Tribal TattooOne of the most popular dog breeds in the world is the German shepherd, sometimes known as the GSD for short. In the UK, they are called Alsatians, after the area in France where they originally were bred by German dog breeders. The first GSDs were whelped around 1882. For such a ubiquitous dog breed, it may be surprising to learn that it is less than 200 years old.

The History of German Shepherd Dogs

The German Shepherd Dogs, Origin and HistoryThe German Shepherd Dog, Origin and History
The German Shepherd Dog (deutchschaferhund or GSD) is only a little over 100 years old, yet is arguably the most versatile dog breed. The GSD was bred to be the finest herding dog in Germany by selecting the best herding stock available, without regard for the way it looked. The final product, introduced at the first Verein show in 1899, was an immediate success.
German Shepherd PuppiesGerman Shepherd Puppies
The usefulness of the dog was demonstrated during WWI when German soldiers used the dog as messengers. So impressed were the soldiers from other countries, that when the war was over they took breeding stock home with them. When two German Shepherds became American film stars, “Braveheart” and “Rin Tin Tin,” the breed became popular with the public.
Pictures of German Shepherd DogsPictures of German Shepherd Dogs
Germany remains the acknowledged leader in breeding a GSD true to type. Their rules for breeding and raising the GSD are enforced by Breed Wardens who are hired by the local breed clubs to ensure conformity to standards.
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