Bhuvan Kennels

German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd Dog breed is known as being strong, agile, well muscled, alert and energetic. One notable feature of German Shepherd Dogs' appearance is that their bodies tend to have more curves than angles.

German Shepherd Dog's Behaviour

Recommended for: companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian

The German Shepherd Dog is often thought to seem self-confident and not overly outgoing. In behaviour, German Shepherds tend to be both hard-working and adaptable.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behaviour. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

German Shepherd Dog's Physical Characteristics

Here are the characteristics of the German Shepherd Dog breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

Size: males: 24 to 26 inches; females: 22 to 24 inches

Coat: medium-long; outer coat of wavy, often wiry hair over a coat of dense, straight, harsh and close-to-the-body hairs.

Colour: varies

Eyes: medium-sized, almond-shaped, set a little obliquely and not protruding, very dark

Ears: pointed, in proportion to the skull, open toward the front, and carried straight up when at attention

Skull: sloped

Muzzle: long

Nose: black

Tail: bushy

German Shepherd Dog's Origins and History

Country/Region of Origin: Germany
Original purpose: herding
Name: The proper English name for the breed is German Shepherd Dog (a literal translation from the German "Deutscher Schäferhund"). They may also be known as GSDs or German Shepherds.
Alsatian is also commonly used in the United Kingdom and countries of the Commonwealth of Nations; during World I and II, many German names were changed to sound less German, including the name of this breed of dog.
Historical notes: The breed was originated by Captain Max von Stephanitz in the late 1800s and early 1900s. US and British soldiers brought home German Shepherds after WWI and the breed became quite popular.

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