العربية
中国
Français
Deutsch
Ελληνική
हिन्दी
Italiano
日本語
Português
Русский
EspañolGERMAN SHEPHERD DOG
(Redirected from German Shepherd)
The 'German Shepherd Dog' (also '''Alsatian''') is a popular breed of dog. German Shepherds are highly intelligent, agile and well-suited to active working environments. They are often deployed in various roles such as police work, guarding, search and rescue, therapy and in the military. They can also be found working as guide dogs for the blind. Despite their suitability for such work, German Shepherds can also make loyal and loving pets inside the home. They enjoy being around people and other animals, although socialization is critical for young puppies in order to prevent aggressive and dangerous behavior. German Shepherds are well-suited to obedience, with advanced and prestigious titles available to test both the handler and dog in various schutzhund trials.
The German Shepherd - The outer coat is thick and harsh, the under coat is soft and dense
The German Shepherd Dog is a large and strong dog, and very faithful to its owner. The fur is a double-coat and can be either short or long haired. Although the black and tan saddle [1] may be most recognizable, German Shepherds come in a variety of colors and patterns though not all are accepted by the various breed clubs or FCI. Two toned German Shepherds can be black and tan, black and red, black and brown, black and silver, black and cream, blue and tan, or liver and tan. Solid colors may be black and solid white or any of the dilutes (liver, blue, or cream).
Dogs with coats that have tricolored hair (black and white with either brown or red) are called sable or agouti. Sables can come in a variety of mixtures as well including black and silver, black and red, black and cream, and black and tan. Some various markings are referred to as 'striping' (black stripe markings on the legs found in some sables), 'pencilling' (also often found on the sable as black lines on the top of the dog's toes), 'tar heels' (black that runs down the back of the dog's legs), and the bitch stripe (grey hairs along the back of a female or a neutered male.)[2]
Different kennel clubs have different standards for the breed according to size, weight, coat color, and structure. German Shepherds that compete in dog shows, must have an appearance that conforms with the guidelines of the individual kennel club. Some common disqualifying faults include ears that are not completely erect, or a muzzle that is not predominantly black. Ear faults can be caused by weak cartilage in the ears which allow them to flop (also called "friendly-tipped"). It is often possible for a veterinarian to correct this problem by taping up the ears.
In 2005, Dr. Brady Barr of the National Geographic measured the bite forces of many different animals, including domestic dogs for the documentary ''Dangerous Encounters: Bite Force''. A German Shepherd named Ike was measured at having a bite of 130-238 pounds. [3] However, this test is inaccurate, as the device within the bite sleeve measures the pressure at the point of impact, which is dictated by the size and weight of the dog and not its jaw capabilities. There is no definite way to determine the force of a dog's bite, however it is widely accepted that the bite force of the German Shepherd Dog is roughly 750-1200 pounds, half that of a gray wolf. German Shepherd Dogs can weigh upto 125lbs for males and 85 lbs for females.
Dogs from FCI - recognized 'international working lines' are bred primarily for traits involving their working ability rather than appearance, so their appearance can be somewhat varied. In the former East Germany, German Shepherds adhered more closely to the old prewar standard, marked by a straighter back, a longer and denser coat, and a darker color. These dogs are now praised for their working ability. There are current attempts to preserve this distinct line and raise it to the status of an officially recognized breed ("East German Shepherd Dog").
The 'North American show lines' are recognized by AKC and the UKC and they have a noticeably different appearance from the international show line German Shepherds. American bred GSD’s feature a more noticeably sloped back and sharper angles of the hock joint.
Some groups or breeders have focused on variants of the breed that are not recognized by most kennel clubs as standard show German Shepherds. White Shepherds or Berger Blanc Suisseare recognized as a separate breed.
Main articles: Berger Blanc Suisse
The recessive gene for white coat hair was fixed in the German Shepherd Dog breed DNA by the late 19th and early 20th century German breeding program that extensively used "color coated" dogs that carried a recessive gene for "white coats." The maternal grandfather of Horand von Grafrath, the first entry "SZ 1" in the SV Stud Book, was a white-coat German shepherding dog named Greif von Sparwasser. White was designated a disqualifying conformation fault by the SV (German Shepherd Club of Germany) in the 1933 and by the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) and the German Shepherd Dog Club of Canada (GSDCC)in the mid-1960's.
Dogs with the long-haired coat variation look somewhat like the Tervuren type of Belgian Shepherd Dog. The long hair gene is recessive. Popular myth holds that long-haired GSDs (sometimes called "fuzzies") are more affectionate, but there is little evidence for this beyond owner impressions. Long coats can come in two variations, both with an undercoat and without. Without the undercoat they have very little weather production, but those longhairs with it fair as well as their shorthaired companions, just with longer hair on the outside.
Kennel club treatment of long-haired German Shepherds varies. It is considered a fault under American Kennel Club and FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale, i.e. International Canine Federation) standards. Under other standards, such as Germany[4] and the United Kingdom,[5] long-haired German Shepherds are actively bred, registered, and shown, and specialized long-haired breeders exist. There is also a variation known as 'long-stock-haired German Shephard'; stock hair isn't registered directly as a fault and such dogs are able to participate.
The Shiloh Shepherd was bred by Tina M. Barber of Shiloh Shepherds Kennel. The King Shepherd is a larger variation of the German Shepherd but is not accepted in the AKC ring. When shepherds are bred this large, their size prevents them from fitting the AKC's breed standard description of "Size, Proportion, Substance".
The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence, and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as a companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand. The dog must not be timid, shrinking behind its master or handler; it should not be nervous, looking about or upward with anxious expression or showing nervous reactions, such as tucking of tail, to strange sounds or sights. Lack of confidence under any surroundings is not typical of good character. The ideal dog is a working animal with an incorruptible character combined with body and gait suitable for the arduous work that constitutes its primary purpose.
As is common of many large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. Other health problems sometimes occurring in the breed are von Willebrand's disease, skin allergies and canine degenerative myelopathy. It is also prudent to check the eye and ear health as GSD tend to have problems with these as well. German Shepherds, like all large bodied dogs, are also prone to bloat. They have an average lifespan of 10-15 years.
German Shepherds often compete and excel in obedience trials and Schutzhund competitions. German Shepherds are also often trained as police dogs and military dogs due to their trainability, size, work drive, and general appearance which commands respect.
The German Shepherd dog is one of the most widely used breeds in a wide variety of scent work roles. These include search and rescue dog, cadaver dog, narcotics detection dog, explosive detection dog, accelerant detection dog, mine detection dog, and others.
Main articles: Herding breed
The original purpose for the German Shepherd Dog was to herd sheep, cattle, or other animals that might require the assistance of a shepherd. As the breed multiplied and society became more industrialized, opportunities to work with livestock became more scarce. The breed organization in Germany decided to look for other useful outlets for these dogs' talents, and soon they were working for law enforcement and the military. The German Shepherd club in Germany incorporated various facets of "work" into their breeding program, requiring all dogs to pass working examinations before being allowed to produce offspring. Now the GSD is more often found working as a guard dog, police dog, detection dog, search and rescue dog, or companion pet than in the field working sheep.
The German Shepherd dog lacks the "eye" that Border Collies or other similar breeds possess. They are trained to follow their instinct, which for the GSD is to "work the furrow," meaning that they will patrol a boundary all day and restrict the animals being herded from entering or leaving the designated area ([2] [3]). It is this instinct that has made the breed superb guard dogs, protecting their flock (or family). While in the presence of other dogs German Shepherds may try to herd them, though this attempt is usually futile.
A German Shepherd Dog's instinct to herd might manifest itself by the dog's closely watching or even nipping at members of its family while on walks. The dog might attempt to lead people to what it perceives is the correct location, even going so far as to gently take a hand in his teeth to lead the person. With some training, this can become a trick, sometimes known as "walk the human."
Rin-Tin-Tin, a German Shepherd dog, was considered to be one of Hollywood's top stars during the 1920's and 30's. At the peak of his career, Rin-Tin-Tin received as many as 10,000 fan letters a week.[6]
Kommissar Rex, (English ''Inspector Rex'') an Austrian television show featuring a resourceful German Shepherd police dog. The two dogs who played Rex were Reginald von Ravenhorst (aka Santo vom Haus Zieglmayer), followed by Rhett Butler. Both were trained by Teresa Ann Miller. Rhett Butler played Rex as a puppy in Baby Rex.
The Littlest Hobo was a live-action popular television series in the 1980's airing on CTV in Canada. It featured a German Shepherd that travelled from place to place, performing some good deed, and then moving on.
A group of six German Shepherd Dogs was featured in the 2006 film as they formed a pyramid for Gregory Girard (Andy Richter), Jean Girard's (Sacha Baron Cohen) husband.
Koton, a German Shepherd, stars as Jerry Lee, a police dog, in the 1989 movie K-9.
There is also a German Shepherd named Banner in the movie Fear.
In one episode of the show ''King Of Queens'', Holly (Nicole Sullivan) adopts a German Shepherd named "Shotzi".
311 frontman Nick Hexum, at one point, owned a German Shepherd named "Bobby."
Hewie, a white coated German Shepherd which starred in the PS2 horror-game Haunting Ground
Beauty and Beast, the pair of German Shepherds from The Hills Have Eyes.
★ "Charlie" of the Don Bluth movie All Dogs go to Heaven and its sequels
★ "John," of the Japanese series anime series '' and its sequel ''Ginga Densetsu Weed''. The character is specifically said to have been imported to Japan from the United States, and with his owner responds to commands in English.
The proper English name for the breed is ''German Shepherd Dog'' (a literal translation from the German ''Deutscher Schäferhund'') but they are usually informally referred to as ''GSDs'' or as "German Shepherds". In addition, the sobriquet ''police dog'' is used in many countries where the GSD is the predominant or exclusive breed used by the police force.
Anti-German sentiment was still high in the wake of World War I (1914 - 1918), and change of German-oriented names in the UK - including that of the Royal Family - were common at the time when a few dogs were taken to Britain and the United States. In 1919, the English Kennel Club gave the breed a separate register. Since it was feared that the name ''German Shepherd Dog'' could be an impediment, the name ''Alsatian'' was introduced, from Alsace, a traditionally German-speaking area on the west bank of the Rhine which had been part of the German Empire but was re-annexed by France in 1918. This name is still used in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and the Commonwealth. Only in 1977 did the British Kennel Club authorize the breed to be known again as the German Shepherd Dog[7].
Based on 2006 American Kennel Club statistics, German Shepherd Dogs are the third most popular breed in the United States with 43,575 registrations [4]. This ranking is up one place from 2005, where GSDs were the fourth most popular breed [5].
★ List of famous dogs
★ List of historical dogs
★ List of fictional dogs
★ White German Shepherd
★ Shiloh Shepherd
★ The Littlest Hobo
★ Wolf-dog hybrid
1. http://www.justshepherds.com/colors.htm
2. http://www.brightstargsd.org/mainpages/coatandcolors.html
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7jhrxy0HKs
4. Langhaar-Schaeferhunde-Verband
5. [1]
6. http://www.rintintin.com/story.htm
7. http://www.germanshepherds.com/thegsd/history/
★
★ Nova Scotia German Shepherd Dog Club
★ German Shepherd Dog Club of Canada
★ German Shepherd Schutzhund Club of Canada
★ German Shepherd Dog Authority of Ireland
★ The German Shepherd Dog League of Great Britain
★ The British Association for German Shepherd Dogs
★ German Shepherd Dog Club of America
★ United Schutzhund Clubs of America
★ German Shepherd DogPublic.com
The 'German Shepherd Dog' (also '''Alsatian''') is a popular breed of dog. German Shepherds are highly intelligent, agile and well-suited to active working environments. They are often deployed in various roles such as police work, guarding, search and rescue, therapy and in the military. They can also be found working as guide dogs for the blind. Despite their suitability for such work, German Shepherds can also make loyal and loving pets inside the home. They enjoy being around people and other animals, although socialization is critical for young puppies in order to prevent aggressive and dangerous behavior. German Shepherds are well-suited to obedience, with advanced and prestigious titles available to test both the handler and dog in various schutzhund trials.
Appearance
The German Shepherd - The outer coat is thick and harsh, the under coat is soft and dense
The German Shepherd Dog is a large and strong dog, and very faithful to its owner. The fur is a double-coat and can be either short or long haired. Although the black and tan saddle [1] may be most recognizable, German Shepherds come in a variety of colors and patterns though not all are accepted by the various breed clubs or FCI. Two toned German Shepherds can be black and tan, black and red, black and brown, black and silver, black and cream, blue and tan, or liver and tan. Solid colors may be black and solid white or any of the dilutes (liver, blue, or cream).
Dogs with coats that have tricolored hair (black and white with either brown or red) are called sable or agouti. Sables can come in a variety of mixtures as well including black and silver, black and red, black and cream, and black and tan. Some various markings are referred to as 'striping' (black stripe markings on the legs found in some sables), 'pencilling' (also often found on the sable as black lines on the top of the dog's toes), 'tar heels' (black that runs down the back of the dog's legs), and the bitch stripe (grey hairs along the back of a female or a neutered male.)[2]
Different kennel clubs have different standards for the breed according to size, weight, coat color, and structure. German Shepherds that compete in dog shows, must have an appearance that conforms with the guidelines of the individual kennel club. Some common disqualifying faults include ears that are not completely erect, or a muzzle that is not predominantly black. Ear faults can be caused by weak cartilage in the ears which allow them to flop (also called "friendly-tipped"). It is often possible for a veterinarian to correct this problem by taping up the ears.
In 2005, Dr. Brady Barr of the National Geographic measured the bite forces of many different animals, including domestic dogs for the documentary ''Dangerous Encounters: Bite Force''. A German Shepherd named Ike was measured at having a bite of 130-238 pounds. [3] However, this test is inaccurate, as the device within the bite sleeve measures the pressure at the point of impact, which is dictated by the size and weight of the dog and not its jaw capabilities. There is no definite way to determine the force of a dog's bite, however it is widely accepted that the bite force of the German Shepherd Dog is roughly 750-1200 pounds, half that of a gray wolf. German Shepherd Dogs can weigh upto 125lbs for males and 85 lbs for females.
Breed lines
An all-black German Shepherd Dog
Dogs from FCI - recognized 'international working lines' are bred primarily for traits involving their working ability rather than appearance, so their appearance can be somewhat varied. In the former East Germany, German Shepherds adhered more closely to the old prewar standard, marked by a straighter back, a longer and denser coat, and a darker color. These dogs are now praised for their working ability. There are current attempts to preserve this distinct line and raise it to the status of an officially recognized breed ("East German Shepherd Dog").
The 'North American show lines' are recognized by AKC and the UKC and they have a noticeably different appearance from the international show line German Shepherds. American bred GSD’s feature a more noticeably sloped back and sharper angles of the hock joint.
Variant sizes and coats
Some groups or breeders have focused on variants of the breed that are not recognized by most kennel clubs as standard show German Shepherds. White Shepherds or Berger Blanc Suisseare recognized as a separate breed.
White coat
Main articles: Berger Blanc Suisse
The recessive gene for white coat hair was fixed in the German Shepherd Dog breed DNA by the late 19th and early 20th century German breeding program that extensively used "color coated" dogs that carried a recessive gene for "white coats." The maternal grandfather of Horand von Grafrath, the first entry "SZ 1" in the SV Stud Book, was a white-coat German shepherding dog named Greif von Sparwasser. White was designated a disqualifying conformation fault by the SV (German Shepherd Club of Germany) in the 1933 and by the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) and the German Shepherd Dog Club of Canada (GSDCC)in the mid-1960's.
Long-haired coat
Long Haired German Shepherd
Dogs with the long-haired coat variation look somewhat like the Tervuren type of Belgian Shepherd Dog. The long hair gene is recessive. Popular myth holds that long-haired GSDs (sometimes called "fuzzies") are more affectionate, but there is little evidence for this beyond owner impressions. Long coats can come in two variations, both with an undercoat and without. Without the undercoat they have very little weather production, but those longhairs with it fair as well as their shorthaired companions, just with longer hair on the outside.
Kennel club treatment of long-haired German Shepherds varies. It is considered a fault under American Kennel Club and FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale, i.e. International Canine Federation) standards. Under other standards, such as Germany[4] and the United Kingdom,[5] long-haired German Shepherds are actively bred, registered, and shown, and specialized long-haired breeders exist. There is also a variation known as 'long-stock-haired German Shephard'; stock hair isn't registered directly as a fault and such dogs are able to participate.
Giant shepherd & Shiloh Shepherd
The Shiloh Shepherd was bred by Tina M. Barber of Shiloh Shepherds Kennel. The King Shepherd is a larger variation of the German Shepherd but is not accepted in the AKC ring. When shepherds are bred this large, their size prevents them from fitting the AKC's breed standard description of "Size, Proportion, Substance".
Temperament
A German Shepherd interacting with an infant.
The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence, and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as a companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand. The dog must not be timid, shrinking behind its master or handler; it should not be nervous, looking about or upward with anxious expression or showing nervous reactions, such as tucking of tail, to strange sounds or sights. Lack of confidence under any surroundings is not typical of good character. The ideal dog is a working animal with an incorruptible character combined with body and gait suitable for the arduous work that constitutes its primary purpose.
Health
As is common of many large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. Other health problems sometimes occurring in the breed are von Willebrand's disease, skin allergies and canine degenerative myelopathy. It is also prudent to check the eye and ear health as GSD tend to have problems with these as well. German Shepherds, like all large bodied dogs, are also prone to bloat. They have an average lifespan of 10-15 years.
A young GSD
Working German Shepherd Dogs
German Shepherds often compete and excel in obedience trials and Schutzhund competitions. German Shepherds are also often trained as police dogs and military dogs due to their trainability, size, work drive, and general appearance which commands respect.
Scent work
The German Shepherd dog is one of the most widely used breeds in a wide variety of scent work roles. These include search and rescue dog, cadaver dog, narcotics detection dog, explosive detection dog, accelerant detection dog, mine detection dog, and others.
Sheep Herding
Main articles: Herding breed
The original purpose for the German Shepherd Dog was to herd sheep, cattle, or other animals that might require the assistance of a shepherd. As the breed multiplied and society became more industrialized, opportunities to work with livestock became more scarce. The breed organization in Germany decided to look for other useful outlets for these dogs' talents, and soon they were working for law enforcement and the military. The German Shepherd club in Germany incorporated various facets of "work" into their breeding program, requiring all dogs to pass working examinations before being allowed to produce offspring. Now the GSD is more often found working as a guard dog, police dog, detection dog, search and rescue dog, or companion pet than in the field working sheep.
Taking a break
The German Shepherd dog lacks the "eye" that Border Collies or other similar breeds possess. They are trained to follow their instinct, which for the GSD is to "work the furrow," meaning that they will patrol a boundary all day and restrict the animals being herded from entering or leaving the designated area ([2] [3]). It is this instinct that has made the breed superb guard dogs, protecting their flock (or family). While in the presence of other dogs German Shepherds may try to herd them, though this attempt is usually futile.
A German Shepherd Dog's instinct to herd might manifest itself by the dog's closely watching or even nipping at members of its family while on walks. The dog might attempt to lead people to what it perceives is the correct location, even going so far as to gently take a hand in his teeth to lead the person. With some training, this can become a trick, sometimes known as "walk the human."
Movie and television work
Rin-Tin-Tin, a German Shepherd dog, was considered to be one of Hollywood's top stars during the 1920's and 30's. At the peak of his career, Rin-Tin-Tin received as many as 10,000 fan letters a week.[6]
Kommissar Rex, (English ''Inspector Rex'') an Austrian television show featuring a resourceful German Shepherd police dog. The two dogs who played Rex were Reginald von Ravenhorst (aka Santo vom Haus Zieglmayer), followed by Rhett Butler. Both were trained by Teresa Ann Miller. Rhett Butler played Rex as a puppy in Baby Rex.
The Littlest Hobo was a live-action popular television series in the 1980's airing on CTV in Canada. It featured a German Shepherd that travelled from place to place, performing some good deed, and then moving on.
A group of six German Shepherd Dogs was featured in the 2006 film as they formed a pyramid for Gregory Girard (Andy Richter), Jean Girard's (Sacha Baron Cohen) husband.
Koton, a German Shepherd, stars as Jerry Lee, a police dog, in the 1989 movie K-9.
There is also a German Shepherd named Banner in the movie Fear.
In one episode of the show ''King Of Queens'', Holly (Nicole Sullivan) adopts a German Shepherd named "Shotzi".
311 frontman Nick Hexum, at one point, owned a German Shepherd named "Bobby."
Hewie, a white coated German Shepherd which starred in the PS2 horror-game Haunting Ground
Beauty and Beast, the pair of German Shepherds from The Hills Have Eyes.
Fictional German Shepherds in Popular Culture
★ "Charlie" of the Don Bluth movie All Dogs go to Heaven and its sequels
★ "John," of the Japanese series anime series '' and its sequel ''Ginga Densetsu Weed''. The character is specifically said to have been imported to Japan from the United States, and with his owner responds to commands in English.
Miscellaneous
Breed names
The proper English name for the breed is ''German Shepherd Dog'' (a literal translation from the German ''Deutscher Schäferhund'') but they are usually informally referred to as ''GSDs'' or as "German Shepherds". In addition, the sobriquet ''police dog'' is used in many countries where the GSD is the predominant or exclusive breed used by the police force.
Anti-German sentiment was still high in the wake of World War I (1914 - 1918), and change of German-oriented names in the UK - including that of the Royal Family - were common at the time when a few dogs were taken to Britain and the United States. In 1919, the English Kennel Club gave the breed a separate register. Since it was feared that the name ''German Shepherd Dog'' could be an impediment, the name ''Alsatian'' was introduced, from Alsace, a traditionally German-speaking area on the west bank of the Rhine which had been part of the German Empire but was re-annexed by France in 1918. This name is still used in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and the Commonwealth. Only in 1977 did the British Kennel Club authorize the breed to be known again as the German Shepherd Dog[7].
Popularity in the U.S.
Based on 2006 American Kennel Club statistics, German Shepherd Dogs are the third most popular breed in the United States with 43,575 registrations [4]. This ranking is up one place from 2005, where GSDs were the fourth most popular breed [5].
See also
★ List of famous dogs
★ List of historical dogs
★ List of fictional dogs
★ White German Shepherd
★ Shiloh Shepherd
★ The Littlest Hobo
★ Wolf-dog hybrid
References
1. http://www.justshepherds.com/colors.htm
2. http://www.brightstargsd.org/mainpages/coatandcolors.html
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7jhrxy0HKs
4. Langhaar-Schaeferhunde-Verband
5. [1]
6. http://www.rintintin.com/story.htm
7. http://www.germanshepherds.com/thegsd/history/
External links
General
★
Canada
★ Nova Scotia German Shepherd Dog Club
★ German Shepherd Dog Club of Canada
★ German Shepherd Schutzhund Club of Canada
Ireland, Republic of
★ German Shepherd Dog Authority of Ireland
United Kingdom
★ The German Shepherd Dog League of Great Britain
★ The British Association for German Shepherd Dogs
United States
★ German Shepherd Dog Club of America
★ United Schutzhund Clubs of America
★ German Shepherd DogPublic.com
This article provided by Wikipedia. To edit the contents of this article, click here for original source.
psst.. try this: add to faves
