THE GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG
The origin
The breed was first developed in 1899 by Max von Stephanitz, an ex-cavalry captain and former student of the Berlin Veterinary College.
In 1899, Von Stephanitz was attending a dog show when he came across a dog named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of few generations of selective breeding and completely fulfilled what Von Stephanitz believed a working dog should be. He was pleased with the strength of the dog and was so taken by the animal's intelligence and loyalty that he purchased it immediately. Stephanitz later changed the name of the dog to Horand von Grafrath and founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (Society for the German Shepherd Dog). Horand was declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog and was the first dog added to the society's breed register.
The breed
The GSD is a medium to large size dog. It was originally bred as a working dog, for herding sheep. The adult male weighs 30-40 kg while the female weighs 22-32 kg. They come in a variety of coat patterns and colours. They are an agile, muscular dog of noble character and of high intelligence. They have a sound and stable temperament. They are curious, stubborn, alert, loyal, obedient, confident, protective, watchful, courageous and brave.
