Evolution Of German Shepherd Dog Breed

Continuous researches are being in process with the German Shepherd Dog breed! If you're not in continuous touch with what's going on worldwide with this breed, you cannot get track of the evolutionary process of the breed. If you are studying seriously about German Shepherd Dogs you are probably looking for some sort of illustration of German Shepherd Dogs from past till date. Here's something of a kind you probably want to know about German shepherd Dogs.

To
The difference is clearly noticed -- GSD of 1940s to GSD of 2000s, the breed underwent a continuous change.

Notice the German shepherd pictures carefully. You can their's a noticeable difference in the structure of the breed. Look at the 'Top Lines' of the two shepherds. The 'Banana Back', which is also called 'Roach Back' is visible in the recent dog, while the 'Top Lines' was smooth -- called 'Level Back' is noticed in the dog of 1940s.

A couple of other differences worth noticing are:

• Low slung placement of hip in the shepherds that we see today
• Hock angulation are more in recent shepherds

Here are some German Shepherd Dogs pictures to illustrate how the breed evolved from 1940s to present...

Development Through out 1950s








Development Through out 1960s






Development Through out 1970s

Early 1970s








Mid to Late 70s








Development Through out 1980s

Early 1980s








Mid to Late 1980s








GSD of 1990s

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Aringsburg's REVA -- 18 Months Old Queen

Reva is 18 months old puppy. She descends from the rich blood line, sired by the son of VA Quirin V Hochmoor (SCHH3 Kkl 1). She is really naughty and hardly sits quietly. It's hard to take her snaps,but somehow I could manage to take one. Check out this. Click on REVA's image and view it enlarged...

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5 Basic Instincts of German Shepherd Dogs

Versatility of Alsatians is beyond question! A well bred German Shepherd Dog is an all round canine companion of his master, although it's true that not all shepherds are equally versatile. If bred properly a German Shepherd puppy will grow up with all the desirable and mandatory instincts that would make it a real royal dog and truly a protective companion of his owner.

Captain Max Von Stephenitz emphasized more on the working ability of the breed than the look. When it comes to the working ability (Schutzhund protection work) of the breed we need to know all about the 5 Basic Instincts of well bred German Shepherd Dogs. These five instincts are genetically inherited by a puppy from it's well bred dam and sire. Selective breeding is hence essential.

Wondering why I'm using the word "Well Bred" so frequently over and over again? Because breeding is that scientific art or artistic science (whatever way you look at it) that will give you a near to perfect dog, if not hundred percent perfect. So a good shepherd is the one that has a good parental lineage and have all or most of the the desirable features -- both structural and behavioral. These German Shepherd instincts are those behavioral aspects that cast a deep impact on the dog's character and behavior, making it a more useful companion. Two of these five basic German Shepherd instincts are known as Critical Instincts.

Here are the 5 Basic Instincts of a "Well Bred" Alsatian.

1. Booty Instinct: Also know as "Prey Instinct", this is one of the two Critical Instincts of a well bred Alsatian dog. This German Shepherd instinct makes the dogs chase moving objects like flies, moths, butterflies, mosquitoes, etc. and seize them. This is one of the most vital instincts for excellent Schutzhund protection work. The Booty/Prey Instinct is mandatory part of a shepherd's character, because it acts as the motivator of striking with speed and power. This critical instinct start to develop as the puppy reaches 6 months of age and eventually becomes prominent as it grows.

2. Fighting Drive: Fighting Drive is the second Critical Instinct of Alsatians. This German Shepherd Dog instinct is also called Active Aggression or Offensive Aggression, which is another very important instinct desirable for of the breed. This instinct helps the dog to deliver "rhythmic & explosive barks" during protection. Each of such rhythmic bark helps the dog to get positively stimulated, and the dog give high degree service of protection. This is why the Fighting Drive instinct of German Shepherd Dog is important for the Schutzhund protection work.

3. Self Preservation or Defense: Also called Reactive Aggression, this GSD instinct differs a lot from Prey Instinct and Fighting Drive Instinct. This GSD instinct (Reactive Aggression) helps the dog to develop inherent protective nature related to territoriality. This German Shepherd instinct denotes the degree of Sharpness, which is one of the most significant part of a well bred German Shepherd Dog character. Reactive Aggression Instinct or Sharpness is the catalyst of the two Critical Instincts, acting as the stimulating component of Booty Instinct and Active Aggression. Reactive Aggression Instinct of a well bred GSD also stimulates the Social Aggression Instinct.

4. Pack Instinct: This non-critical instinct is found in almost all the canine breed of the world. But in a well bred Alsatian Pack Instinct is noticed more prominently, compared to any other breed. The Pack Instinct is another most important German Shepherd Instinct that is highly significant for the Schutzhund trial, because this instinct increases the trainability of the dog. Right blend of Social Aggression and Pack Instinct makes the dog stay closer to his pack members. Viewing from the dog's perspective, the pack members includes all the dogs that he lives with, his handler, his trainer, his owner and all the other members of his family. This stimulates the dog's protective behavior.

5. Social Aggression: This non-critical German Shepherd Instinct also increases the degree of trainability -- especially for the Schutzhund protection services. Social Aggression Instinct makes the dog deliver "deep grumbling bark". Each of such barks stimulates the dog by generating power with him and he tends to express himself more dominantly. This is one of the most important determinants of a guard dog character.

Social Aggression is an exclusively a male instinct found in most canine breeds, but seen prominently in GSDs. Though this is a general desirable instinct for all the German Shepherd males, but this instinct remains dormant until the dog faces a threatening situation.

Apart from these 5 Basic Instincts, there are few more general instincts of Alsatians. Stay tuned to read more about the German Shepherd Instincts.

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Versatility Of German Shepherd Dogs

Well, we talked a lot about the origin and history of German Shepherd Dogs. Here's something very interesting about the breed. Why are German Shepherd Dogs the most versatile breed?

If you are really looking for a wonderful, smart , intelligent, protective, decent, courageous, self assertive, sturdy, powerful, royal, loyal and highly trainable working canine companion, German Shepherd Dogs are the right choice for you. The nature of a well bred Alsatian (German Shepherd Dog) is notably different from any other breed of dogs in the world. And it's because of this very different nature (not forgetting the gorgeous look) of the German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) that the breed rightfully deserves a soft corner in the hearts of zillions of dog lovers across the world.

GSD has earned massive popularity all around the world after the World War II as a perfect working dog breed. To be very candid, no other breed of dog in the world has successfully mastered such a huge range of skills like GSD. This breed is large and powerful enough to tackle a couple of men at a time, protective and courageous enough to protect his master and property and intelligent and responsible enough to to safely control a whole herd of sheep.

True that he cannot outrun a Greyhound, but again it's beyond all controversy that he can show a stand out Turn Of Pace. Moreover a well bred Alsatian can also maintain a steady canter for longer than most of the other breeds of dogs. Besides his awesome intelligence, a well bred Alsatian is an ideal working dog, which is why this breed has really marked a name of itself in varied fields across the globe. Whether as a shepherd dog or rescue dog or a police dog or a guide dog for blind or a guard dog or an attack dog or a war dog or a messenger dog or a sniffer dog or a movie actor, Alsatian dog breed has proved to be the best among all the other dogs in the world. Originally started his career as a shepherd dog breed, Alsatians have underwent a wide range of diversifications insofar the nature of their work is concerned. An incredible number of 48,000 Alsatians took an active role in the Germen regiment during the World War II. This breed has also earned a lot of fame as sentry dog and security dog during the war time and the post war period. The most interesting fact about the breed of German Shepherd Dog is that, this breed was the first canine breed to come in the movie screen. Rin Tin Tin (Rinty) the famous GSD was the world's first canine celebrity who appeared in over 40 hit movies. Within only two years since he started his career as an actor he had been earning 400 pounds per week during 1920s. He had his own car, chauffeur and own bank account.

To begin with Rinty developed a really impressive war record. Owned and trained by Corporal Lee Duncan, Rinty started off his career taking active part in World War I, carrying out important dispatches, sentry and other significant duties for Red Cross. He first appeared as an actor in a movie called "Where The North Begins", directed by Chester Franklin. It was in this film that Rinty set Warner Brothers back on its feet along with a financial set back. The popularity of Rin-Tin-Tin almost became the nightmare of the great stars like Charlie Chaplin and the Gish Sisters. In the year 1925 Rinty was voted as the most popular star of USA.

The saddest part of Rinty's life was that he was insanely busy all through his life and could not enjoy a retirement although he had a remarkable life. Stay Tuned, More about Rin-Tin-Tin to come!

Pictures: Rin Tin Tin, nick name -- Rinty, (often written as Rin-Tin-Tin) Sep. 10th 1918 to Aug 10th 1932.

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Christmas Wish For our Alsatian.

Hi friends! It's been a long span of time that I last updated my blog. Christmas is right around the corner and I just wanted to know how's it going with your Christmas preparation.

All I want this Christmas is that all the German Shepherd Dogs and all the other dogs in the world my find The Earth to be a good place to live in. May their owners find them in absolutely good health and happy life.

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Captain Max Von Stephanitz Speaks About Horand Von Grafrath SZ 1

Here's what Mr. Stephanitz said about Horand -- the father of all GSDs.

"Horand (Picture on the right) embodied for the enthusiasts of that time the fulfillment of their fondest dreams. He was big for that period, between 24" and 24 1/2", even for the present day a good medium size, with powerful frame, beautiful lines, and a nobly formed head. Clean and sinewy in build, the entire dog was one live wire. His character was on a par with his exterior qualities; marvelous in his obedient fidelity to his master, and above all else, the straightforward nature of a gentleman with a boundless zest for living. Although untrained in puppy hood, nevertheless obedient to the slightest nod when at this master's side; but when left to himself, the maddest rascal, the wildest ruffian and incorrigible provoker of strife. Never idle, always on the go; well disposed to harmless people, but no cringer, mad about children and always in love. What could not have been the accomplishments of such a dog if we, at that time, had only had military or police service training? His faults were the failings of his upbringing, never of his stock. He suffered from a superfluity of unemployed energy, for he was in Heaven when someone was occupied with him and was then the most tractable of dog."

Max Emil Frederic von Stephanitz (December 1864 -- April 1936)

~Mr. Stephanitz (Originator of the Alsatian)

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History Of German Shepherd Dogs -- Vol III

Please read out my former posts on History of German Shepherd Dogs Vol I and Vol II  ... This posts is the continuation of the former ones.

 

Another vital phase of the breed's development starts with Horand (DOB -- January 1st, 1895)- this is beyond all controversies. After Mr. Stephanitz became the the president of the verein, he atended a dog show in the year 1899, where he found Horand, which was a Thuringian type sheep dog of medium stature. It was Horand's typical shepherd qualities that grabs captain's attention and he fell in love with Horand at the first sight. He purchased him at the spot. Although his original name was Hektor Linkshrein, he was registered in the verein's newly found stud book with the name "Horand von Grafrath". Horand was the first dog to find the first place in the new stud book of the verein. The another dog that got an entry into the stud book was Meri von Grafrath. Hektor Linkshrein (later Horand) had a brother called Luch von Sparwasser, who was also a very good specimen, if not as good as his elder brother Hektor. Luch was later registered in the stud book of verein -- SZ 155. Hektor actully descended from the wonderful lineage. Luch's and Hektor's (later Horand) was Greif von Sparwasser, which was a white coated German herding dog with awesome shepherding quality. George Horowitz, who was a well renowned English Judge, German Shepherd Dog columnist, author and historian, wrote about the background of Hektor Linksrhein in his 1923 book, known as "The Alsatian Wolf-Dog". In his book he wrote that that the white-coated German herding dog named Greif von Sparwasser was born in 1879 and was exhbited at the 1882 and 1887 Hanover Dog Shows. Horand was in the possesion of certain very interesting qualities apart from his shepherding ability, such as the mental soundness, boldness, protective and energetic nature. This dog was wolf grey color. He had good gait and remarkable anatomy with mind blowing bones and head profile. Horand was mated to many good bitches and produced good number of quality range of litters through out his life. The most important progenies of this classy dog are:

• VA Hektor von Schwaben, DOB: January 5th 1898, Sieger: 1900 - 1901
• VA Peter von Pritschen, DOB: December 14th 1900, Sieger: 1902
• VA Lux Sparwasser
• Nelli Eislingen
• Baron von der Krone
• Thekla I von der Krone
• Thekla von der Krone
• Waldine von der

Horand became the father of all German Shepherd Dogs that we find today. And from then onwards the breed went on developing at a fast pace. You will just be amazed to see the the change that this breed has got during its course of development.

Top left: Horand von Grafrath SZ 1 and Marie von Grafrath SZ 2 Middle Right: Peter von Pritschen {Sieger: 1902} Middle Left: Horand von Grafrath SZ 1 Bottom Right: Hector Schwaben {Sieger: 1900 - 1901}

Botton Left: Luch von Sparwasser {Litter brother of Hektor (later Horand) DOB: January 1st, 1895}

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Mind Blowing Litter Is Coming Up Shortly

Attention dog lovers. This is for those who are looking for a good quality German Shepherd Dog at the most competitive price range. Aringsburg Kennel announces the arrival of a good litter out of highly acclaimed bloodlines.

[REX -- Son of Ch. “Kingsways Move It All Around”] X [Sweety -- Daughter of Ch. “Biz Mark”]

Contact Details: Scroll Down(End of the page) or Click here

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History Of German Shepherd Dogs -- Vol-II

Before you start reading this please check out my last post History Of German Shepherd Dogs -- Vol-I. This is a continuation of the first part.

Both the Thuringian and Wurttemburg sheep dogs were first exhibited in a show held at Hanover in the year 1882 – the year that marked the beginning of the evolution of a dog that was having a mind blowing ability to control herd of sheep. Drastic steps were taken to synchronize these varieties of typical sheep dogs in one single breed. Intelligence and Utility were the watch words for the breeding program. Selective breeding was one of the determining factors in the project. The Swedish sheep dogs were rejected at the very first sight, since they light built body, and lighter bones.

Those dogs were selected that had the typical shepherd qualities, such as expressive heads, moderately lighter weights, good bones and good gait. The dentitions were to be quite strong. The bites were to be quite resistant and such that it would redirect the sheep to the desired direction without damaging. Dogs with erect ears were chosen to get the sound and noise and especially the shepherds’ commands from distant more accurately.

This was how the selection was actually made for the perfectly selective breeding program.

Coming up next! More great facts on how we got such a beautiful creature. Stay tuned.

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History Of German Shepherd Dogs -- Vol-I

Well now, I was thinking of what should I write on this time. How if I write something about the history of the German Shepherd Dogs? This is a very long story indeed. So I've planed to present it in a series of a few distinctive volumes. Just read on. And I'm sure if you are a real GSD fancier, this will be a topic of your real interest.

Germany is the birth place of the breed. The very name gives a very clear cut indication of the fact. The look and the glamour of the German Shepherds Dogs that we find today took almost a century to develop. It was not until the late 19th century that emergence of the breed was noticed. And it’s beyond all doubt that it was due to the far sighted vision of the Prusian cavalry captain Rittmeister Max Emil Frederich von Stephanitz (commonly known by Captain Stephanitz or Captain Max von Stephanitz) that we dogs lovers got such a great gift.

Shepherd dogs were truly wonderful natural working dogs that were used by the shepherds of 18th and 19th century to herd their sheep. Not being descended from a specific origin, those shepherd dogs could not be given the honor of a specific breed with a specific standard. Although they were really varied in appearance and gait but most of them had the true basic instinct to work. Captain’s attention was attracted by two such types of dogs – one that used to work in the highland of Thuringia and the other is from Wurttemburg.

Shepherds Of Thuringia: Shepherd dogs from Thuringia had erect ears, curled tail and were wolf-grey in color. They were stocky and of small stature. There were two main varieties of the Thuringian Sheep Dog: i) short-haired and ii) shaggy-haired.

Shepherds Of Wurttemburg: The Wurttemburg dogs were larger in size with heavy bones and bushy tail. They were comparatively swifter than the shepherds of Thuringia and had good gait but bad ear carriage. They were stocky and of small stature. Alike the Thuringian Sheep Dogs they were of two varieties too: i) short-haired and ii) shaggy-haired.

These two types of dogs were the base of the dfevelopment of the breed. Stay tuned ... coming up more to learn.

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