• $500.00
• Gender : male
• Age : 7 months
• Ad ID : 53

Description

The history of the German Shepherd breed dates back to the late 19th century in Germany, when efforts were made to develop a versatile and dependable working dog. The foundation of the breed is credited to Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer and dog enthusiast who believed in the potential of creating the ideal herding and working dog, combining intelligence, strength, and loyalty.

To achieve this goal, von Stephanitz studied various herding dogs native to Germany and identified a dog named Horand von Grafrath, previously known as Hektor Linksrhein, that embodied his vision. In 1899, von Stephanitz founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV), or the Society for the German Shepherd Dog, and registered Horand as the first official German Shepherd Dog.

The early focus of the breed was on its herding abilities; however, as the need for herding dogs declined due to industrialization, von Stephanitz sought new roles for the German Shepherd.

He promoted the breed’s adaptability and intelligence for various tasks, such as police work, military service, and search and rescue operations. The German Shepherd quickly gained recognition for its exceptional capabilities as a working dog, excelling in numerous fields.

During World War I, German Shepherds were employed by both German and Allied forces for their versatility and reliability. Their skills in carrying messages, locating the wounded, and serving as guard dogs made them invaluable assets during the war. After the war, returning soldiers brought the breed to the United States and other countries, further popularizing the German Shepherd.