German Shepherd Dogs – Mans Best Friend
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Respected and much-loved throughout the world for their high intelligence, fearlessness, and unfailing loyalty, the German Shepherd Dog has long been revered as one of the most versatile breeds of all, providing companionship and protection to families, excelling as a working dog in many different venues, and hailed as the world’s leading police, guard and military dog.
Askum. Photo Life in the Fast Lane
While you will rarely find anything of personal nature on this site, this article is dedicated to my loving friend Askum — a retired German Shepherd police dog that fortune brought our way when he was 2 1/2 years old, whom we lost yesterday due to old age and sorrowfully had to be laid to rest.
Some of the images depicted here may seem alarming as to an aggressive breed of dog, but they actually reveal just how gentle and loving they are when raised properly in a loving environment.
German Shepherd Heroes
Countless German Shepherds have saved the lives of humans in danger in heroic measure, and many have laid down their own splendid lives, dying as heroes.
Photo Hilde Eriksen
Throughout military history, they have faithfully stood by their soldier companions and protected the troops — scores of “War Dogs” served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and continue to serve troops in missions around the world today.
These champions have been used as scouts and sentries to detect ambush sites and snipers, warning of impending attacks, exploring caves, underground tunnels, bunkers and various enemy hideouts in search of bombs, land mines and other enemy weapons and ammunition.
Photo MythoMART
Shelby, a 7-year-old German Shepherd from Ely, Iowa, was awarded Skippy Dog Hero of the Year for saving the lives of John and Janet Walderbach and 2 children staying as guests by alerting them to dangerously high carbon monoxide levels in the home as they lay sleeping.
On a cold December night, John and Janet were awakened by the children’s cries due to headaches and stomach upsets. Janet passed out while she rocked the youngest to sleep until Shelby revived her by nudging her until she regained consciousness.
Shelby was behaving erratically anxious, refusing to leave their sides, and was put outdoors thinking she needed to ‘go.’ But the unwavering dog would not stop barking wildly and scratching at the door until the 4 were safely outside the home.
Feeling sick, they went to the hospital where they were successfully treated in hyperbolic chambers for carbon monoxide poisoning. Doctors said that they were very lucky to have made it out when they did — the house measured 280 ppm of carbon monoxide, a level at which death or severe long-term damages are imminent.
Photo Phototram
Brit won numerous awards including the Apprehension Citation in 1997 from the Saddle River P.B.A., the Unit Citation in 1995 by the Waldwick Police Chief, the Certificate of Recognition in 1994 by the Allendale and Waldwick P.B.A. for burglar apprehension, the Exceptional Duty Award in 1998 by the Allendale and Waldwick P.B.A., and the Support Services Award by the Ho-Ho-Kus P.B.A.
Brit died On October 6, 1997and given a full police funeral. On October 21, 1998, Sgt. Litchult received a posthumous K-9 Service Award for K-9 Brit from the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum in Miami, Florida.
At 3 years old, Hustler saved the life of his owner, Debbie Inions in Mirror, Alberta when she fell from her horse, leaving her seriously injured and unable to move. Hustler repeatedly fought off vicious attacks by 2 preying coyotes until they were discovered 9 hours later.
10-year-old Tracker was the inspiration behind the Service Dog of the Year Award in Sudbury, Ontario. Over the 7 years that Tracker served in the Sudbury District under owner Sergeant Larry Bigley, he was involved in approximately 500 searches for missing persons, criminals, drugs and security details.
Photo MarilynJane
New Jersey Task Force One received an award for their search and rescue efforts during the WTC disaster as their Shepherds fearlessly searched through burned debris, ignoring burnt paws, cuts and other obstacles to look for survivors and victims. For their unselfish and courageous efforts, the team earned induction into the Animal Hall of Fame.
The original Rin Tin Tin served as a Red Cross Dog during WWI with his owner Duncan, making 26 pictures for Warner Brothers before his death on August 10, 1932. At the peak of his career he received some 10,000 fan letters a week and was considered to be one of Hollywood’s top stars in the 1920’s and 30’s.
Photo Tony Austin
About German Shepherds
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) was originally bred for herding sheep. Various names for this dog include Alsatian — which originated out of Anti-German sentiment during WWI — and simply German Shepherd.
They can be found working as guide dogs for the blind or disabled, police work, guarding, search and rescue, therapy and in the military. Despite their suitability for such work, these dogs make loyal, gentle and loving pets inside the home.
They have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
Temperament
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and agile dogs, with a strong work drive with a personality marked by direct, fearless willingness to protect what it considers its “den” — a house, car, and property in a home situation — and “pack” — such as the human family in a home situation.
Photo Mika Hiironniemi
They are poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as a companion, watchdog, guide dog for the blind, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances demand.
German Shepherds enjoy being around people and other animals. Socialization is critical for young puppies in order to prevent aggressive behavior as an adult. Proper socialization as a puppy and their genetics go hand-in-hand as the key factors which determine what a dog’s temperament will be as an adult. A dog with certain genetics cannot be trained to be stable and friendly, and the genetics most fit for training are meaningless if the dog is not well-socialized as a puppy.
The ideal German Shepherd should be alert and fearless in defense of its den and pack, but loving and non-aggressive within the home environment.
Working Lines
German Shepherds are sparingly bred by the efforts of a great few, for work function (working line) as was originally intended by the breed inventor Max von Stephanitz.
Photo K9Centrum
These dogs are bred to have an enduring work drive, and unwavering obedience. Of critical importance is the dog’s ability to distinguish the difference between what constitutes a threat and what does not. Dogs that cannot make the distinction are eliminated from police and military programs.
Working line dogs are now employed in many police departments and government organizations across the globe such as the UK Police Service and the Metropolitan Counter Terrorism Command in the United Kingdom, the ATF, the U.S. Marshals, and Customs in the USA.
Photo K9Centrum
The German Shepherd dog is one of the most widely-used breeds in a wide variety of scent-work roles including search and rescue, cadaver searching, narcotics detection, explosives detection, accelerant detection, and mine detection.
Appearance
Exact standards for the breed vary by country and organization, but the following criteria are generally part of the definition.
The German Shepherd Dog is a large and strong dog with a muscular body, generally between 65 to 95 pounds (30 to 43 kilos), but have been known to reach more than 110 pounds (50 kilos). Typical height for males is 24 to 26 inches (60 – 65 centimeters) and females 22 to 24 inches (55 – 60 centimeters).
The fur is a double-coat (under coat and outer coat). While some organizations accept long-haired German Shepherds, short-haired dogs are typically and historically preferred.
German Shepherds are easily identifiable by their large head, ears which stand straight up, wedge-shaped muzzle and compact legs, with a very a distinctive gait. The ears do not stand erect until several weeks or months of age, and go through phases of both-ears-down, and one-ear-up, up to that age.
Their jaw strength ranges from 250 to1200 pounds (113 to 545 kilos), the strongest of any domestic dog.
Photo Nicky Hannaway
Appearance in National Breed Lines
There is a split between the working line and conformation line bred dogs — the confirmation line specializing in beauty while the working line dogs are targeted towards performance and working related activities.
The DDR Lines — in the former East Germany, German Shepherds adhered more closely to the old pre-war standard, marked by a straighter back, a longer and denser coat, and a darker color. The government sponsored breeding program fell when the wall fell thus there are no longer any true DDR dogs being bred although there are current attempts to preserve this distinct line amongst certain breeders.
Most Czech dogs had their origins in the government kennels of Z Pohranicni straze (z PS), Z Jirkova dvora CS and Z Blatenskeho zamku. One of the most prolific kennels Z Pohranicni straze (Z PS) was founded in the year 1955 for the strict purpose of production and training of the dogs that would be solely used for the protection of Czechoslovakian People’s Republic’s, since 1968 Czechoslovakian Socialist Republic’s borders. The majority of these dogs were acquired from former East Germany.
The American lines are recognized by AKC and the UKC, and have a noticeably different appearance from the international conformation-line (German line) German Shepherds. The most obvious difference is the sloping back and “collapsed” hips, which is a disqualification for dogs in international competitions. This has led to the creation of the Shiloh Shepherd in the United States, which was originally a line of German shepherd whose breeder did not favor that feature in the American lines and wanted to preserve the way the breed originally looked.
Breed Type Coats and Colors
For conformation-line dogs, the most common colors are black-and-tan or black-and-red. Combinations containing very light hues such as cream are typically considered faulty. All-black is usually, but not always, accepted. A white German Shepherd is automatically disqualified from the AKC, but is fully recognized as a pure bred dog by the UKC.
Photo Alan Hughes
Working-line dogs are typically sable, solid black, bi-color, or black-and-red.
There are several different color-marking patterns. For conformation-line dogs, the “saddle” marking is probably the most well-known. This consists of a large black patch on the upper and mid back, extending partway down the dog’s sides. The “sable” marking, which consists of one color with randomly-sized and -shaped patches or swaths of different-colored hair mixed in, is typical for working-line dogs.
Some sable-pattern dogs have 3 colors in their coat, called agouti. The other popular marking is called “bi-color”, and consists of a dog that is all one color (typically black) save for differently-colored paws and lower legs, and sometimes a swath on the belly.
Some groups or breeders have focused on variants of the breed that are not recognized by most kennel clubs as standard conformation German Shepherds. White Shepherds or Berger Blanc Suisse are recognized as a separate breed.
Photo Alan Hughes
Photo Armin Foeldi
The White Swiss Shepherd is a descendant of the White German Shepherd. The recessive gene for white coat hair was fixed in the German Shepherd Dog breed DNA by the late 19th and early 20th century German breeding program that extensively used “color coated” dogs who carried a recessive gene for “white coats.”
Whites can come in anything from pure white to a blondish golden color. Normal pigment was expected to be present in the nose, pads, and eyes. White German Shepherds were disqualified from dog shows and other organizations mainly because of their fur color.
German Shepherds have a double coat which sheds year round, with particularly heavy shedding in the Spring and Fall.
Photo MarilynJane
Long-coated German Shepherds look somewhat like the Tervuren type of Belgian Shepherd Dog. Popular myth holds that long-haired GSD’s are more affectionate, but there is little evidence for this beyond owner impressions. Long coats can come in 2 variations, both with an undercoat and without. Without the undercoat they have very little weather protection, but fair as well as their short-haired companions, just with longer hair on the outside.
Kennel club treatment of long-haired German Shepherds varies. It’s considered a fault under American Kennel Club and FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale — International Canine Federation) standards. Under other standards, such as Germany and the UK, long-haired German Shepherds are actively bred, registered, and shown, and specialized long-haired breeders exist. There’s also a variation known as ‘long, stock-haired German Shephard.’ Stock hair isn’t registered directly as a fault and such dogs are able to participate, and are also known as plush coats.
Health
Common of many large breeds, German Shepherds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia. Proper breeding is needed to breed these traits out of their dogs, so that the dog may enjoy a pain-free life. These breeders typically require that their puppies’ hips and elbows be x-rayed, and the x-rays approved and certified by the OFA when the puppy is fully-grown at age 2, in order for the puppy to be allowed to be bred.
Photo Liza31337
Photo Liza 31337
Recent American breeders have failed to maintain the same standard regarding the hind quarters of the breed as in other countries and dogs presenting the weaker hind quarters are disqualified in international shows.
Other health problems sometimes occurring in the breed are von Willebrand’s disease, skin allergies and canine degenerative myelopathy.
German Shepherds, like all large bodied dogs, are also prone to bloat.
Panosteitis is excessive formation of bone growth or different maturity around some joints on young dogs resulting in intermittent lameness, and Cauda equina syndrome-Group of neurological signs result from compression of the spinal nerves of the lumbosacral region.
German Shepherds also are prone to pancreas deficiency, which is where the pancreas stops creating enzymes and the animal is unable to pass any feces. There is medication available, but it’s not 100% effective. Unfortunately, it does not cure the problem, and the treatment is fairly expensive.
History
The German Shepherd breed was invented by “Captain Max” von Stephanitz in 1899. His first German Shepherd, named Horand von Grafrath, is the genetic basis for the German Shepherd as we know it today.
Photo Allie Hanson
The German Shepherd was originally conceived as a sheep-herding dog, hence its name. Throughout the years, the specific working drives of tracking, obedience, and protection have been intentionally highlighted in the breed by selective breeding, making German Shepherds very well-suited for active working environments.
The breed was advanced in the United States by the renowned dog breeder and judge, Geraldine R. Dodge, who invited Rin Tin Tin to her prestigious Morris and Essex Dog Show in 1929 and wrote a book about the breed.
German Shepherds first came to the attention of the British authorities at the beginning of the 20th century where they were already being used extensively by German forces on the Western front during the first world war. German Shepherds were used commonly by the Germans during the time of World War I.
Visit the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and the American Kennel Club to learn more.
Goodbye Askum
Askum. Photo Life in the Fast Lane
I Am Not There
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
Author unknown
There goes my hero … goodbye my dear and adorable friend, Askum. You will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
German Shepherd Puppies at Play
Agasteche German Shepherds
Sources: Los Anges Guardiens, Kid Source, and Wikipedia
Tags:dog dogs German Shepherd heroes pet pets
Deborah, you have my deepest sympathy for your loss, and my highest admiration for what you did in Askum’s memory. He was a beautiful friend indeed, judging from the pictures and the kindness in his eyes.
Thanks so much Mig. It was very difficult for me to do, but such a great dog and friend deserves it, and so much more.
Deborah, the boy was one of a kind indeed, Askum will be missed by all who knew him.
I stumbled this post 2–so much great information about these remarkable dogs! My heart goes out to you for your loss. Askum is surely still hanging with ya’ll in Spirit.
I’m so sorry to hear about Askum. I’m sure he was a very lucky dog to have spent his last days with you. And I’m sure he’s smiling at this wonderful tribute to his breed. Take care of yourself and try to focus on all the good times and memories of your precious dog
Jaki of Dobermans Den
I feel so sorry for you.Askum was the very smart and good looking dog.I can understand how you feeling.Please dont worry try to over come from this pain.
Thanks Wayne, he truly was one-of-a-kind.
Thank you Kuanyin, I sincerely appreciate your friendship and kind words.
Thanks Jaki, I think Askum would be very proud. We certainly have many good memories. The difficult part is getting from the stage of pain to only sorrow, but there is no ‘cheat’ for that … only time can take you to that point.
Thanks for your kind words, Foto.
So sorry for your loss. Askum was beautiful. Dogs are so wonderful for the love that they teach us. Wishing you peace in your sadness.
Deborah,
This is a moving tribute to your friend Askum, and to German Shepherds in general. I’m so glad I subscribed.
Being a lover of all animals, both wild and tame, I can feel your sorrow.
RIP Askum
my deepest condolences Deborah…
it’s so hard to say goodbye to a beloved pet…
a beautiful tribute and a very moving poem….
Dear Deborah,
My friend Pearl recommended this post to me via Digg and I’m glad she did. I’m a huge animal lover, so I can relate to your feelings.
Like everyone else, I congratulate you on this beautiful homage paid to Askum, and also express my sympathy, because I know from personal experience how hard it is to lose such great friends.
Thank you Krist. You are so right, I think that dogs can teach us so much more than we can teach them.
Thanks so much John. Wonderful to hear that you’re an animal lover of all sorts. Few things can capture my heart the way that creatures Mother Nature has given us do, and not much can be more disturbing than bringing harm upon them. Man can be so cruel, not only to animals, but even unto other humans. It sometimes makes you wonder who has the higher intelligence
Thank you Tom.
Thanks Kim. It came to the point that meds were no longer helping him, he was beginning to be in pain. It’s far too selfish to keep them for our own sake when it gets to that point.
Thanks so much, Karen, and very nice that you made your way here. It truly is heartbreaking to us all to lose our good friends with our pets. But all the pain in the world far outweighs what they bring us in their short lifetimes.
Deborah, I’m so sorry for your loss. Pets are near and dear to our hearts and Askum was especially loved by you.
I’m glad that you took him in when he was older; we always try to adopt animals through shelters and know that strays need the love of a good home.
Thank you for sharing additional information about the breed — I now have a new respect for German Shepherds.
Sorry about your loss. We have owned two German Shepherds, both of which were valued members of the family and lived a full life.
Thanks to your article, I am leaving here knowing a lot more about one of my favorite dog breeds.
Thanks Matt. We actually took our second dog in as an adult as well. She was a rescue dog from a home where she was being abused. It took some time and effort, but she’s one of the best dogs you could ever ask for.
Thanks so much Tim. I’m glad you were able to learn more of your favorite dog.
Sorry for your loss Deborah. German Shepherd dogs are adorable. I have one myself which was also a rescue dog. She has a floppy ear because her previous owners hit her with a stick and caused considerable damage, but she’s so friendly and beautiful.
Mike
RIP, Askum. What a beautiful dog.
We lost a kitty on Sunday and are talking today about one of our geriatric cats who is no longer able to use the litter box. I just can’t bring myself to put her to sleep, and I don’t think my husband can either. My heart aches for your loss.
I never wanted a dog but ended up rescuing a beagle. I love her immensely, but would also love a German shepherd. I will only take in a rescue or shelter dog, though, so when the time comes, we might get a completely different kind of dog. I have anxiety issues and appreciate my beagle’s fierce loyalty and know that a shepherd would be the same. I admit to sleeping better at night with a pack-oriented dog in the house.
Goodbye Askum….
RIP…
That just burns me up to hear about people abusing animals like that. Great that she found a good home with you, Mike. German Shepherds are so loyal and give back unconditional love. It’s so sad to see that abused.
Thanks Uptake, and so sorry for your loss. The best thing is to take your cat to a vet that can analyze her health. If she’s in pain, as difficult as it is, you have to think of what she has to live with on a daily basis. That’s where we were with our boy Askum. It’s far from easy, but I wouldn’t want to be living in pain.
I think what you’re doing with taking in a rescue dog is wonderful, providing a good home to give them a new lease on life, versus going to a pet store. I admit, it was very comforting some nights knowing that I had a dog that would and could protect me.
But I’m not sure that I would ever get another large dog again, after watching what Askum went through with his hind end, which is common for large breeds. I was physically incapable to help him when he needed it. At one point he was 120 pounds, and I put my back out trying to lift him up, and never did succeed to get him up to stand. But even worse, his pride was hurt … I could see it in his face and his ears were pinned back at me having to help him.
Thanks so much Betshopboy.
yea i think those dogs and huskies are my favorite… so cute, loveable, playful, and more importantly, loyal.
-Jack
Thanks for this great story. When i was younger my parents had also a german Shepherd and i liked him very much. … and maybe someday i have a house, a man and in the garden my dog
UptakeInOH:
I hope you are still checking this site. We are seeking the perfect home for a female German Shepherd Dog that we rescued in October. She is 16 mos. old, playful, energetic, affectionate, intelligent, and in excellent health with all shots, tattoo, microchip, and AKC registry. She requires loving people, dedicated to complete training and plenty of exercise, in a stable home, ideally with no small children. Please rsvp if you are interested.
Many thanks!
You certainly can’t go wrong with a German Shepherd, Pen. She sounds adorable, and I hope that you are able to find a home for her quickly.
Askum was such a pretty boy! I’m sorry to hear of your loss. We had a German Shepherd once, they are great dogs. Ours learned how to say, “I’m hungry”. I think we’ll always miss the dogs that touch our lives forever.
Thanks Monavie. They most definitely touch our lives deeply. When an animal lives with you for 10+ years, how can you ever forget them? There is a big void once they’re gone.
Just thought I’d leave a note to say that this is a great site. I have a German Shepherd called Buck, you actually have a picture of him on this site
(The head-shot pic with Nicky Hannaway under it) I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your dog askum, it can’t be easy, Buck is only just turned 18 months and both myself , my dad, my brother and all our other family members are immensely attached to him already. I think its fair to say that GSD’s are more than just pets or dogs, they are true companions and bring so much joy to people’s lives.
Thanks Nicky
Awww, what a gorgeous Shepherd Buck is
He has a beautiful face, and the look in his eyes in that photo is so endearing 
Thanks, it’s been a month since we were forced to put him down, and it still feels very empty here without him. You’re going to have a great life together with Buck. Yes, GSD’s are definitely a great companion.
I have stumbled on this great site, what a great site! I wanted to offer my condolences on your loss. I feel for you, as I have been there with my Shepherd. Take care.
German Shepherds are the best dogs ever. I had two when I was a kid. Our first one was a huge male named Tsar. He was such a good dog. I still get choked up sometimes when I think about him. later on we got a White German Shepherd but a female. She was so wonderful. I can’t imagine a more perfect dog breed.
Hi what a great site, I’ve just stumbled here. When I was a little kid we used to have an Alsatian called Siggy, she was such a great and loving dogs, she was great with us kids.
Once again great site, well done.
Sorry about your loss of your dear Askum. My German Shepherd was lost while serving on the Line of Duty, protecting me from harm. We were doing a drug bust with three other canine officers. Being that Rolex was the highest in her ranking of sniff work, she and I went in first. She was five years old when it happened and was really experienced and took great caution, every step was delegate and careful that she took. All of the sudden a suspect jumped up from nowhere, I wielded my gun and yelled “put your hands on your head, freeze!” It was then he withdrew a gun and pointed it at my chest. Rolex jumped up and took the bullet that would’ve killed me if it hadn’t been for her. Other officers fired and wounded the man that had shot Rolex. I snatched her up and rushed her to my car, but she was already gone by the time I got her in the backseat. She was given a complete police funeral. I was unfortunately run down with the flu when the funeral took place. They taped the funeral and gave it to me. It’s been three years now and I just can’t bring myself to watch it, it’s so painful. I know Rolex would be proud for she died doing what she loved to do the most and that was to be there working at my side, protecting me from harm. She will always live on in my heart forever. The man that murdered her was sentenced to life in prison for allegedly assaulting a police officer and murdering a K-9 police officer. Yes our dogs are considered officers too, if it hadn’t of been for Rolex, I wouldn’t be typing this.
What an incredible site — in my opinion the GSD is God’s greatest creation. I loved my dog like my son and more. He died in my arms over 10 years ago and not a day goes by that I don’t miss him or think of how he would jump on me every time I enter my apt. Buddhists believe in reincarnation and the soul of a dog is the most beautiful loving spirit that can ever come into our lives. They teach us about love and loyalty and they are SO smart — they understand more about us than humans do despite not knowing the language. Yes my GSD could be a handful during his formative years .. but I would let him chew all the furniture, shoes and HW he wants if it meant one more day with him. I’m tearing up just writing this …. Buddha says we can look for evidence of a Higher Power in our own lives instead of alleged miracles that may or may not have happened 1000s of years ago. or me my GSD is proof that there must be a Higher Power/ Heaven — and if there is, I know my GSD is waiting for me there =)
I am having german shepherd, He is intelligent, I love to spend time with
And this site rocks, i loved these snaps and videos a lot.
And the conversation between the mates made me to feel bad, Really feel sorry for that. Thanks for sharing!!
In your last picture of your dog, it reminds me of my white german shepherd she sits exactly like that. Makes me laugh.
wow nice post loved it, Askum is always here with us! following your blog and ill roll it into mine
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God blesses us with them, and our love is so deep they stay for so little time.. so sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Emily. Dogs are indeed a blessing to us, and it’s very sad how short their life spans are compared to ours.
I like german shepherd they are the best dog ever. they have this intelligent and they learned so fast, it is really sad that they’re life span are no longer like us.. =( btw thanks for sharing
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