wordy blog

  • August 16, 2018

    The German Shepherd - The Guardian

    By Roma Koisar
    The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed, only directly dating back to 1899 when a certain Captain Max von Stephanitz travelled near and far to find his perfect German herding dog and came across the handsome "Hektor Linksrhein" at a dog show.
     
    A product of selective breeding over a hand full of generations, Hektor was the epitome of the German sheepdog the Captain was looking for. The animal's powerful physique, beauty and intelligence shone through and the dog was purchased immediately.
     
    After a name change to "Horand von Grafrath" ( pity Bob wasn't around naming dogs then!), the Captain set up the "Society for the German Shepherd" with his new dog being the first to be registered.
     
    Bred with other dogs in the "Society" who displayed the traits that he was looking for, within a few generations the German Shepherd as we know it was born.
    Without the Captain's obsession to detail and uncompromising leadership within the Society, this breed would probably not exist.
    Many say this dog is more aloof than aggressive and takes it's time to warm to new people but once this reserved fella accepts you, you have a loyal buddy for life.
     
    Within a family setting, this breed is known as a natural protector but saying that still very approachable and great with kids.
     
    A perfect guardian and patient to boot, this incredibly bright breed usually picks up a new command within five attempts!
     
    They need companionship and are not great at being left alone for any great period of time - separation anxiety is part and parcel of this breed.
     
    They especially need to be stimulated with training and exercise.
    Also known as the Alsatian in the UK, they are known for their trainability, strength, obedience and intelligence. Therefore widely recognised as one of the best working dogs out there.
     
    In Switzerland in the 1920's, the German Shepherd was the first breed to be formally trained as a guide dog. They are still commonly used to help those with special needs alongside search and rescue work.  Any conflict, any disaster, you'll see them first at the scene.
     
    This breed was born to be a worker, whether as a guard or Police dog or by the side of a soldier, this dog is courageous to the bone.
    As a messenger, Red Cross Dog, supply carrier, sniffing out bombs, I wonder just how many lives are owed to this dog's bravery.
     
    A true hero!
    Hollywood Star
     
    Rin-Tin-Tin ( not Tintin!) become a huge Hollywood star in the 20's. He was rescued by an American soldier, Lee Duncan during WW1 and brought back to the US where he went on to appear in 27Hollywood films.
     
    He was the first Canine superstar and alongside another German Shepherd called  Strongheart, they were loved by millions and were probably responsible for the growth in popularity of this breed as a family pet.
     
    Both have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
    Famous German Shepherd owners include the following:
     
     
    Tom Hanks
     
    Jennifer Lopez
     
    Jake Gyllenhaal
     
    Reese Witherspoon
     
    Robin Williams
     
    Bob Hope
     
    J. F. Kennedy
     
    Jennifer Aniston
     
    Daniel Craig
     
    Enrique Iglesias
    Every dog is a lifetime commitment and this one is no exception but if you fancy sharing your life with a brave, clever and loyal companion, check out the sites below for rescue and rehoming centres specifically this heroic dog. 
    German Shepherd Rescue Links

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