The German Shepherd is an even-tempered, loyal family dog and is the 3rd most intelligent dog (Border Collies and Poodles rank higher). They date back to 1899 when Captain Max von Stephanitz from the German Cavalry purchased Hektor Linksrhein from a dog show. Hektor was wolf-like in appearance, had a powerful physique and was highly intelligent. Initially bred for herding, von Stephanitz convinced the German government to use the breed during WWI. During the war, the Americans changed the breed's name to The Shepherd Dog. England changed the name to Alsatian Wolf Dog. By 1931, it went back to the original name of German Shepherd.
FUN FACTS:
Strongheart was a popular movie star and featured in 6 films. He has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
German Shepherd military dogs have even been taught to parachute out of aircraft!
The German Shepherd is Britain's 8th most popular dog.