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German Shepherds are gorgeous dogs known for their intelligence and for being steadfast and loving. Anyone lucky enough to have had a German Shepherd Dog (GSD) in their life knows what a strong bond can be formed with this breed.
Whether you own a German Shepherd or are just a fan, you might enjoy learning more about them. They have a rich history, and there’s so much to know about these amazing dogs!
The 14 Facts About German Shepherds
1. The first German Shepherd was registered in 1889
The German Shepherd Dog breed began its standardization when a medium-sized dog with a wolf-like appearance, originally named Hektor Linksrhein, was selected by Captain Max von Stephanitz. He renamed Hektor to Horand von Grafrath and registered him as the first German Shepherd Dog in 1899, laying the foundation for the breed’s development.
2. The German Shepherd was recognized by the AKC in 1908
Just 19 years after the registration of the first GSD, they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908. Five years later, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America was formed.
3. German Shepherds started off herding
Captain Stephanitz was interested in breeding the perfect herding dog, which is what he saw in the first German Shepherd. But he also bred the GSD to be versatile, so when World War I started, the dogs quickly became favorites among the soldiers and police.
GSDs were also popular in Germany during WWI, serving as guard dogs, messengers, rescuers, and Red Cross dogs. In WWII, both the Germans and Americans employed German Shepherds.
4. German Shepherds gained fame through Rin Tin Tin
Rin Tin Tin was a German Shepherd in France rescued by an American soldier during WWI, who eventually took Rin Tin Tin to Hollywood.
He starred in several movies in the 1920s and became quite famous. This helped to launch the German Shepherd into stardom!
5. German Shepherds were the first service dogs
In 1928, the first Seeing Eye dog was a GSD named Buddy, which was trained at a school in Switzerland run by an American called Dorothy Harrison Eustis. Buddy ended up with Morris Frank, who brought his dog to the States, where she proved herself and her skills. Buddy made it possible for Seeing Eye dogs to become what we know today.
That said, German Shepherds are no longer as widely used in this role; Labs and Golden Retrievers are much more common.
6. There are 11 standard colors of the German Shepherd
German Shepherds are widely known for their black-and-tan coloring, but there are 10 other colors!
- Black
- Black and cream
- Black and red
- Black and silver
- Black and tan
- Blue
- Gray
- Liver
- Sable
- White
- Bi-color
7. German Shepherds shed considerably
GSDs have thick double coats and shed heavily! You’ll find fur on your clothing and practically every surface in your home. It will likely get worse during the fall and spring shedding seasons.
If you love German Shepherds, you’ll need to do a great deal of cleaning and lint brushing, but these dogs are worth it!
8. German Shepherds are extraordinarily smart
German Shepherds are considered by some to be the third smartest breed; the Border Collie is the smartest, followed by the Poodle, and then the GSD.
They are extremely easy to train because of their intelligence and devotion to their people.
9. German Shepherds are quite versatile
Considering how smart these dogs are, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they’re versatile too. They are commonly used as guard and police dogs, but they also work as service dogs and therapy dogs and for scent work. They also excel in dog sports, such as agility, rally, and herding.
10. German Shepherds have been trained to sniff out the COVID-19 virus
Finland employed dogs, including a German Shepherd, to detect COVID-19 in passengers at an airport. Similarly, Dubai used German Shepherds for this purpose and reported a 90% accuracy in identifying COVID-19 from human sweat samples within seconds.
11. German Shepherds have a motto
The motto of the GSD is “Utility and Intelligence,” which is a decent description of this breed! That said, we could add “Devoted and Loving and Amazing” to describe German Shepherds even better!
12. German Shepherds are exceptionally popular
This breed has been within the top 10 on the AKC’s popularity rankings for decades! The GSD is currently in the number-four spot, with the Lab, French Bulldog, and Golden Retriever taking the first three spots (in that order).
13. German Shepherds make amazing family dogs
GSDs are naturally protective, form strong bonds with their family, and are loving and devoted. As long as they are socialized well, they are also wonderful with young children. But while they can be independent-minded, they don’t do well when left alone for too long or too often.
14. German Shepherds are a mouthy breed
Since German Shepherds are herding dogs, they tend to use their mouths frequently. This also means they must be trained when to not bite and chew.
Extra Information About German Shepherds
- German Shepherds are large dogs that can stand at 22 to 26 inches, weigh 50 to 90 pounds, and have an average life expectancy of 10–11 years.
- They are energetic dogs that won’t do well with low-key owners looking for casual daily strolls. GSDs need a minimum of 2 hours of exercise every day, which should also include off-leash time so they can stretch their legs.
- Due to their double coats, they need brushing at least every few days and daily brushing during the shedding seasons.
- Since they are confident and independent dogs, they require early socialization and training. GSDs need reward-based, positive training, as their intelligence and devotion enable them to learn quickly.
- Overall, German Shepherds are healthy dogs, but they are prone to degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and anal furunculosis.
Summary
Now you know how incredible German Shepherds are!
If you’ve been thinking about adding a GSD to your family, do your research first. As excellent as these dogs are, they aren’t a perfect fit for every family. But if you already have a German Shepherd in your life, you’re lucky indeed!
Related Reads:
- What Exactly Is a Lycan Shepherd? The Truth Behind the Breed
- German Shepherd Day: What It Is & When It’s Celebrated
Featured Image Credit: 1195798, Pixabay
