German Shepherds are one of the most beloved and versatile dog breeds in the world. Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and work ethic, they excel in various roles, from family pets to police and military dogs. But why were German Shepherds originally bred? Understanding their history and intended purpose provides valuable insight into the breed’s unique characteristics and capabilities.
The Vision of Max von Stephanitz
The story of the German Shepherd begins in the late 19th century with a German cavalry officer named Max von Stephanitz. Von Stephanitz admired the sheep-herding dogs he encountered in the German countryside and sought to create the “perfect shepherd dog”. He wanted a multi-purpose dog who could defend and protect, yet still play with children.
Von Stephanitz valued utility, mental stability, intelligence, and temperament above aesthetics. He believed that a dog’s ability to work was the true measure of its beauty, stating, “Utility is the true criterion of beauty”.
The Original Purpose: Herding and Protecting
The German Shepherd was initially bred to assist shepherds in herding and protecting sheep. In the 1850s, efforts were underway in Europe to standardize breeds, with dogs bred to preserve traits that aided in their herding and protective roles. Shepherds selected and bred dogs with the skills necessary for herding, such as intelligence, speed, strength, and a keen sense of smell.
These early German Shepherds were working dogs with the endurance, steadiness, and intelligence needed to manage flocks of sheep. They required minimal training, needing only direction to become proficient at their tasks.
From Herding Dogs to Multi-Purpose Workers
As railroads began hauling sheep, the need for herding dogs diminished. Recognizing this shift, von Stephanitz began promoting the German Shepherd as a police dog. The qualities that made them excellent herders—durability, agility, a keen sense of smell, and a solid temperament—were also valuable in police work.
Von Stephanitz developed tests to determine a dog’s worthiness for breeding and police work, including phases in obedience, tracking, and protection. These tests were the forerunner of modern IGP (Schutzhund) trials.
Wartime Contributions
The German Shepherd’s versatility and capabilities made them invaluable during wartime. During World War I, the German army utilized the breed extensively. It is believed that over 40,000 German Shepherds “enlisted” in the German army, with many working on the front lines.
Both Allied and Axis forces employed German Shepherds during World War II as mine detectors, sentinels, guard dogs, and messengers. Their intelligence, loyalty, and ability to be trained for various tasks made them essential assets in the war effort.
Post-War Popularity and Diversification
After the World Wars, American soldiers returning home brought German Shepherds with them, boosting the breed’s popularity in the United States. The stories of these amazing dogs spread, further cementing their reputation for intelligence and bravery.
German Shepherds also began to be trained as seeing-eye dogs for blinded veterans, highlighting their versatility and trainability. Their calm demeanor and intelligence allowed them to excel as medical assistance and therapy dogs.
The German Shepherd Today
Today, the German Shepherd remains one of the most popular breeds worldwide. They are sought after as police dogs, home protectors, military dogs, family companions, and security dogs. The breed’s characteristics—intelligence, versatility, and self-confidence—make them well-suited for various roles.
While the breed has undergone changes over the years, with different lines bred for specific traits, the core purpose remains the same: to be a utilitarian and intelligent dog, fiercely loyal and capable of performing a wide range of tasks.
Conclusion
The German Shepherd was originally bred to be a herding and protecting dog, but their versatility and intelligence allowed them to evolve into a multi-purpose working breed. From their early days assisting shepherds to their wartime contributions and modern-day roles as police, service, and family dogs, the German Shepherd’s history is a testament to their remarkable capabilities. Understanding why they were bred provides a deeper appreciation for this amazing breed and their enduring popularity.