CHAPTER 1
GERMAN ENGINEERING
Without question, the German Shepherd Dogs temperament and intelligence have earned him an international fan club. His affable, easygoing nature gives way to a strong protective instinct when provoked. People close to the breed frequently claim that German Shepherd Dogs know right from wrong and that a well-trained GSD is the best room-mate you could ask for. The breed standard (a written description of the ideal GSD) refers to aloofness and self-confidence that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships ... The ideal [German Shepherd Dog] is a working animal with an incorruptible character combined with a body and gait suitable for the arduous work that constitutes his primary purpose.
The traits of keen intelligence and train-ability have made the German Shepherd Dog arguably the most versatile breed in the history of dogdom. In addition to their traditional roles as police and herding dogs, the breed excels at tracking, rescue, service work, obedience, agility, home sentry and scent identification.
The first dog to guide a blind person was a German Shepherdnamed Buddy in 1929. Today, The Seeing Eye foundation the first organization to train guide dogs for the visually impaired still counts on this breed, among others, to carry out its mission.
PERSONALITY POINTS
Throughout history, in whatever capacity the German Shepherd has been used, one thing that has remained constant is the bond between the dogs and their owners. Because GSDs have traditionally been used as service and working dogs, this bond was a necessity. Shepherds had to be very obedient and very reliable to perform their given tasks. A major role of the GSD has been that of a guard dog, so the dogs also had to be very protective of their owners. These characteristics translate into a dog who is very intelligent, highly trainable and extremely loyal. The German Shepherd Dog watches over the entire family and seems to be able to sense if someone is in trouble or needs help. Likewise, the GSD is a wonderful protector of children and property.
A German Shepherd known as Manhattan is the only GSD to have taken the top prize, Best In Show, at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. Manhattan did so in 1987.
Due to these protective instincts, the German Shepherd Dog is naturally wary of strangers. This is not to say that he is not a friendly dog, but he chooses whom to befriend based on his owners attitude. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine, the GSD seems to say to his owner, and he fiercely trusts his owners judgment. The dog will warm up to people with whom he becomes familiar; he looks to his owner for clues about who is OK and who is not. Proper socialization and introduction to people from an early age are necessary to help the German Shepherd Dog become more accepting of the people he meets.
The GSD is noble and proud; he has a lot going for him and he knows it! A wonderful combination of stamina, athleticism, intelligence, grace and beauty, he personifies the virtues of mans best friend.
OWNER SUITABILITY
Because the German Shepherd Dog is so devoted to his owner, it is only natural that he should thrive with an owner who can show him equal devotion. The GSD basks in his owners attention. It is not necessarily true that the only type of person suitable to own a German Shepherd Dog is one who is home all day, but the owner who spends the day at work must plan to spend time with his or her GSD after work.
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Regular exercise is also important for the German Shepherd Dog. Remember, these dogs were bred to work and to be active. The breeders original focus was on function. Because the pet GSD is not being used for his intended purpose, he must be active in other ways.
A GSD who lives at home with his owner cannot exercise himself; it is something that dog and owner need to participate in. It is not fair to the German Shepherd, who has patiently waited all day for his owner to return from work, for the owner to come home and promptly park himself on the couch for the remainder of the evening. Exercise is essential for the GSDs well-being physically and mentally. It provides this athletic breed with much-needed activity; plus, it helps him feel like he has a purpose.
A house with a securely fenced yard is ideal for a smart German Shepherd Dog owner, as his GSD will have some freedom to run and play by himself. The dog should still be under the owners supervision when off leash, but at least the dog will not be totally dependent on his owner for exercise. This does not make up for time spent with his favorite person you but it will at least give the dog some physical benefits. An owner who keeps a GSD in a house without a yard or in an apartment must make the commitment to regularly run, walk and play with his GSD.
The German Shepherd will fit into just about any family structure adults, children, single people as long as his owner takes into account his needs.
VERSATILITY AND AGILITY
Although your German Shepherd Dog may never be required to do more than provide companionship and protection to you and your family, you should be proud to consider the many other functions the breed can be called upon to perform.
The instinct to serve, which is innate to a GSD, is the foundation of his functional versatility along with his physical and mental traits of strength, size, endurance and intelligence. It would be fair to say that the majority of all service dogs in the world are German Shepherd Dogs. The potential for specific service duties lies within each shepherd, but in almost every case, professional training is required to harness such potential.
The German Shepherd Dog is also an excellent herding dog. This was his original function and remains a central factor in his modern versatility. His endurance, his rough coat, sure-footed speed, responsiveness and deeply rooted instinct to protect anything small or weak make him an ideal herding choice.
It is only in Germany that the German Shepherd Dog is a first choice among farmers and stock owners. In the United States and Great Britain, other native breeds that are more traditional and therefore more attractive such as the Australian Shepherd and the Border Collie are predominantly seen in herding capacities.
