Derived from the old herding and farm dog breeds, and famous for centuries as both servant and companion, today's German Shepherd Dog is the result of intensive development orchestrated by those who valued the breed.

Founded by Captain Max Vom Stephanitz in 1899 and molded by the Verein Für Deutsche Schäferhgunde (the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany) is recognized as the breed's original parent club.  From about 1914, the popularity of the German Shepherd Dog spread rapidly throughout the world. Interest in the breed has been fostered worldwide by specialty clubs in many countries, just as it has in the United States by the German Shepherd Dog Club of America.

The German Shepherd Dog is first, last, and always a working dog, whose temperament and physical structure have been developed through selective breeding, judging, and specialized training.

The most important attribute of the breed is its character.  German Shepherd Dogs are distinguished by the loyalty, courage, and ability to assimilate and retain training for an amazing number of specialized services.  They should be of even disposition, poised, and unexcitable, with restrained and composed confidence.  For typical work as a herding sheepdog, they must not be gun-shy and must have the courage to protect the flock from attacks by other animals or humans.  For police work, narcotics detection, or search and rescue, they must have courage and stability coupled with excellent scenting capabilities.  As guide dogs for the blind, German Shepherd Dogs must and do exhibit a high order of intelligence and discrimination, as this work requires observation, patience, faithfulness, watchfulness, and good judgment. All this is possible because of the German Shepherd Dog's natural aptitude for training.

These qualities have endeared German Shepherd Dogs to a wide public in practically every country in the world.  They serve as assistants for the disabled, therapy dogs for the infirm, home guardians, and companions and friends to children and families. They are protectors of livestock and partners to police officers and soldiers.  German Shepherd Dogs are not pugnacious brawlers but bold and punishing fighters, if the need arises.  With the humans, they do not give affection lightly.  They are dignified and may be indifferent to strangers, but friendship, once given, is for life.

 The Complete Dog Book - 20th edition
Official Publication of the American Kennel Club