German Shepherds are one of the most well-recognized breeds in the world. They are known for their determination, focus, trainability, and loyalty. They are also very versatile dogs that can perform and serve in several different capacities, even if their only job is “beloved family pet”. Here are a few facts about German Shepherds:

1. They Were Originally Herding Dogs

In terms of modern jobs, German Shepherds are popular and well-known as police and military dogs. But, when looking at the history of the German Shepherd, we can see that they were originally used as herding dogs and livestock protectors. They were even the first member of the American Kennel Club Herding Group!

They can still be found working as farm dogs, but are more commonly found as family companions, military dogs, police dogs, and service dogs. They are certainly versatile working dogs that are happiest when they have a job to do.

2. German Shepherds Are Born Protectors

Socialization and training are important to any dog breed, but they are especially important for German Shepherds as they have a protective instinct. These dogs are born to protect and this is one of the reasons why they are considered one of the dog breeds that are good guard dogs.

That, paired with their strong will and independent nature, means they can be wary and suspicious of strangers. Poor socialization and inconsistent or bad training can result in a dog that is loving to family and aggressive towards anyone else. That being said, German Shepherds make some of the best companions and are one of the most popular dog breeds.

A properly socialized and trained German Shepherd is loving with a playful spirit and a lively personality. They get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although their protective and guardian instincts may still make them initially suspicious of strangers, they tend to warm up once they’ve been introduced.

3. They Need Ongoing Training

As a working dog, German Shepherds need a job to do. They thirst for learning, training, and fulfillment. And, as one of the smartest dog breeds, they get bored easily. So, ongoing training will be a necessity to keep your GSD mentally stimulated and engaged. Plus, your GSD will love learning new things!

They are a highly trainable dog breed in that they are intelligent and pick up on things quickly, which is why they are versatile working dogs and one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. But, they are also strong-willed, independent, and can be stubborn, especially if they get bored during training. Because of these traits, novice or first-time owners should enroll in obedience classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer.

Not only will this ensure you have the skills you need to handle a strong-willed working dog, but it also ensures a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy. These are just some benefits of puppy training classes. The socialization and other benefits that come with them can make them a great idea even if you don’t necessarily need them for help with training.

4. German Shepherds Are High-Energy Dogs

German Shepherds may have lazy moments, but they are definitely not couch potatoes. These dogs have a lot of energy and they love to run! In fact, the German Shepherd is one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and extra activity are a must for this dog.

Whether it’s playing frisbee, running with you, swimming, or going on a hike, your GSD will just be happy to be active with you. You can even train them to compete in dog sports like agility, obedience, flyball, and more. They would probably enjoy the challenge of learning something new, especially something that gives them an excuse to run!

As one of the most active dog breeds, a German Shepherd is a good fit for active owners and families who can invest the time into training and socializing them and who can give them the exercise, attention, and affection they need.

5. GSDs Make Great Service Dogs

There is a long history of guide dogs. The modern movement of training dogs to be guide dogs can be traced back to the 1700s. It wouldn’t be until the 1900s that training dogs to be guides would be developed into something standardized and effective.

Dorothy Harrison Eustis was an American woman living in Switzerland and was training military and police dogs there. She heard about the guide dog training center near Berlin in Potsdam that had a proven track record of success. She visited and wrote an article that was published in an American newspaper.

Morris Frank, who was a blind man who learned of the information in the article, contacted Eustis about introducing guide dogs to the United States. Eustis trained a German Shepherd named Buddy to be a guide dog, taught Morris Frank how to work with Buddy, and then Frank and Buddy traveled back to the United States together. It is believed that Buddy was the first official guide dog in America, which means a GSD was likely the first guide dog in the U.S.

From this, Dorothy Eustis established the Seeing Eye School in Morristown, New Jersey. Her passion for the program is credited with launching the guide dog movement internationally. With their intelligence and versatility, it’s no surprise that German Shepherds are one of the dog breeds that make great service dogs. Since then, many different dog breeds have been trained as guide dogs and other types of service dogs.

6. One of the First Canine Film Stars Was a GSD

Etzel von Oeringen was a German Shepherd who became one of the early dog actors and canine film stars. His screen name was Strongheart. He passed away in 1929 and it could be said that he helped pave the way, or at least made it a little easier, for Rin Tin Tin to skyrocket to stardom. Strongheart was also the first dog to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He would be followed by Rin Tin Tin, Lassie, and Snoopy.

7. One of the Most Famous Dog Actors Was a German Shepherd

The story of Rin Tin Tin starts out with him as a small puppy in France. During World War I, an American soldier named Lee Duncan discovered a mother and her surviving puppies struggling in a damaged kennel in a French village. He brought the dogs back to his unit and ended up keeping two – Rin Tin Tin and Nanette.

When Corporal Lee Duncan returned to the United States, he brought these German Shepherds home with him. Nanette passed away shortly after returning to the country after a bout of pneumonia. But, Rin Tin Tin survived and thrived and became one of the most famous dog actors in Hollywood.

His first starring role in a film was a success and endorsement deals, more roles, and more started to roll in. Throughout his life, he starred in at least 23 silent films from Warner Bros. It’s even said that Rin Tin Tin could be credited with helping to save Warner Bros. from bankruptcy. He even received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Rin Tin Tin was a Hollywood legend who passed away in 1932 and whose legacy continues today as one of the most famous dogs.

8. GSD Official Breed Standards Are Different in the US

Over the decades, breed standards for German Shepherds shifted in the United States to focus more on elegant movements and body shape for performance and show dogs. In Europe, breed standards still follow the original Max von Stephanitz standards that focus on working and herding dogs.

Although American German Shepherds meet the breed standards of the American Kennel Club, they are not required to pass the same series of tests that the German Shepherd Club of Germany requires to meet their breeding standards.

When looking for German Shepherd puppies, this is something to consider. If a U.S.-based breeder has German lines and follows German club standards, their GSDs may look slightly different than German Shepherds from American lines.

Is a German Shepherd Puppy Right For You?

These are just a few facts about German Shepherds. This dog breed can be a great fit for active single owners and families who can give them the training, mental stimulation, affection, and exercise they need every day to be happy and healthy.

If you think this could be the right dog breed for you, learn more about them and then check out the available German Shepherd puppies. Who knows? You could end up finding the perfect addition to your family and your new best friend!