standing 22-26 inches tall at the shoulder, the German Shepherd is big enough to intimidate and powerful enough to bring a man down. Thus, his work as a police dog is something he is well-known for and that only adds to his use in films as police sidekicks. Rather aloof to strangers, this breed is very loving with companions and its family, making the German Shepherd is a common choice for companion animals.