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Non-sporting Breeds
German Shepherd Dog
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Pedigree Points
Recognized: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI, KC (GB), KUSA
Height: Dog: 24-26 in (60-65cm) Bitch: 22-24 in (55-60cm)
Weight: 75-95 lb (33.5-42.5kg)
Coat: Medium length, straight, hard and close, with a dense, thick undercoat
Color: Solid black or gray; black saddle with tan or gold to light gray markings; gray with lighter or brown markings (referred to as sables); blues, livers, albinos, and whites highly undesirable (a light-coated German Shepherd is included in the breed standards of some countries)
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It has been suggested that the German Shepherd Dog,
or Alsatian, may be a descendant of the Bronze Age
wolf. Certainly, around the 7th century, there existed
in Germany a shepherd dog of similar type but with a
lighter coat. By the 16th century, the coat is said to
have darkened appreciably.
The German Shepherd is extremely intelligent and
makes a first-class companion, show dog, and guard.
It is eminently trainable and so works as a police dog
and as a guide dog for the blind. Its superior guarding
ability can get it into trouble, because it may misread
a sign and spring to its owner's defence. It needs daily
grooming, plenty of exercise, and above all a job to
do, even if this only entails competing in obedience or
agility tests. It is unfair and unwise for this intelligent
animal to be subjected to a life of boredom.
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