Having adopted many good quality German Shepherd Dogs over the past several years, I believe I have come to know the breed fairly well. As a GSD owner and also as a dog trainer I believe the GSD is the most versatile breed of dog available, being suitable as a family pet, working dog, companion, show dog, endurance partner, obedience dog and used by the many fields of law enforcement around the world.
Each one of our GSDs have fantastic temperaments being truly loyal, caring, friendly and also highly intelligent. This has been achieved by correctly socialising and training the dogs from a young age. Every Derharv puppy is socialised accordingly to give the best foundation for a happy, well rounded adult dog with the help of further training.
There seems to be this perception that the GSD is something to be feared by the unknown, in my experience I find this is certainly not the case. GSDs are the same as any other breed, brought up in the right way they are truly fantastic animals. The right socialisation and training of a GSD as a puppy and adult dictates its path for its future. Any dog in the wrong hands has a very real potential to be aggressive, fearful or boisterous.
When you buy a Derharv German Shepherd Dog you will be given advice on how to raise a happy, well rounded dog. We can give you ongoing support with any training or behavioural issues that may arise as your dog grows and adjusts to its new home and family.
The German Shepherd Dog was officially recognised as a breed in 1899. Up until this time there had been many variations of shepherding dogs throughout Europe but no standards of any sort. In different countries, the shepherding dogs would have different traits - longer coats where the climate was colder, larger in size and more powerful where there were higher numbers of predatory animals, etc.
Captain Max von Stephanitz had an interest in the shepherding dogs at this time but had yet to find one that matched his ideals. It was in 1899 at a show that he finally came across Hektor Linksrhein a dog that Von Stephanitz was so impressed with that he purchased him on the spot. This dog was to become the first German Shepherd Dog and was renamed Horand v Grafeth. It is also at this time that Von Stephanitz formed a society called Verein fur deutsche Schaferhunde or SV to maintain the high standard of the breed.
The main traits that Von Stephanitz looked for in his dogs were intelligence and their ability to work. Horand was highly sought after for breeding purposes and sired many litters. At this time there was a lot of necessary inbreeding to strengthen the traits in the breed that Von Stephanitz valued.
As time passed, society's uses for dogs began to change. Herding skills weren't as necessary in a dog, but adaptability was. A dog that could do any task would prove to be very useful. Von Stephanitz saw this and started to steer the breed accordingly. In the World War I GSDs were used as messengers, as rescue dogs, sentries and guard dogs.
This increased their popularity outside of Europe as servicemen from overseas were suitably impressed with the breed. There were concerns that the name of the breed would deter people as it had the word 'German' in it, so the breed was renamed 'Alsation Wolf Dog' and later simply 'Alsation'. In 1977, thanks to many campaigns by breeders, the name of the breed was changed back German Shepherd Dog.
Nowadays the breed is extremely versatile being used as family pets, seeing eye dogs, sniffer dogs, search and rescue dogs, guard dogs, police dogs, herding dogs and more. They also have the intellect to be highly trained in obedience, the agility to enter agility competitions and the devotion to be a faithful, loving pet.
Adopted in Australia 1/1/94.
Translation by - Mrs H. Gross-Richardson.
Country of Origin – Germany
The German Shepherd Dog is medium sized, slightly elongated, powerful and well muscled, the bones dry and the overall structure firm.
Important Proportions - the height at the withers:
for dogs is 60-65 cm (23½ - 25½ ins), and
for bitches 55-60 cm (21½ - 23½ ins).
The length of the body is greater than the height at the withers by about 10 to 17%.
Usage: All round working, herding and service dog.
(See also under General Appearance and Temperament.)
The German Shepherd Dog must be of well balanced temperament, steady of nerve, self assured, absolutely free and easy, and (unless provoked) completely good natured, as well as alert and tractable. He must have courage, combative instinct and hardness, in order to be suitable as companion, watch, protection, service and herding dog.
The head is wedge shaped, proportionate in size to the body, (length of head about 40% of the height at withers) without being coarse or over long; in overall appearance dry, and moderately broad between the ears. The forehead is only slightly domed viewed from the front and from the side, and without any, or only slightly indicated, central furrow. The ratio of skull to muzzle is 50:50. The breadth of the skull corresponds approximately to its length. The skull, viewed from above, tapers evenly from the ears to the nose, with a sloping, not sharply defined, stop, into the wedge-shaped foreface (muzzle). Upper and lower jaws are strongly developed. The bridge of the nose is straight, a dishfaced or convex curve is not desired. The lips are tight, well fitting and of a dark colour.
The Nose: Must be black.
Are medium sized, almond shaped, slightly oblique and not protruding. The colour of the eyes should be as dark as possible. Light, piercing eyes are not desirable as they detract from the expression of the dog.
The German Shepherd Dog has erect ears of medium size, that are carried upright and almost parallel (not pulled inwards). They run to a point and are set with the orifice to the front. Tipped ears and drop ears are faulty. Ears carried laid back during gaiting or when at rest are not faulty.
The dentition must be strong, healthy and complete (42 teeth, in accordance with the dentition formula). The German Shepherd Dog has a scissor bite, that is, the incisors must connect like scissors, so that the incisors of the upper jaw cut scissor-like over those of the lower jaw. Level, over- or undershot bites are faulty, as well as large gaps between the teeth. It is also a fault when the incisors are placed in a straight line in the gums. The jawbones must be strongly developed, so that the teeth are embedded deeply in the gumline.
The neck should be strong, well muscled and free from throatiness (dewlap). The angle to the body (horizontal) is about 45 degrees (during stance).
The forelegs are straight viewed from all sides, absolutely parallel viewed from the front. Shoulder blade and upper arm are of equal length and firmly attached to the body with strong musculation. The angulation of shoulder blade and upper arm is, in the ideal case, 90 degrees, but as a rule 110 degrees. The elbows should be neither turned out nor pinched in, either in stance or during movement. The forearm should be straight viewed from all sides, and stand absolutely parallel, dry and firmly muscled. The pastern is approximately 1/3 of the length of the forearm, and has an angle of approximately 20 to 22 degrees to the forearm. Too sloping pasterns (more than 22 degrees) and too steep pasterns (less than 20 degrees) diminish the dog's working ability, and especially its endurance.
The topline flows from the set on of neck over the well defined withers and over the back, sloping very slightly from the horizontal to the slightly sloping croup without a noticeable break. The back is firm, strong and well muscled. The loin is broad, strongly developed and well muscled. The croup should be long and gently sloping (approximately 23 degrees to the horizontal) into the set on of tail, without disrupting the topline.
The Chest: Should be moderately broad, the underchest as long as possible and well developed. The depth of chest should be about 45% to 48% of the height at the withers.
The Ribs: Should be moderately sprung. Barrel chested is as equally faulty as is slab sided.
The position of the hindlegs is slightly set back, whereby the hindlimbs, viewed from the back, stand parallel to each other. Upper and lower thighs are of almost equal length and form an angle of about 120 degrees; the thighs are strong and well muscled. The hocks are well developed and firm; the rear pastern stands perpendicular under the hock.
The front feet are rounded, well closed and arched. The hind feet are closed, and slightly arched. The pads are hard but not rough, and of dark colour. The nails are strong, arched and of dark colour.
Reaches at least to the hock, however, not below the middle of the rear pastern. It is slightly longer haired on the underside, and is carried curving down gently, higher in excitement and during movement, but not above the horizontal. Corrective operations are forbidden.
The German Shepherd Dog is a trotter. The limbs must be of such length and angulation that the hindquarters may be thrust well forward under the body, and the forequarters reach equally far forward, without noticeable change in the topline. Any tendency towards overangulation of the hindquarters lessens their firmness and endurance, and thus the dog's utmost working ability. With correct structural proportions and angulations, a roomy, smooth, ground covering gait results, that gives the impression of effortless forward propulsion. With the head pushed forward, and a slightly raised tail, an even and calm trot results in a softly curving and unbroken topline, running from tips of the ears, over the neck and back, to the tip of the tail.
The skin fits loosely, but without forming folds. The correct coat of the German Shepherd Dog is a double coat (Stockhaar) with undercoat. The top coat should be as dense as possible, straight, harsh and close lying. It should be short on the head, including inside the ears, the front of the legs and on the feet and toes; it is a little longer and heavier coated on the neck. The hair lengthens on the back of the legs to the pastern or hock; on the back of the thighs it forms moderate breeching.
Black with reddish tan, tan, gold to light grey markings. All black, and all grey; in greys with dark shadings, black saddle and mask. Unobtrusive, small white markings on chest as well as very light colour on insides of legs permissible but not desirable. The nose must be black in all colour types. Lacking mask, light to piercing eyes, as well as whitish markings on chest and inner sides of legs, light nails and red tip of tail are to be rated as lacking in pigment. The undercoat is of a light grey toning. The colour white is not permitted.
Dogs: Height at withers 60-65 cm (23½ - 25½ ins)
Weight 30-40 kg (66-88 lbs)
Bitches: Height at withers 55-60 cm (21½ - 23½ ins)
Weight 22-32 kg (48-71 lbs)
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
Major Faults: Deviations from the above described Breed Standard that impair the working ability.
Ear Faults: Too low set at the sides, tipped ears, inward tilted ears, ears not firm.
Considerable pigment deficiencies.
Strongly impaired overall firmness.
Dentition Faults: All deviations from a scissor bite and the dentition formula, as far as it does not concern disqualifying faults. (See below)
Disqualifying Faults:
Weak character, savageness or nervousness.
Proven "severe H.D".
Monorchids and cryptorchids, as well as dogs with clearly uneven or atrophied (stunted) testicles.
Disfiguring ear or tail defects.
Deformities.
Dentition faults, missing:
1 Pre-Molar 3, and one further tooth, OR
1 Canine, OR
1 Pre-Molar 4, OR
1 Molar 1 OR
1 Molar 2 OR
3 or more teeth altogether.
Jaw defects: Overshot 2mm or more. Undershot. Level bite in the whole region of the incisors. More than 1cm over or under size. Albinism. White coat colour (even with dark eyes and nails). Long double coat (Long Stockhaar): Long, wavy, topcoat not lying closely, with undercoat, feathering on ears and legs, bushy breeches and bushy tail forming flags below. Longcoat: Long, soft top coat without undercoat, usually with a parting down the back, flags on ears and legs and tail.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
All text under the heading 'German Shepherd Dog - Breed Standard' on this page has been sourced from the Australian National Kennel Council (A.N.K.C.) and is subject to © Copyright, January 1998.
Each one of our GSDs have fantastic temperaments being truly loyal, caring, friendly and also highly intelligent. This has been achieved by correctly socialising and training the dogs from a young age. Every Derharv puppy is socialised accordingly to give the best foundation for a happy, well rounded adult dog with the help of further training.
There seems to be this perception that the GSD is something to be feared by the unknown, in my experience I find this is certainly not the case. GSDs are the same as any other breed, brought up in the right way they are truly fantastic animals. The right socialisation and training of a GSD as a puppy and adult dictates its path for its future. Any dog in the wrong hands has a very real potential to be aggressive, fearful or boisterous.
When you buy a Derharv German Shepherd Dog you will be given advice on how to raise a happy, well rounded dog. We can give you ongoing support with any training or behavioural issues that may arise as your dog grows and adjusts to its new home and family.
German Shepherd Dog - Historical Overview
The German Shepherd Dog was officially recognised as a breed in 1899. Up until this time there had been many variations of shepherding dogs throughout Europe but no standards of any sort. In different countries, the shepherding dogs would have different traits - longer coats where the climate was colder, larger in size and more powerful where there were higher numbers of predatory animals, etc.
Captain Max von Stephanitz had an interest in the shepherding dogs at this time but had yet to find one that matched his ideals. It was in 1899 at a show that he finally came across Hektor Linksrhein a dog that Von Stephanitz was so impressed with that he purchased him on the spot. This dog was to become the first German Shepherd Dog and was renamed Horand v Grafeth. It is also at this time that Von Stephanitz formed a society called Verein fur deutsche Schaferhunde or SV to maintain the high standard of the breed.
The main traits that Von Stephanitz looked for in his dogs were intelligence and their ability to work. Horand was highly sought after for breeding purposes and sired many litters. At this time there was a lot of necessary inbreeding to strengthen the traits in the breed that Von Stephanitz valued.
As time passed, society's uses for dogs began to change. Herding skills weren't as necessary in a dog, but adaptability was. A dog that could do any task would prove to be very useful. Von Stephanitz saw this and started to steer the breed accordingly. In the World War I GSDs were used as messengers, as rescue dogs, sentries and guard dogs.
This increased their popularity outside of Europe as servicemen from overseas were suitably impressed with the breed. There were concerns that the name of the breed would deter people as it had the word 'German' in it, so the breed was renamed 'Alsation Wolf Dog' and later simply 'Alsation'. In 1977, thanks to many campaigns by breeders, the name of the breed was changed back German Shepherd Dog.
Nowadays the breed is extremely versatile being used as family pets, seeing eye dogs, sniffer dogs, search and rescue dogs, guard dogs, police dogs, herding dogs and more. They also have the intellect to be highly trained in obedience, the agility to enter agility competitions and the devotion to be a faithful, loving pet.
German Shepherd Dog - Breed Standard
Adopted in Australia 1/1/94.
Translation by - Mrs H. Gross-Richardson.
Country of Origin – Germany
General Appearance
The German Shepherd Dog is medium sized, slightly elongated, powerful and well muscled, the bones dry and the overall structure firm.
Important Proportions - the height at the withers:
for dogs is 60-65 cm (23½ - 25½ ins), and
for bitches 55-60 cm (21½ - 23½ ins).
The length of the body is greater than the height at the withers by about 10 to 17%.
Characteristics
Usage: All round working, herding and service dog.
(See also under General Appearance and Temperament.)
Temperament
The German Shepherd Dog must be of well balanced temperament, steady of nerve, self assured, absolutely free and easy, and (unless provoked) completely good natured, as well as alert and tractable. He must have courage, combative instinct and hardness, in order to be suitable as companion, watch, protection, service and herding dog.
Head and Skull
The head is wedge shaped, proportionate in size to the body, (length of head about 40% of the height at withers) without being coarse or over long; in overall appearance dry, and moderately broad between the ears. The forehead is only slightly domed viewed from the front and from the side, and without any, or only slightly indicated, central furrow. The ratio of skull to muzzle is 50:50. The breadth of the skull corresponds approximately to its length. The skull, viewed from above, tapers evenly from the ears to the nose, with a sloping, not sharply defined, stop, into the wedge-shaped foreface (muzzle). Upper and lower jaws are strongly developed. The bridge of the nose is straight, a dishfaced or convex curve is not desired. The lips are tight, well fitting and of a dark colour.
The Nose: Must be black.
Eyes
Are medium sized, almond shaped, slightly oblique and not protruding. The colour of the eyes should be as dark as possible. Light, piercing eyes are not desirable as they detract from the expression of the dog.
Ears
The German Shepherd Dog has erect ears of medium size, that are carried upright and almost parallel (not pulled inwards). They run to a point and are set with the orifice to the front. Tipped ears and drop ears are faulty. Ears carried laid back during gaiting or when at rest are not faulty.
Mouth
The dentition must be strong, healthy and complete (42 teeth, in accordance with the dentition formula). The German Shepherd Dog has a scissor bite, that is, the incisors must connect like scissors, so that the incisors of the upper jaw cut scissor-like over those of the lower jaw. Level, over- or undershot bites are faulty, as well as large gaps between the teeth. It is also a fault when the incisors are placed in a straight line in the gums. The jawbones must be strongly developed, so that the teeth are embedded deeply in the gumline.
Neck
The neck should be strong, well muscled and free from throatiness (dewlap). The angle to the body (horizontal) is about 45 degrees (during stance).
Forequarters
The forelegs are straight viewed from all sides, absolutely parallel viewed from the front. Shoulder blade and upper arm are of equal length and firmly attached to the body with strong musculation. The angulation of shoulder blade and upper arm is, in the ideal case, 90 degrees, but as a rule 110 degrees. The elbows should be neither turned out nor pinched in, either in stance or during movement. The forearm should be straight viewed from all sides, and stand absolutely parallel, dry and firmly muscled. The pastern is approximately 1/3 of the length of the forearm, and has an angle of approximately 20 to 22 degrees to the forearm. Too sloping pasterns (more than 22 degrees) and too steep pasterns (less than 20 degrees) diminish the dog's working ability, and especially its endurance.
Body
The topline flows from the set on of neck over the well defined withers and over the back, sloping very slightly from the horizontal to the slightly sloping croup without a noticeable break. The back is firm, strong and well muscled. The loin is broad, strongly developed and well muscled. The croup should be long and gently sloping (approximately 23 degrees to the horizontal) into the set on of tail, without disrupting the topline.
The Chest: Should be moderately broad, the underchest as long as possible and well developed. The depth of chest should be about 45% to 48% of the height at the withers.
The Ribs: Should be moderately sprung. Barrel chested is as equally faulty as is slab sided.
Hindquarters
The position of the hindlegs is slightly set back, whereby the hindlimbs, viewed from the back, stand parallel to each other. Upper and lower thighs are of almost equal length and form an angle of about 120 degrees; the thighs are strong and well muscled. The hocks are well developed and firm; the rear pastern stands perpendicular under the hock.
Feet
The front feet are rounded, well closed and arched. The hind feet are closed, and slightly arched. The pads are hard but not rough, and of dark colour. The nails are strong, arched and of dark colour.
Tail
Reaches at least to the hock, however, not below the middle of the rear pastern. It is slightly longer haired on the underside, and is carried curving down gently, higher in excitement and during movement, but not above the horizontal. Corrective operations are forbidden.
Gait/Movement
The German Shepherd Dog is a trotter. The limbs must be of such length and angulation that the hindquarters may be thrust well forward under the body, and the forequarters reach equally far forward, without noticeable change in the topline. Any tendency towards overangulation of the hindquarters lessens their firmness and endurance, and thus the dog's utmost working ability. With correct structural proportions and angulations, a roomy, smooth, ground covering gait results, that gives the impression of effortless forward propulsion. With the head pushed forward, and a slightly raised tail, an even and calm trot results in a softly curving and unbroken topline, running from tips of the ears, over the neck and back, to the tip of the tail.
Coat
The skin fits loosely, but without forming folds. The correct coat of the German Shepherd Dog is a double coat (Stockhaar) with undercoat. The top coat should be as dense as possible, straight, harsh and close lying. It should be short on the head, including inside the ears, the front of the legs and on the feet and toes; it is a little longer and heavier coated on the neck. The hair lengthens on the back of the legs to the pastern or hock; on the back of the thighs it forms moderate breeching.
Colour
Black with reddish tan, tan, gold to light grey markings. All black, and all grey; in greys with dark shadings, black saddle and mask. Unobtrusive, small white markings on chest as well as very light colour on insides of legs permissible but not desirable. The nose must be black in all colour types. Lacking mask, light to piercing eyes, as well as whitish markings on chest and inner sides of legs, light nails and red tip of tail are to be rated as lacking in pigment. The undercoat is of a light grey toning. The colour white is not permitted.
Size
Dogs: Height at withers 60-65 cm (23½ - 25½ ins)
Weight 30-40 kg (66-88 lbs)
Bitches: Height at withers 55-60 cm (21½ - 23½ ins)
Weight 22-32 kg (48-71 lbs)
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
Major Faults: Deviations from the above described Breed Standard that impair the working ability.
Ear Faults: Too low set at the sides, tipped ears, inward tilted ears, ears not firm.
Considerable pigment deficiencies.
Strongly impaired overall firmness.
Dentition Faults: All deviations from a scissor bite and the dentition formula, as far as it does not concern disqualifying faults. (See below)
Disqualifying Faults:
Weak character, savageness or nervousness.
Proven "severe H.D".
Monorchids and cryptorchids, as well as dogs with clearly uneven or atrophied (stunted) testicles.
Disfiguring ear or tail defects.
Deformities.
Dentition faults, missing:
1 Pre-Molar 3, and one further tooth, OR
1 Canine, OR
1 Pre-Molar 4, OR
1 Molar 1 OR
1 Molar 2 OR
3 or more teeth altogether.
Jaw defects: Overshot 2mm or more. Undershot. Level bite in the whole region of the incisors. More than 1cm over or under size. Albinism. White coat colour (even with dark eyes and nails). Long double coat (Long Stockhaar): Long, wavy, topcoat not lying closely, with undercoat, feathering on ears and legs, bushy breeches and bushy tail forming flags below. Longcoat: Long, soft top coat without undercoat, usually with a parting down the back, flags on ears and legs and tail.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
All text under the heading 'German Shepherd Dog - Breed Standard' on this page has been sourced from the Australian National Kennel Council (A.N.K.C.) and is subject to © Copyright, January 1998.
© Copyright Derharv, 2006. This website was created by Ladybug Web Design.