When it comes to loyal, intelligent, and versatile working dogs, German Shepherd Dogs undoubtedly top the list. But have you ever wondered why these magnificent canines were specifically bred when there were already shepherding dogs in existence?
The Origins of German Shepherds
German Shepherds were originally bred in the late 19th century by a German cavalry officer named Captain Max von Stephanitz. His vision was to create the perfect herding dog that could assist shepherds in managing and protecting their flocks. While there were indeed other shepherding breeds at the time, the most popular shepherding breed in Germany was the Württemberg Sheepdog, von Stephanitz aimed to develop a superior breed with unmatched intelligence, agility, and loyalty.
In 1899, while attending a dog show, he came across a dog named Hektor Linksrhein, who caught his attention with its intelligence, strength, and agility. Max von Stephanitz would then change his name to the more widely-known name of Horand von Grafrath (If anyone knows why von Stephanitz changed the dog's name, let me know.). Horand would later become the first registered German Shepherd in von Stephaniz's newly founded Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (Society for German Shepherd Dogs).
Max von Stephanitz believed that a dog's appearance should be secondary to its ability to work. He wanted to create a breed that was not only physically strong but also intelligent, trainable, and versatile. He used Hektor as the foundation for the breed and began a strict breeding program, focusing on the desired traits and eliminating any undesirable ones.
The Need for a New Breed
Why did Captain von Stephanitz feel the need to create a new breed when there were already shepherding dogs fulfilling similar roles? One of the main reasons was the changing landscape of agriculture and herding practices in Germany. As industrialization swept across the country, traditional farming methods evolved, requiring a more adaptable and capable herding dog.
German Shepherds could herd and protect large flocks of sheep. Unlike other breeds that were used for herding, German Shepherds had a unique combination of traits that made them ideal for this job. They were strong enough to handle large herds, had a high level of endurance, and were able to work independently without constant supervision.
The German Shepherd's Name
Stephanitz himself called the breed Deutscher Schäferhund, literally "German Shepherd Dog." However, at the time, any herding dog in Germany was referred to by this name. The name changed over the years, partially due to anti-German sentiment during World War II, but it eventually returned to its original name.
The Unique Traits of German Shepherds
German Shepherds' keen sense of smell, exceptional agility, and unwavering loyalty make them invaluable partners in a variety of working environments. Additionally, their protective instincts and strong bond with their handlers make them a popular choice.
Another reason for breeding German Shepherds was the need for a dog that could assist the police and military. Germany was going through a time of political turmoil, and there was a growing demand for intelligent and obedient dogs that could be trained for protection and tracking. German Shepherds fit this description perfectly, and they were soon used as police dogs and messenger dogs during the First World War.
The breed's popularity grew quickly, not just in Germany but worldwide. It wasn't long until German Shepherds were used for various other tasks, such as search and rescue, guide dogs for the blind, and even therapy dogs.
Comments