German Shepherd Dog (Long And Harsh Outer Coat)

Historical Development and Breed Purpose

The German Shepherd Dog, or Deutscher Schäferhund, originated in Germany at the end of the 19th century. Max von Stephanitz, a captain of the cavalry, is credited with the systematic development of the breed, aiming to create a versatile working dog with high intelligence and physical endurance. The breed was initially developed for herding, but its exceptional trainability quickly led to its adoption in police and military roles. The long and harsh outer coat variety, once considered a disqualifying fault in earlier exhibition standards, has been fully recognized by the FCI since 2010, acknowledging its historical presence within the breed's gene pool.

The breed's temperament is defined by a steady, self-confident, and courageous nature. They are inherently loyal to their handlers and possess a natural protective instinct. Throughout the 20th century, the breed's popularity exploded, leading to the formation of various official kennel clubs dedicated to preserving the working utility of the dog. Today, the breed remains a cornerstone of working dog disciplines, requiring consistent mental stimulation and physical activity to maintain its balanced character. Prospective owners must understand that the long-haired variety requires specific grooming attention to prevent matting, though their temperament remains identical to the short-haired variant.

The preservation of the breed's working ability is paramount. Many enthusiasts participate in rigorous dog shows and working trials to ensure that the physical structure supports the functional requirements of the breed. The selection process for breeding stock is highly selective, often involving the analysis of complex pedigree names to ensure the health and longevity of the lines.

Anatomical and Structural Requirements

• General Appearance: A medium-sized, slightly elongated, powerful, and well-muscled dog with a firm bone structure.
• Coat: The long and harsh outer coat consists of long, soft, and not close-fitting top hair with undercoat. The hair is longer on the ears, the back of the forearms, and the thighs.
• Head: Wedge-shaped, proportional to the body size, with a dry head and moderate width between the ears.
• Gait: The German Shepherd is a trotting dog. The movement must be harmonious, reaching far forward and maintaining a level back.
• Evaluation: When assessing the dog, cynology schools emphasize the importance of the correct angulation of the hindquarters to ensure efficient movement.
• Judging: Experienced FCI judges look for a balanced silhouette where the height at the withers is in perfect proportion to the length of the body.

• The German Shepherd was the first breed to be used as a guide dog for the blind.
• The long-haired variety was once considered a 'fault' because the hair was thought to be less weather-resistant, but it is now a fully accepted variety.
• They are known for their 'double coat,' which provides insulation against both cold and heat.
• The breed is one of the most versatile in the world, serving in search and rescue, narcotics detection, and therapy.
• Despite their intimidating appearance, they are known to be incredibly gentle with family members when properly socialized.