GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 55-65cm
Colour: Black, black/tan, grey with or without shadings.
Coat: Outercoat - straight, harsh and dense. Undercoat - thick. Short on the head.
Gait: Smoothly co-ordinated and ground covering, with strong fore reach and hind propulsion.
Having a longer body than is found in many of the herding breeds, this shepherd’s working ability should never be sacrificed for mere beauty. The long wedge shaped head must be clean cut, the almond shaped eyes showing a lively expression is enhanced by the alert erect ears. The long neck is lowered at a fast trot, and runs into a strong straight back with a long ribcage. The fore and hindquarters are well angulated and long, and the fore pasterns slope slightly to arched toes. The low set bushy tail must never be carried above the level of the back.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
The German Shepherd can fulfil numerous tasks either as a domestic pet, in show and obedience trials, herding on farms, a sniffer dog for customs, a guide dog, a police dog, and a most efficient guard dog. Needing regular exercise and socialisation to develop their full potential, these dogs should never be locked away where they have no human contact. Coat care is minimal - an occasional brushing to remove dead hair is all that is required.
HISTORY
From the earliest times of association between man and dogs, man utilized the abilities of dogs to guard animals and people. However, it was in Germany in 1899 that the distinctive type of German Shepherd was decided upon. With the reduction of wolves and with livestock being transported by rail, the German Shepherd’s abilities had to move into other fields. As can be expected, the most valued dogs were those who fulfilled the greatest number of tasks; and due to the excellence of these dogs, the German Shepherd has become the most popular breed in the world. The German Shepherd was once known as the Alsatian in some countries.