Captain Max von Stephanitz
1864-1936
HISTORY OF THE GERMAN SHEPHERD
The German Shepherd Dog is a fairly recent breed in the breeding history of dogs, having been developed almost entirely in the 1900s. On April 3, 1899, Max von Stephanitz attended one of the earliest dog shows for all breeds ever held in Germany. On that day, von Stephanitz purchased a herding dog he observed at the show, and he decided to form the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde,( S.V.). Max von Stephanitz was named the organization's first president and remained so until his death in 1936. The dog he purchased that day, Horand von Grafrath, was designated S.Z.1, the first German Shepherd Dog to be registered with the Verein. The Verein became a driving force in the canine world and the largest specialty club.
The Verein started to keep a stud book immediately (marked by an S.Z. number) and began to circulate a semi-monthly newsletter. It held annual "Sieger" shows at which one dog and bitch were selected as Sieger and Siegerin. The Verein and von Stephanitz held a watchful eye on German Shepherd Dog breeding throughout Germany, holding jurisdiction on which dogs and bitches could be used for breeding, which could be bred to one another, the number of puppies that could be kept and raised from each litter, age limitations on breeding stock and the number of breedings a stud dog could have in one year.
Max von Stephanitz and the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde ( SV ) had a goal to develop a dog of uniform structure and working ability. Under the guidance of Rittmeister Stephanitz began the formation of the modern day German Shepherd Dog.
Though herding was the German Shepherd Dog's original purpose, von Stephanitz recognized the importance of expanding the breed's usefulness in other directions and persuaded the government to use the German Shepherd Dog in police and military work. The German Shepherd Dogs was used extensively by the police, military and went on to become the first dogs used as Guide Dogs for the blind.
The German Shepherd Dog lost some popularity in the United States during each of the World Wars, but recovered directly after. The populatity is attributed to his outstanding characteristics which are sound nerves, alertness, self-confidence, trainability, watchfulness, loyalty and incorruptibility, as well as courage, fighting drive and hardness. This makes him ideal to be a superior working dog in general, and in particular to be a guard, companion, protection, herding dog, and most of all an excellent overall pet.
The German Shepherd Dog as we know him today is a versatile working dog capable of performing a wide variety of tasks
German Shepherd Breed Standard
THE WORLD UNION OF GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG CLUBS (WUSV)
This standard was approved and put into effect for the countries and clubs of the FCI. The name of the Breed is the German Shepherd Dog. The country origin is Germany. This is the international standard used by most FCI affiliated clubs.
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Internationally Recognized Working Titles (SV/FCI) (Compiled from DDRGSD-L members, Schutzhund USA, and a variety of international online resources)
SchHA Novice Schutzhund obedience and protection
Bh Basic companion dog
AD Endurance
SchH1 Novice Schutzhund qualification in tracking, obedience, and protection
SchH2 Intermediate Schutzhund qualification in tracking, obedience, and protection
SchH3 Masters level of Schutzhund tracking, obedience, and protection.
FH1 Advanced tracking
FH2 Superior tracking qualification.
IPO1 International Novice Schutzhund trial qualification.
IPO2 International Intermediate Schutzhund.
IPO3 International Masters level Schutzhund.
BpDH1 2 Railroad Police Dog
BIH Blind Leader Dog
DH Service Dog
DPH Service Police Dog
HGH Herding Dog
LwH Avalanche Dog
PFP1 PFP2 Police Tracking Dog
PH Police Dog (obtained through the Danish Politihundeforeningen, a police dog association open to civilians)
PSP1, 2 3 Police Guard Dog
RtH Rescue Dog
ZFH Customs Tracking Dog
ZH1, 2 3 Customs Dog
Africa IWT 1, 2,
Austria SchH1, 2 3 and FHA 1, 2, 3
Belgium Cereco1, IWR1, 2 3 equivalent to IPO1, 2 3
Czech Republic ZVV1, 2 3 equivalent to SchH1, 2 3
Denmark BHP1, 2 3 equivalent to SchH1, 2 3 and SPH equivalent to FH
England PD (Police Dog)
Finland SK1 equivalent to IPO1
Holland VH1, 2 3 equivalent to SchH1, 2 3 and SPH equivalent to FH
Hungary SZL1, 2 3 also ZVV1, 2 3 equivalent to SchH1, 2 3
Italy Brevetto 1, 2 3 equivalent to SchH1, 2 3
Poland ZVV1, 2 3 equivalent to SchH1, 2 3
Switzerland SchH, SchHB, SchHC; CHD1 equivalent to SchH1
Yugoslavia CAB1, 2 3 equivalent to SchH1, 2 3
Schutzhund (SchH) - An international competitive dogsport involving Tracking, Obedience, and Protection work. ALL German Shepherd Dogs used for breeding in Germany must have a Schutzhund title. There are 3 levels. SchH I is the beginning title and SchH III is the highest title.
BH - A title in obedience, akin to the "Companion Dog" title in the AKC. Before attaining the SchH I, a dog must first have the "BH".
KoerKlasse (KKl) - A breed examination wherein the dog is rated for it's breedworthiness. KKl-1 is recommended for breeding to all bitches; KKl-II is recommended for breeding to select bitches. In order to be Koered a dog must have a SchH title.
Zuchtbewertung (ZB) - Breed show rating - will usually preface the name. (ie VA- Ulk vom Arlett) The rating levels are:
HD-ZW - Many dogs will now come with a Breed Value (ZW) rating. This rating gives the dog's genetic breedability; or the quality of the genes that the dog carries. A rating below 100 is desirable.
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1. GENERAL APPEARANCE
The German Shepherd Dog is medium sized. With the hair pressed down, the height at the withers is measured by stick along the vertical as it follows the line of the elbow from the withers to the ground. The ideal height at the withers is 62.5 cm for males and 57.5 cm for females. An allowance of 2.5 cm over or under is permissible. Exceeding the maxium as well as not meeting the minimum diminishes the working and breeding value of the dog.
The German Shepherd is slightly long, strong and well muscled. The bones are dry and the structure firm. The ratio of height to length and the placement and structure of the limbs (angulation) are so balanced that a far-reaching, effortless trot is guaranteed. He has a weather proof coat.
A pleasing appearance is desired as long as the working ability of the dog is not called into question.
Sex characteristics must be pronounced, e.g., the masculinity of the males and the femininity of the females must be unmistakable.
With an effervescent temperament, the dog must also be cooperative, adapting to every situation, and take to work willingly and joyfully. He must show courage and hardness as the situation requires to defend his handler and his property. He must readily attack on his owner's command but otherwise be a fully attentive, obedient and pleasant household companion. He should be devoted to his familar surroundings, above all to other animals and children, and composed in his contact with people. All in all, he gives a harmonious picture of natural nobility and self-confidence.
VA - Excellent Select - Only awarded at national level Breed Shows. The cream of the crop.
V - Excellent - In order to be rated V a dog must have a SchH title. The very best.
SG - Very Good. This is the highest show rating a dog can get without a Schutzhund title. "SG" in the young dog class is equivalent to a "V" in the adult class; though it does not mean an "SG" young dog will be a "V" adult.
G - Good
'a' Stamp - The mark of hip certification. There are 3 levels:
Normal - Highest rating level - Generally equivalent to OFA Excellent/Good
Fast-Normal - Mid-Range hip rating - Generally equivalent to OFA Good/Fair
noch zugelassen - Lowest breedable hip rating - Still Permissable
The German Shepherd that corresponds to the Standard offers the observer a picture of rugged strength, intelligence and agility, whose overall proportions are neither in excess or deficient in any way. The way he moves and behaves leaves no doubt that he is sound in mind and body and so possesses physical and mental traits that render possible an every-ready working dog with great stamina.
It is only possible for a practiced expert to ascertain the presence of requisite working dog traits in the German Shepherd. Therefore, only special judges should be called upon, as it is incumbent on them to judge the character of the dogs brought before them. This should include a test for gun soundness, as only German Shepherd Dogs that have achieved recognized working titles may receive the breed rating excellent.
