GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS FOR SALE

We know and understand the history and ancestry of the German Shepherd Dog due to the writings of German Cavalry Officer, Captain Max Von Stephanitz (1864 – 1936), who studied and created the German Shepherd Breed as a Dog Breeder and documented his studies in his book “The German Shepherd Dog” in 1918. Later, in 1947, his book was translated into English, giving Breeders around the world the results of his work.

 

His studies stressed the importance of Pure Bred dogs with only the best characteristics, while cross breeding produced many weaknesses in the German Shepherd Dog. He created the German Shepherd Dog Breed Standard. In 1899 he founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (S.V.). This organization developed a German Shepherd Dog Registry, as well as a German Shepherd Breed Standard. Schutzhund competitions were first held in 1901 showing abilities in Obedience, Tracking and Protection.

 

He talks about the German Shepherd Dog as being intelligent, having courage, being a loyal friend, family companion and protector, and showing great joy for his master and devotion to duty, and having nobility of appearance. He was passionate about studying his dogs, and showed a great love for them.

 

Captain Stephanitz explored scent as one of the German Shepherd Dog's strongest senses, as well as the acute hearing of a German Shepherd Dog. He also recognized the German Shepherd Dog's great night vision ability.

 

The German Shepherd Dog was bred to be extremely versatile, agile and adaptable for the many jobs required of it as a Shepherd. He had to adapt to cold and heat, rain and shine in order to do his job. He needed stamina to run and jump through all conditions and swim when it was required of him. Later on, the German Shepherd Dog was trained as a Guide Dog for the blind, for Search and Rescue, and also as a Service Dog.

 

Captain Stephanitz stresses the importance of German Shepherd Dogs needing adequate and plentiful exercise, and describes them as “a highly gifted and efficient dog with a perfect body build.”

 

In order to promote the enhancement and advancement of the German Shepherd Dog breed, he believed that only trusted and experienced, expert breeders should be engaged in breeding activities.

 

Captain Stephanitz believed the greater need for proper food in the German Shepherd Dog's first two years due to their higher level of growth, development and exercise. He also provides proof that well exercised German Shepherd Dogs had better developed heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, skeletons and muscles than German Shepherd Dogs who lacked exercise.

 

Captain Stephanitz stated the fact that the German Shepherd Dog is carnivorous, and is proven by his tooth formation. With this in mind, he studied and developed nutritious dry dog biscuits (kibble) and recommended half a pound of meat or more per dog per day, and including other natural unprocessed foods. Fresh water must never be withheld, but must always be available to a German Shepherd Dog.

 

In regard to the German Shepherd Dog's upbringing and training, Captain Stephanitz stated that owners need to realize and train for the German Shepherd Dog's capabilities, including mental abilities, to make their dogs useful, worthwhile and lovable, and develop a confident, happy German Shepherd Dog. Basically, he meant that You Make Your Dog.

 

In conclusion, Captain Stephanitz studied and researched German Shepherd Dogs probably more than any one person has since. He offers guidance on every phase of choosing, breeding, caring for, raising and training only the best German Shepherd dog possible. Amazingly, the research he completed then is in the most part still applicable today! We still use many of his strategies in our own breeding program of Top German Shepherd Dogs.

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

THE GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG

Author: Captain Max Von Stephanitz

First Edition 1918 – Revised Edition 1932 – Translated 1947