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German Shepherd Dog Club of IL, Inc.
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“joy in work, devotion to duty, and to master…”
It is difficult to sum up the German Shepherd Dog with just a few words, however the above quote by Max von Stephanitz comes very close. Max von Stephanitz admired the unique characteristics of the German herding dogs. He recognized the value of their genetic versatility, intelligence and sound minds and envisioned a dog that could be of service to humankind in ever expanding service roles.
In 1889 Max began the standardization of the German herding breed with the first registered German Shepherd Dog, Horand von Grafrath. Horand was a working sheepherder. It was his endurance, steadiness and natural intelligence that caught Max’s attention, inspiring a life long quest to assure that the German Shepherd Dog remain a working dog. Von Stephanitz was one of the founders and first President of the Verein für Deutsche Schaferhunde (German Shepherd Dog Club). One of the SV's first accomplishments was the development of a breed standard stressing mental stability and intelligence and outlining the exact function of every aspect of structure, gait and efficiency. The standard focused on the breed’s utility and adaptability, making it an ideal working dog and companion. The German Shepherd Dog is not a specialist, it is a generalist. It is often said of the German Shepherd Dog that it is “first in nothing but second in everything.”
The SV (Verein für Deutsche Schaferhunde) is still the guardian of the breed today and continues to guide the development of the breed, working to assure the GSD remains structurally and mentally sound and fit for it’s ever expanding roles. In 1922 the SV introduced the Breed Survey. Still in use today in Germany, breed surveys are formal evaluations of each individual dog’s suitability for breeding. Included in the evaluation are tests for health, structure, endurance and temperament.
Over the years there developed a slight divergence in the FCI (Federation Cynologique International = The World Canine Organization) Standard which is followed by most countries (including Germany) and the AKC (American Kennel Club) Standard. This has led to a distinction between American Line German Shepherd Dogs and European Line German Shepherd Dogs. There is also a division of European Lines into German High Lines (or more commonly referred to as West German Show Lines) and European Working Lines. Each group has a very strong, faithful following; leading to many animated discussions as to which version is the true representative of Max’s vision.
I caution the novice German Shepherd enthusiast to be diligent in their research and determine for themselves which type best fits their goals and lifestyle. Regardless of which lines are preferred, it is vital that you deal with an experienced and reputable breeder or GSD Rescue Group.
by Irene Clute