German Shepherd panting after a run in dog agility

Black Sable (or gray) GSD, the original color and still common in working lines

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German Shepherds

The German Shepherd Dog or Alsatian (See History Section), is a breed of dog. GSDs are highly intelligent, agile and well suited to active working environments. They are often deployed in varied roles such as police work, guarding, Search and Rescue and in the military. more...

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GSDs are also found working alongside the blind as guide dogs. Despite their suitability for such work, GSDs also make loyal and loving pets for home - enjoying living with families (including children) and other animals. GSDs are well suited to obedience, with advanced & prestigious titles available to test both handler and dog in various schutzhund trials.

Appearance

The German Shepherd Dog is a large, strong dog, looking a lot like a wolf. The fur is a double-coat and can be either short or long haired. It varies in color, coming in many different shades, mostly cream (tan) and brown, but also solid black, white, or silver. Dogs with coats that have tricolored hair (black and white with either brown or red) are called sable or agouti. Different kennel clubs have different standards for the breed according to size, weight, coat color, and structure.

Common faults in show dogs

There are several common features that are disqualifying faults in show dogs:

Ears that never stand up completely; instead, the top 10 to 15 percent of the ear remains floppy. These are called "friendly-tipped" dogs.; A small percentage of GSDs have a tail that stands vertically, exposing their anus. This is also a disqualifying fault in all GSDs.; A muzzle that is not predominantly black is considered a disqualification only in American show GSDs.;

Breed lines

There are a number of different types or lines of GSD and the behavior, abilities, and appearance of each is quite different. The major lines are the international working line, the international show line, and the North American show line

Dogs from FCI-recognised international working lines are bred primarily for traits involving their working ability rather than appearance, so their appearance can be somewhat varied.

The FCI-recognized international show lines differ in that emphasis is given more to the appearance of the dog when breeding, so they are very consistent in type or appearance.

The North American show lines have also been bred primarily for their looks, but have a markedly different appearance from the international dogs, featuring a noticeably sloped back and sharp agulation of the hock joint. There is a curent debate over whether the American show lines still represent the original German Shepherd Dog, or whether the line has become distinct enough that it should be considered a separate breed. Critics of the American line argue that the working ability of these dogs has been lost, and that the angled back is detrimental to the health of the animal. Proponents of the line believe that the altered bone structure of their dogs represents an improvement to the herding ability of the animals.