The History in a Nut Shell
In compliance with the regulations established by the German Shepherd Dog Club (SV) e.V., headquartered in Augsburg, a member of the Federation of Dog Clubs in Germany (VDH), the organization serves as the founding authority for the German Shepherd Dog breed and is responsible for maintaining its breed standard.
The development of this document commenced at the inaugural membership meeting held in Frankfurt am Main on September 20, 1899, and was based on proposals submitted by A. Meyer and von Stephanitz.
About German Shepherd Dog
Other Names: GSD (Short), Alsatian (Eng), Deutscher Schäferhund (Ger), Cane da Pastore Tedesco (Italian), Pastor alemán (Espanol)
Origin: Grafrath (Now municipality in district of Fürstenfeldbruck, Bavaria,Germany) GSD Breed History
Height at Withers: Male – 62.5 cm, Female – 57.5 cm, (FCI Standard Allows Deviation of +/- 1 cm)
Weight: Male – 30–40 kg, Female 22–32 kg
Body: 110-117% of the height World Standard Of GSD
Behavior: Playful, friendly, protective
Exercise Requirement: Regularly needed
Intelligence: One of the most intelligent breeds
Hardiness: Appreciably hardy, if well bred and properly maintained
As a Protection & Guard Dog: Perfect
Trainability: [Essential] Very easy to train under professional trainers
Features: Attentive, alert, resilient, self assured steady of nerve, confident, strong & powerful
Recognitions: AKC – Herding, KC – Pastoral, FCI – Group 1, UKC – Working
Color: Black & Tan (widely available), Solid Black, Solid White, Black & Silver, Red & Black, Sable, Grey. “No good dog is a bad color” – Max von Stephanitz
Incredible Fact: 48,000 GSDs were enlisted with German army during WWI. Many were forcefully taken away from their beloved owners.
Key Milestones in The Development & Revision of the GSD Breed Standard
On July 28, 1901, a membership meeting was convened to discuss matters related to the breed.
The 23rd membership meeting was held on September 17, 1909, in Cologne, further shaping the breed’s direction.
On September 5, 1930, a Board and Executive Committee meeting took place in Wiesbaden to address key updates to the breed standard.
A Breeders Committee and Board meeting occurred on March 25, 1961, in collaboration with the World Union of German Shepherd Clubs (WUSV), to refine the breed standard.
At the WUSV meeting on August 30, 1976, the breed standard was officially formalized.
On March 23 and 24, 1991, the standard was revised and approved during a meeting of the Board and Executive Committee.
The organized breeding program for the German Shepherd Dog began shortly after the establishment of the German Shepherd Dog Club (SV) in 1899. The breed originated from herding dogs in Middle and Southern Germany, with the goal of developing a high-performance working dog.
To achieve this objective, the German Shepherd Dog Breed Standard was created, specifying both the physical characteristics and behavioral attributes required for the breed.
6 Fundamental Instincts of German Shepherd Dog
The six fundamental instincts of a well-bred German Shepherd have been broadly classified into two categories: Critical/Vital Instincts and General Instincts. Both categories are essential to the breed, and it is crucial for breeders to prioritize the preservation of these instincts in breeding stock. Maintaining these traits in progenitors is of paramount importance when breeding German Shepherd Dogs.
Critical Instincts in German Shepherd Dogs
Prey Drive (Booty Instinct): This instinct drives the German Shepherd to chase and capture moving objects, vital for Schutzhund protection work. It develops around six months and enhances the dog’s speed and power in striking.
Fighting Drive: Known as “Active Aggression,” this instinct triggers the dog’s ability to deliver forceful barks during protection, improving its performance in protection tasks. It’s a key trait for Schutzhund training.
Hunting Drive: This instinct allows the dog to track and locate prey, crucial for detection and patrol work. A strong Hunting Drive makes the dog more effective in search and criminal apprehension.
General Instincts in German Shepherd Dogs
Self-Preservation (Defense Instinct): Also known as “Reactive Aggression,” this instinct reflects the dog’s natural protective behavior, particularly related to territoriality. It sharpens the dog’s defensive responses and stimulates both prey drive and active aggression, essential for protection work.
Pack Instinct: This instinct, common to all pack animals, is highly pronounced in German Shepherds. It enhances the dog’s ability to follow and protect its “pack” members, making it easier to train for tasks such as Schutzhund trials, where cooperation with the handler is key.
Social Aggression: Found predominantly in male German Shepherds, this instinct drives territoriality and dominance through deep, warning barks. It enhances the dog’s guard dog capabilities, activating in response to perceived threats and reinforcing its protective instincts.
A Couple of Words From PawsLove Team
“Looking for a couch potato? This is not the breed for you! The German Shepherd is a working dog bustling with energy, and loves to remain busy all times. He needs a good amount of exercise – both mental and physical. Outdoor games and physical activities stimulate them and prevent them from doing mischief.“
A Note on German Shepherd Dog Instincts and Drives
Some of the instincts and drives inherent to the GSD breed have led to its reputation as one of the more aggressive dog breeds, affecting its popularity in some parts of the world. However, the German Shepherd Dog remains one of the most sought-after breeds globally. It is important to understand that these instincts are characteristic of the breed and must be carefully preserved through proper breeding practices. Without the right balance of aggression, a GSD would lack its defining traits. While German Shepherds are friendly and protective towards their family, including children, they are naturally cautious of strangers—an essential quality for an effective protection dog.