German Shepherd History
submitted: Aug 27th 2008 |
by: JanRyan |
Total views: 1 |
Word Count: 514 |
| 
Max von Stephanitz embraced all the credits for the development of this extraordinarily intelligent, reliable and subservient dog. Extensively it was von Stephanitz's idea that inspired a wide variety of sheep herding dogs into an individual breed of the best quality. He conceptualized a dog of dutiful character, huge working ability, loyal and incredibly trainable. In the 18th and 19th centuries, shepherd dogs were solely contributing their talents as working dogs. For them it was their working efficiency that was in high demand, not their appearance. However these dogs lacked a definitive origin.
Later in 19th century, the movement begun in the method of guiding sheep, in which Captain von Stephanitz played the leading role with his plan to form his upcoming endeavor Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde for breeding a dog with maximum potential. In his concept, the breeding techniques were not only limited to the improved working abilities of the German Shepherd, but he also put emphasis on the improved appearance, however, never underestimating the primary priority.
History witnessed that the developmental journey of the German Shepherd was not always hassle-free. In fact, there were several ups and downs in the demand of shepherd dogs in earlier times. By that time, von Stephanitz shifted his idea into a new direction and trained the German Shepherd for the purpose of police service, where these dogs once again proved their robust efficiency. However, later in 19th century and early phases of the 20th century, the increasing number of dog shows made the breeder think about both the efficiency and appearance of the German Shepherd.
During 1899, the idea of the contemporary German Shepherd came into existence with the continuous contribution of von Stephanitz and the formation of Verein. England discovered German Shepherds in World War I and took it back to the U.K. under the name of Alsatian. Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde regulated all the breeding in Germany during that phase. However, Germany was devastated and ruined following World War II, and the same was true with the breeding organization and policies. During that period, the credit of breeding the best German Shepherds went to North America.
During late 19th century, von Stephanitz implemented his extensive knowledge, expertise and breeding experience into new experimentations. He adopted different concepts used in the German Shepherd breeding techniques advocated in England during that period.
It was in 1899 when von Stephanitz attended a dog show and bought Horand von Grafrath, who was known as the first registered German Shepherd studbook entry. Von Stephanitz was most impressed by the wide range of qualities of the breed.
Horand, a medium sized dog, was the symbol of the perfect combination of vivacity and physical activity. His beautiful lines all over the body made his very attractive. A dog of obedience, bravery, defense and energy was extensively admired for its mental alertness. The perfect blend of these exquisite qualities and boldness are all that made the German Shepherd so valuable worldwide.
In today's world, imported German Shepherds are in high demand for their outstanding sense of smell, excellence in obedience, sound temperament and brilliant physical structure and working efficiency.
About the Author
About the author: Jan Ryan is an avid lover of the German Shepherd and has a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved German Shepherd. Among other topics there, you can also learn all about German Shepherd history plus a whole lot more.
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