| 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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