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GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG |
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With less demand
for herding over the years, von Stephanitz was determined not to let the
Shepherd decline and encouraged its use by the police and the military.
During World War I, there were 48,000 Shepherds "enlisted" in
the German Army. Today, the GSD serves perhaps in more ways than any other
breed; search-and-rescue (S&R), police, army and sentry, scent discrimination
and, of course, companion. They are superb dog guides for the blind and
helpers for the handicapped.
Perhaps the
best testimony to its S&R ability comes from the Hospice at St.
Bernard, which still offers refuge to travelers. Today the Hospice raises
Saint Bernards as a tourist attraction, but German Shepherds do the
rescue work.
Despite fads,
poor breeding practices, malign-ment of character as "attack"
dogs, and discrimination against anything German during the years of
and following World War I, the breed has thrived. During the German
phobia, English owners refused to give up the breed they had come to
admire. They did compromise and change the name to Alsatian, which prevailed
for nearly 40 years after all hostilities ended. Their American counterparts,
in a similar attempt to disguise the breed's origins, temporarily dropped
the word "German" from the name. Two German Shepherds helped
to soothe the post-War wounds. The film stars Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart
reawakened interest in the breed, with their breath-taking adventures
and thrilling rescues. During the Second World War, the Shepherd served
the Allied forces in the fight against its homeland. These dogs have
amazed even their trainers in feats of power and agility.
A shepherd named "Max of Pangoula" scaled a high jump of 11
feet SVs inches, and "Young Sabre" topped a ribbed
wall of 11 feet 8 inches.
As late
as 1915, there were three coat types— the smoothhaired, the longhaired
and the wire-haired. The wirehaired has since disappeared; "long
coats" are still born, but do not meet with approval in the conformation
ring. They do, however, make fine companions, and there are admirers
that prefer them.
Shepherds
can tolerate extremes in weather conditions: barking with delight
at a romp in below-zero temperatures, rolling in a snowbank; or withstanding
the heat of a steamy jungle in a combat zone.
Their ears
are required to stand erect naturally, although aid through taping
may be given to youngsters with "lazy" ears. A correct,
noble Shepherd head can best be described as possessing "the
look of eagles." Their tails should reach long and be carried
low, with the gentle curve of a saber at the end. All-white coloration
is a disqualifying fault, and the Shepherd is one of the very few
breeds that is disqualified for vi-ciousness. This commendable practice
has accomplished a great deal of good for the breed. It is a GSD,
Champion Covy-Tucker Hill's Manhattan, who holds the honor of the
most best in shows, over 200, carrying off prestigious wins at Westminster
and the AKC Centennial.
The dog
is sensible and has a devout loyalty to its family. Perhaps this is
why the breed is so popular. Shepherd lovers seem to wear blinders
when it comes to their favorite breed, thinking no other can compare.
It is claimed the German Shepherd Dog has the intelligence of a seven-year-old
child. Shepherds are often top contenders in the obedience ring.
As occurs
with any breed that is so numerous, some poor breeding practices exist
which perpetuate temperament and health problems. Buyers should study
the dam and, if possible, the sire to see if they are physically sound
and good-natured. A Shepherd is willing to do anything for the person
he loves, to the point of giving his own life. The breed adores its
own family and is naturally protective of it and of property. The
standard stresses that it must stand its ground and be approachable
in public situations.
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