Appearance

The GSDs are large-sized dos with erect pointed ears, a long body, and a weather resistant coat. Most of the members of the rbeed have a medium double coat and dark brown eyes.

History

Although they are a relatively young breed, with its origin dating to 1899, the German Shepherd--also known as Alsatian, Berger Allemand, or simply GSD--is one of the most popular dogs in the world. According to the American Kennel Club, about 4.6% of all registered dogs belong to this stock. In the early 1800s in Germany, there was an awareness to create a standardize breed after some locals selectively bred a particular stock for their intelligence, speed, and strength, to assist them with their daily routines. As a result of that awareness, the Phylax Society initially started developing a standardized breed. Though their time was short-lived, the idea inspired people to create a standardized breed for themselves. The popularity of the breed exploded when a couple of GSDs won American Kennel Club dog show in 1937. The advent WWII declined their popularity due to anti-German sentiments. Eventually the dog’s popularity picked up the pace after the war. Today they are the second most popular breed in the US after Labrador Retrievers.