German Shepherds - Rescues

German Shepherds - Rescues - Introduction and History

Picture source: Lanes House Of Shepherds © 2001-2004 Lanes House Of Shepherds, ASuperiorGSD com

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.

Max von Stephanitz, a cavalry captain, was actually the godfather of the breed. He greatly appreciated strength, agility and intelligence of sheepdogs and strove to gain a species that would embody all of those qualities. During a dog show, a dog attracted his attention, and he immediately bought it and that was the beginning of the German Shepherd Dog.

With the growth of industrialization and the decay of sheep keeping, Stephanitz considered calling the dog into other services. It did not take too long to prove their versatility. During the World War 1, German Shepherd Dogs proved their efficiency as rescue dogs, messenger dogs and guard dogs.

Throughout the entire term of existence, German Shepherd Dogs experienced both ups and downs. The dog, abominated by many for having German roots, experienced an attempt to give it another name (Alsatian Wolf Dog).

The great number of money-oriented breeders sometimes resulted in the production of low quality dogs that failed to meet the requirements of the breed standard. Despite all that, qualified breeders have managed to save and foster the good image of the dog. In 1977, German shepherds got back their name.