German Shepherds first became recognised as a breed of dog in the late 19th Century as a working dog for the herding of livestock in Germany.

 

Due to their popularity in the German controlled area of Alsace in France, German Shepherds increasingly became known as Alsatians, this name for the breed became adopted by the English following WWII when the title 'German' was thought highly undesirable even for a dog breed!!  It is a common misconception that an Alsatian is the short haired variety of the breed and the German Shepherd is the long haired of the breed.  I do not know how this split came about I can only assume that this was due to increased breeding of the long haired German Shepherd/Alsatian at around the time that the name 'German' Shepherd returned as an acceptable name for the dog. 

 

Long haired German Shepherds have seen an increase in popularity over recent years and are indeed now the most popular of the breed, despite the fact that the Kennel Club UK did not acknowledge long haired German Shepherds for showing purposes, until fairly recently.  Another popular strain that has become more sought after since the 1970's is the White German Shepherd, although classed as white their colour varies from nearly pure-white to a more cream colour, although all are classed as pure whites.  White shepherds are not Albinos as they have the dark eyes and noses (an albino has red eyes and pink nose), despite increasing popularity of the whites and the ability to register whites with the Kennel Club there are established breeders who still won't acknowledge a white in their litter of pups, as recently as 25 years ago many breeders would drown a white at birth as they were seen as a throw-back of the breed.

 

Despite the different colours, fur length and sizes of shepherds available, a German Shepherd is one of the most popular breed of dog and is highly intelligent making it one of the most obediant dogs and is highly regarded as being one of the most easiest breed of dog to train, which is apparent in its use in the  police force, army, RAF, prison, customs and excise and as a guide dog for the blind. 

 

A true characteristic of the breed is its loyalty to it's owners, although they are renowned for not having more than one 'master'!  A shepherd if raised correctly is extremely trustworthy with children of all ages and rarely become over-excitable in play (therefore minimising the risk of a friendly nip!).  However caution must be exercised when a shepherd is in the company of the family baby - as woe betide anyone who goes to pick it's baby up!  I have experienced on numerous occasions a situation where a shepherd has given a warning nip to someone cooing over the baby of the family!  Shepherds make fabulous nannys and love nothing better than engaging in play with the younger members of the family.

 

 ~ A bad Shepherd is one that will not change ~

 

If purchasing an older shepherd please be aware that if it is older than 12 months, any bad traits will be with the dog for its lifetime regardless of the experience and knowledge of its new owner.  A well brought up shepherd is crucial during the first 12 months, remember there is no such thing as a bad German Shepherd just unknowlegable breeders and owners.