German Shepherds - Clubs - Rescues

German Shepherds - Breed History

Photo courtesy of Rufruf com

Captain Max von Stephanitz started the standardization of the German Shepherd breed in 1889. He wanted to get a dog of a medium size that could be able to cope with sheep of any size. In order to be a perfect herding dog, the German Shepherd needed to be protective, quick, smart and trustworthy. Max von Stephanitz and other dedicated breeders used longhaired, shorthaired and wire-haired local shepherds in order to produce an intelligent and obedient German Shepherd.

Nowadays, only the short-coated German Shepherds are recognized for show purposes in many countries.

German Shepherds - Health Issues

German Shepherds - Clubs Links

Ballarat Branch GSD Club Victoria - Provides obedience classes, tracking, agility and show training, and puppy classes. Events, results, and photo gallery. Australia.

Estonian Association of German Shepherds - Association information, show schedule and results, working trials and training schedule, Korung results, breeders, archives, and links.

German Shepherd Dog Club of America - GSDCA organization and breed information, events calendar, show results, temperament test details.

German Shepherd Dog Club of Canada - Provides information on the breed, shows, events calendar, and member information and application. Arthur, Ontario.

German Shepherd Dog Club of Central Indiana - Providing education about the GSD. By-laws, membership form, activities, newsletter, and links.

German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Eugene - Club information, events, membership application. Oregon.

German Shepherd Dog Club of Houston - Club information, upcoming shows and trials, links, and fund raiser to provide vests for Police dogs.

German Shepherd Dog Club of Manitoba - Classes, events, show results, breeders, membership information with online application.

German Shepherd Dog League of Great Britain - Membership information, show dates and results, newsletter, and articles.

German Shepherd Schutzhund Club of Canada - Club information, contact and links to member clubs, breed standard, events and results, articles, merchandise and bookstore.

Photo courtesy of Rescue Every Dog

German Shepherd Working Dog Club of Western New York - Dedicated to training and promoting the sport of Schutzhund. Events, Schutzhund information, club photographs, members' dogs photographs and pedigrees.

GSA Ireland - WUSV affiliate training club with groups around the country. News, SV breed standard, membership, contact information, and links.

Newcastle and Hunter Region German Shepherd Dog Club - German Shepherds Dog Council of Australia affiliate club focusing on obedience and showing. Includes upcoming events, results (PDF format) and photographs, and breeders and stud dog directories.

Northern Lights German Shepherd Dog Club - Club activities, show dates, brags and photographs, and links. Edmonton.

Northern New Jersey German Shepherd Dog Club - Founded in 1954, dedicated to the betterment of the breed through obedience training, show handling classes, and educational lectures. Schedule of classes and lectures, membership application, and links.

Ottawa Area German Shepherd Dog Club - Promoting responsible ownership of the German Shepherd Dog. Club information, local GSD events and breeders, and links of local interest.

Rocky Mountain German Shepherd Dog Club - AKC and GSDCA sactioned club offering monthly meetings and specialty shows. Includes events calendar, photographs, rescue contacts, and a membership application. Denver, Colorado.

The German Shepherd Dog Club of Rochester, NY - Enthusiast club that hosts shows, matches, and seminars. Includes articles and advice, upcoming and previous events in the area, and links to nearby rescue organizations.

The German Shepherd Dog Club of Wales - Club information and show dates and results.

Wellington District German Shepherd Dog Club - NZKC affiliated club offering obedience and show training. Includes news, show results, photo galleries, breed standards, listing of NZ GSD clubs, and links. Taita, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.

Official Swedish German Shepherd Club - Club history, shows, trials, club magazine. Bilingual.

German Shepherds - Rescue Links

Austin German Shepherd Dog Rescue - Volunteer organization dedicated to saving and re-homing German Shepherd Dogs in Austin, Texas. Photographs and profiles of available dogs, adoption application, training articles, event listing, and links.

Badgerland German Shepherd Rescue - Rescue and adoption in Wisconsin. Link to listing of Wisconsin shelters and animal control agencies.

BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue - Non-profit organization. Photographs and profiles of available dogs. Rochester, New York.

Camp Wolgang - North Texas rescue agency providing foster care to homeless GSDs. Photographs and profiles of dogs available for adoption.

Central Illinois German Shepherd Dog Rescue - Dedicated to find loving, permanent homes for GSDs. Profiles and photographs of available dogs, alumni photographs, FAQ, application forms, newsletter, events calendar, training classes, and links.

German Shepherd Dog Placement and Adoption League - Rescue and re-homing of adoptable German Shepherd Dogs by an all-volunteer group operating in New Jersey, Delaware, and southeastern Pennsylvania. Information on adoptions and re-homing service, and assistance offered to law enforcement agencies in locating viable working dog candidates.

Chicagoland Shepherd Rescue - Contact information and dogs available for adoption.

German Shepherd Dog Rehoming North East - Offers dogs for adoption and a micro-chipping service. Profiles of available dogs, volunteer fostering and dog walker information, and adoption policies. United Kingdom.

German Shepherd Breed Rescue of Minnesota - Rescue news, foster needs, adoption policies, and photographs of available dogs. Twin Cities Metro Area.

German Shepherd Rescue Alliance of Wisconsin - Photographs and profiles of German Shepherd Dogs from humane societies, shelters, and surrenders, GSD traits, choosing a GSD, and adoption application.

German Shepherd Rescue of Illinois - Non profit organization dedicated to finding good homes for German Shepherd in need. Photographs and profiles of available dogs, online application, events, and successful adoptions. Chicago/Rockford.

German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Houston - Non-profit organization. Photographs and profiles of available dogs, adoption application, lost and found, owner education, events, and links. Texas.

German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles - A no-kill shelter. Photographs and profiles of available dogs, projects and events, merchandise, links to GSD-friendly rental housing, and lost and found pet advice.

German Shepherd Rescue of Maryland - A nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, dedicated to the placement, education and betterment of the German Shepherd Dog, serving Maryland, Northern Virginia and the DC metro area.

German Shepherd Rescue of New England - Rescue, foster home, veterinary, and adoption services for homeless German Shepherds throughout New England. Photographs and profiles of available dogs and of rescues needing foster homes, GSRNE events and membership, and links.

Photo courtesy of Sukee Kennels

German Shepherd Rescue of Sacramento Valley - An organization dedicated to finding good homes for German Shepherd Dogs in and near Sacramento, California, particularly those in shelters at risk of being euthanized. Includes adoption forms, lost and found notices, and photographs and profiles of dogs available from GSRSV and other area rescues and shelters.

German Shepherd Rescue of Southeastern Pennsylvania - An all-volunteer organization. Photographs and profiles of available rescues and shelter dogs, online applications, and links to other rescue sites.

German Shepherd Rescue Toronto - German Shepherd Dogs rescued from shelters. Includes photographs and profiles of available dogs, success stories, breed advice, events, volunteer needs, and links. [Flash required]

German Shepherd Rescue UK - Scotland based nonprofit charity serving most of the United Kingdom. Listing of available dogs, success stories, contacts, and links.

GSD 2000 Rescue and Rehome - Serves England, Wales, Home Counties, and Midlands. Includes adoption information and how to help.

Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue - Non-profit organization. FAQ, adoption myths, photographs and profiles of available dogs, online application forms, care information, events, and links. Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and DC.

Mostly Shepherds - New Jersey rescue focusing on GSDs, also has some other dogs and cats. Photographs and profiles of available adoptees.

Northern Utah German Shepherd Dog Rescue - A non-profit, volunteer group. Photographs and profiles of available dogs, online application, and links. Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, and Colorado.

San Diego German Shepherd Rescue - A no-kill facility. All dogs are purebred and under 5 years old. Contact information.

San Francisco Bay Area German Shepherd Resue - Photographs and information on dogs available for adoption. Online adoption form.

German Shepherds - Other German Shepherds sites

German Shepherds Breeders - German Shepherds, having been developed almost entirely in the 1900s, are a fairly recent breed. On April 3, 1899, Max von Stephanitz attended one of the earliest dog shows for all breeds ever held in Germany, where he purchased a herding dog, and where he decided to form the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde,( S.V.). He was named as the organization's first president and remained so until his death in 1936. Horand von Grafrath, the dog he purchased that day, was designated S.Z.1. The first German Shepherd Dog to be registered with the Verein. The Verein became the largest specialty club and a major force in the canine world.

German Shepherds are well known for their work as a police dog, search and rescue dog, and as a guide dog. The dog is highly intelligent and is easily trained and has a great amount courage and loyalty. It should be socialized at an early age with other people and pets. Aggression and attacks on people are mainly due to poor breeding and training. German Shepherds have a strong protective instinct. A well-bred and well-trained dog is generally very good with other pets and people, including children, though young ones should be watched while with the dog. The dog becomes very attached to its owners, sometimes suffering anxiety when separated. German Shepherds serve as excellent companions, work dogs, and also as obedience or show dogs.

German Shepherds - German Shepherds are unparalleled as working dogs and companions. The breed was the original "Seeing Eye Guide," and star of movies and television. The German Shepherd was also the standard by which other military and police dogs were judged.

The first German Shepherd was registered in the US in 1912. The Kennel Club dropped the "German" from its name to protect the dog from anti-German sentiment during the First World War. It was restored in 1932, just in time for World War II.

German Shepherds Pictures - German Shepherds are direct and fearless, eager and alert, and are often used as working dogs. Known for their loyalty, courage, and calm confidence, they have a high learning ability. A well-bred, well-adjusted, and correctly trained German Shepherd, is for the most part generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. It is important to purchase your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder. These dogs should be trained and socialized from an early age, firmly and lovingly.

Von Stephanitz and other breeders produced a responsive, obedient, and handsome German Shepherd using local shepherd dogs from Wurtemberg, Thurginia, and Bavaria. In April 1899, a dog named Horan was registered as the first Deutsche Schaferhunde, which means German Shepherd Dog in English. Until 1915, both longhaired and wire-haired varieties were exhibited. Today, in most countries, only the short coat German Shepherd is recognized for show purposes.

German Shepherds Puppies - German Shepherds are very intelligent animals, and easily learn whatever you teach them. A determined German Shepherd will figure out how to open any door, lock you out, and open any cupboard or drawer to get what he needs when he wants it.

This breed is very people-oriented. They are best as a housedog, and they love being around their family. If you are going to be gone for long periods of time and don't have the time for training and playing, consider another breed. The more time you spend with your GSD, the better he will behave. A GSD left for long periods of time will quickly become a nuisance barker, digger, and chewer.

German Shepherds Rescues - German Shepherds are descendants of numerous sheepdog breeds that enjoyed great affection of people for lucid thinking, protectiveness and faithfulness. People of all generations sought to have an animal friend who would always be by one's side to keep away enemies and to be his or her eyes, ears and legs!

During pre-industrial area shepherding was the sole assignment of many if not all known breeds of medium and large size dogs. Breeders sought to develop a species, which would combine shepherding, hunting and fighting aptitudes. In 1891, a group of fanciers founded an organization, called Phylax Society. It did not last long, but it was a good start for the breed we now refer to as German shepherd.

German Shepherds - The ancient predecessors of modern German Shepherds were reflected in the works by Tacitus, an early Roman historian. He referred to them as 'wolf-like dogs'. In ancient times there were a lot of dog varieties, whose missions were driving cattle, guarding property, carrying loads and accompanying soldiers during war time. Due to these activities, many breeds have genetically achieved enviable intelligence and strength that were added to high speed, endurance and perfect eyesight.

Those old fathers of the German Shepherd varied in size, color and coat type according to climatic conditions. Their basic job was to guard sheep and other cattle. All that prompted Max von Stephanitz, a cavalry Captain, to develop a uniform breed of dog, which was to have a distinctive appearance and which was to inherit all of the useful qualities from its numerous predecessors. Thus was bred a dog with so vast a potential that no other animal could display.

German Shepherds Puppy - Of all breeds, German Shepherds seem to be the most widely spread and loved. They are known for their remarkable aptitude to learn as much as no other breed can. They were produced intentionally by man, who sought to develop as many positive traits and wonderful abilities in them as to make an ideal and lifelong friend and companion.

The first man to be credited with the advent of German Shepherds was Captain Max von Stephanitz, who founded the Vereine fur Deutsche Shaferhunde (SV), the first on earth German Shepherd Club in 1899. Incorporated into the development of the breed were cattle guarding dogs and European drover dogs.

German Shepherds Breeders - German Shepherd dogs appeared relatively recently, and they were bred as police- and working dogs. The first German Shepherd club was founded in the late 1880s, but it was disbanded shortly after that time. In 1899, Max von Stephanitz, a cavalry captain, spotted a handsome wolf-like herding dog at one of dog shows and purchased it. The dog featured a proportionately body built, intelligent appearance and displayed reverence and faithfulness to the owner. These traits attracted the captain and he did not hesitate to purchase the dog.

Shortly after that, Max von Stephanitz and Arthur Meyer, his dog show companion, formed the Verein fur Deutsche Shafenhunde, and Max headed the club until his death in 1936. He named the dog that he purchased, Horand von Grafrath (previously Hector Linlschrein). Then Max drafted the breed standard and all his life he was the main judge at all shows. He worked hard toward developing an agile, protective, undaunted, intelligent and strong breed of dogs, which was to become an obedient companion for man in service and combat, as well as in everyday life.

German Shepherds Photos - German Shepherds are the world's most faithful and obedient dogs. They were bred as working, service dogs and were meant to be laborious, enduring and protective companions. This is one of the few breeds, which combines all positive features and useful capabilities of different breeds, and few types of dogs can boast such a wide range of goodies.

Initially the dog's sole function was cattle driving. However, with the progress of industrialization, sheep keeping declined, but there was definitely no fear that such a brilliant, brave and sturdy creature might suddenly have no job to do. This is just the right thing to say simply because German Shepherds are naturally active and job seeking. In other words, there always must be an occupation for a German Shepherd.

German Shepherds Pictures - German Shepherds are the most versatile dogs in the world. They have a wonderful aptitude to tolerate tough conditions and withstand long-time strains. It is not for nothing, that they function as service dogs in police, security services, and rescue and teams. They are physically strong, keen-eyed and they have an excellent sense of smell. They combine many positive features that the German Shepherd has inherited throughout the history of dog keeping.

The breed is relatively young. The first German Shepherd was officially registered in 1899 by then the newly founded and actually the world's first German Shepherd Club, which was named the Verein fur Deutsche Shaferhunde. Captain Max von Stephanitz, who is fairly viewed as the god father of the breed, was the head of the society.

German Shepherds Breeders Pictures - German Shepherd dogs were bred in a comparatively recent time in Germany. First attempts to produce an agile and protective species of shepherd dogs took place in the 1880s. In the early 1890s, a pioneer German Shepherd Club, the Phylax Society, was founded. It could not withstand the pressure of public indifference and disregard, and the society collapsed shortly after its foundation.

On April 3, 1899, Max von Stephanitz, a cavalry captain, attended a dog-show and spotted a peculiar wolf-like herding dog. He was delighted with the dog’s unsurpassed agility, unswerving integrity and unquestioning obedience. Max set himself a task to develop an intrepid, faithful, enduring and laborious companion, who would be able to withstand all hazards and perils of combat and who could bear considerable physical rigors.

German Shepherds Puppies - The history of German Shepherd dogs started in 1899, when Captain Max von Stephanitz founded the world's first German Shepherd Club, the Verein fur Deutsche Shaferhunde (SV). He began his great deed with a purchase of an admirable wolf-like dog during a dog show. Stephanitz named the dog, Horand. As he observed, the dog did live up to what was his vision of an ideal would-be German Shepherd.

However, as Max noticed, Horand had suffered from lack of proper care and training, which did in fact impact his general behavior to the point of being a serious fault. The dog frequently displayed excessive aggression toward strangers and other dogs and animals. However, Max von Stephanitz was convinced that it was due to improper upbringing, not any inborn breed fault. Horand was a laborious dog, and during work and training all those behavioral faults vanished immediately.

German Shepherds Rescues Breeders - German Shepherds are currently the most popular and widespread breed on earth. Old predecessors of the dog had a wolf like appearance, but they were enduring and highly labor capable. Besides, despite their somewhat wild look, they showed whole-hearted faithfulness, protectiveness and sociability.

Cavalry Captain Max von Stephanitz was the first man who took serious steps towards developing these laborious cattle drivers. During a dog show he occasionally spotted a wolf like species that had a strong and neatly outlined body. The owner of the dog said it was a working dog and that he was very strong and faithful. The dog's name was Horand. Stephanitz bought the dog without much hesitation.