When one thinks about the German Shepherd, it becomes apparent that it is known for its affinity to its master and willingness to please. It is a very versatile and intelligent as well as affable and laid back breed of dog. Its main characteristics are to be direct as well as fearless and it never appears to be hostile. Rather, it is self-confident and a bit aloof, which however may fool one because it is a breed that is quite approachable and one that can confidently deal with all overtures.An Intelligent and Versatile Breed
More information about the German Shepherd tells us that it has the wonderful trait of being intelligent and is very good for training, as throughout its history, it has shown itself to be a versatile breed that is often found doing police work as well herding sheep.The more one learns about the German Shepherd the more one becomes aware that it is very good at being a watchdog, leader of the blind, good at tracking and rescue as well as excels in scent identification and its agility as well as obedience are exemplary. It is also a wonderful companion and a good guardian and is poised as well as calm and if required, can also be alert and startling.An ideal German Shepherd is useful as a guardian and working animal that has a well muscled body that lends to its agility and power. With its well-balanced body, it is a long as well as tall animal that has a deep body and looks substantial in a way that shows off its muscular fitness to good effect. And, while on the topic about the German Shepherd one learns that it also seems to be very nimble and not at all clumsy or flabby and it may also be termed as noble.
It measures approximately two feet by 26 inches tall at the shoulder, though the females are slightly smaller and their body is slightly elongated but still strong. They are muscled and the bone is clean as well as its general frame is firm. One perceives it to be of depth as well as solid and not bulky having a deep and capacious chest that has more than enough room for its heart and lungs.
The rib cage of this breed is well-sprung as well as long and its correct rib layout makes it able to move freely, more so, when trotting. The loin is quite short and only has a slight tuck up and the stomach is flat as well as firm. The German Shepherd also has long shoulder blades and a well-laid back and the front legs from every side are straight as well as strong. The bones of the legs are oval instead of round and the feet are short and compact. Its toes are well-arched and it has thick and firm foot pads with short and dark nails.
One may describe aspects about the German Shepherd’s head as being noble without any coarseness and it is also cleanly chiseled and the long and strong muzzles contain the tightly fitted lips. The forehead is slightly arched and the strong jaws are filled with 42 teeth with 20 upper teeth and 22 lower teeth. Its eyes are medium sized and are set obliquely and the dark eyes of this breed show off its keen and intelligent expression. The ears are medium-sized and taper slightly and are erect unless the dog is reposing or in motion.
The history of the German shepherd may be traced back to the late 19th and 20th century and originated with Captain Max von Stephanitz, whose goal was to breed an all-purpose working dog. Von Stephanitz was an admirer of the landrace herding dogs of his native country, Germany and saw in them the potential to become an all-purpose working dog. In this direction, he created the schutzhund trial that was a breed test for the German Shepherd and prohibited the breeding of dogs that could not pass this trial. This trial system gave rise to many of the rapid developments of this breed’s abilities.
The end of the First World War saw British and American soldiers being impressed with the abilities of this breed and they were imported to their own countries for breeding purposes where they became instant hits and this is how the history and origin of the German Shepherd unfolds.