German Shepherd History

About the History and Origins of German Shepherds

The German Shepherd dog breed originated in Germany. The German Shepherd is a descendant of a variety of different German herding and farm dogs. In 1891, a group of dog fanciers joined together with the hopes of fostering and promoting some of the various dog breeds of Germany. Called the Phylax Society, and lasting a mere 4 years, they are often credited for having helped to develop the German Shepherd dog that we know today.

Capt. Max von Stephanitz also plays a major role in the development and preservation of the German Shepherd dog. Long an admirer of the German sheepdog breeds, von Stephanitz was attending a dog show with his friend, when he came upon a dog that possessed all of the traits that he desired in a dog - strength, intelligence, and incredible versatility. So impressed with this animal (originally named Hektor Linksrhein, though his name would later be changed to Horand v Grafeth), that he promptly purchased the dog and quickly formed the Verein fur deutsche Schaferhunde (SV), a society for the German Shepherd dog. By the turn of the twentieth century, the SV had become the largest dog breed club in the world.

Von Stephanitz was very dedicated to the German Shepherd breed and, noting that with the turn of the century came changing times, he began to look to the future. Knowing that there would not always be a place for this magnificent dog in the countryside, he focused on placing his sheepdog to work in various government jobs. During the first World War, the German Shepherd would be employed as a sentry dog, guard animal, rescue dog, and as a deliverer of messages. When the United States servicemen saw this noble dog in action, many were impressed and the German Shepherd dog would soon make his way to US soil. By 1919, the American Kennel Club would recognize and register this unique breed of German sheepdog and von Stephanitz's dream would be fulfilled.

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