We found King through a news paper add and decided to check it out. We weren't going to get anymore pets after our last shepherd died nearly two years ago. His name was Duke and he was more like a member of the family than just the family pet.After eleven years you get very attatched to them and very hurt when you loose them.
When we got to the place where King was that day we nearly fell over to see how he was being treated. They had him tied to a barn door with a chain that you could pull a car with and had no collar. The hair around his neck was getting pretty thin from the weight of the chain and him pulling on it when he tried to reach his water or food dishes. The son of the people that owned him put a dish of water down for him as there wasn't any when we arrived there. I guess they were trying to impress us that he was cared for. The dish was placed just out of his reach so he really couldn't get to it so this caused him to lunge and pull on the chain trying to reach his water or food. Then the kid would walk over and kick him in the head and laugh at the dog because he couldn't get to the dish and called the dog stupid. The people that had him had advertised a black and silver shepherd "without papers" forsale for $50. So we gladly payed the money and left. I would have paid alot more just to get him out of there.
After we brought him home we had a terrible time with him because he was so aggressive. You couldn't pet him half of the time and if you put your face near his he would bite. It must have taken at least six months to get him past this mean streak. But with alot of TLC we won the battle and now you can't move and he is right there next to you or up in bed with us. He weighs 85 lbs. and manages to get in my wifes lap when she sits in the recliner. Not your ideal lap dog for sure. When we leave the house he cries and carries on terrilbly even if it's to go to the store for ten minutes. When we come home you would think we had been gone for a week the way he jumps around with excitement because we are back home. When we go anywhere in our motor home he rides right up in the front with the both of us and loves every minute of it.
King will be five years old next April and he has turned out to be one of the smartest dogs that I have ever known and is a terrific watch dog. He also is very loving and affectionate towards my wife and I and truely has become our "BEST FRIEND".
"THE GERMAN SHEPHERD BREED"
The German Shepherd
The undisputed king of dogs, the versatile German Shepherd has done more in the service of mankind than any other. Apart from his original sheepherding role, he has excellded as a sentry and guard dog, police and army dog, tracker, drug detection dog, guide dog for the blind, as well as a search, rescue and avalanche dog.
However, above all else, the German Shepherd is a superb companion dog. While showing a certain reserve towards strangers, he is utterly devoted to his owner and family. He is patient and tolerant with children, tending them as he would have done his flock in days of old.
In fact it is essential that the German Shepherd feels that he has a job to do in life. His extreme intelligence needs to be utilised in some positive way. either by taking him to obedience training or by keeping him busily involved in family activities and outings. His height is around 55.5 to 65 cm and his weight 28 to 37 kg.
"The German Shepherd Dog Breed Standard"
The name of the Breed is the German Shepherd Dog. The country of origin is Germany. This is the international standard.
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.
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 ever-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.
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.
CHARACTER
Good sound nerves,being alert, self-confidence, trainability, watchfulness,and loyalty, as well as courage, fighting drive and hardness, are the best characteristics of a German Shepherd Dog
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