German Shepherds Rescues Breeders

German Shepherds Rescues Breeders - History

Picture source: RED STAR KENNEL

Cavalry Captain Max von Stephanitz was the first man who took serious steps towards developing these laborious cattle drivers. During a dog show, he occasionally spotted a wolf like species that had a strong and neatly outlined body. The owner of the dog said it was a working dog and that he was very strong and faithful. The dog's name was Horand. Stephanitz bought the dog without much hesitation.

Horand was sturdy and loyal. Max von Stephanitz set himself a task to develop a specific working breed of dogs. Horand had some behavioral faults but that was due to poor upbringing and bore no relation to genetic falls. Eventually, the dog actually deserved the title Noble with obedience and loyalty.

In 1899, Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Shaferhunde (SV), the first breeding club, and became its first president. He devoted all his life to further development of the breed. He was a talented dog show judge and worked as one at every dog show that involved German Shepherds. He worked hard toward the incorporation of desired features such as strong and noble figure and, more important, loyal and protective character.

German Shepherds were intended exclusively for intelligence and service. In the 1930s, there was a sharp decline in the popularity of the dog, which was in many ways imposed by thriving fascism. Many members of the club were Nazis and they always sought to preclude the involvement of foreign breeders in the project. Max von Stephanitz could not overcome the frustration over having his lifelong  labor be a waste and, in 1936, he died.

The world wars became terrific ordeals for the German Shepherd dogs. They faced hatred of non German peoples, as did everything German. After World War 2, there were only a few pure German Shepherd Dogs left on earth, but luckily they reestablished themselves in the minds of people. And now, we have what is considered to be the world's most loved and popular breed, German Shepherds.