German Shepherds

Photo courtesy of Bluedogs

The first German Shepherd was registered in the US in 1912. The Kennel Club dropped the "German" from its name to protect the dog from anti-German sentiment during the First World War. It was restored in 1932, just in time for World War II.

Using local shepherd dogs, von Stephanitz and other breeders developed an obedient, handsome German Shepherd. In April 1899, Capt. Max von Stephanitz registered the first German Shepherd. Until 1915, both longhaired and wire-haired varieties were exhibited. In most countries today, only the short coat German Shepherd is recognized for show. The German Shepherd was presented at Hanover in 1882, and the shorthaired variety was first presented in Berlin in 1889.

German Shepherds - General Information