Vegas Valley Dog Obedience Club - VVDOC - Breed of the Month January 2012

JUST FOR FUN

OBEDIENCE

HIKING

ACTIVITIES FOR YOU AND YOUR GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG
The German Shepherd Dog is a high-energy dog that requires controlled physical activity and mental
stimulation, particularly when it is a puppy. The German Shepherd Dog is a very smart and athletic
breed that excels at various competitive sports. These canines grow up to be loyal and protective
dogs.

In addition to hiking and obedience, you and your German Shepherd Dog might enjoy the following activities:

Here are some pictures of the VVDOC German Shepherd Dogs enjoying their favorite activities !

===>>> Click on any image to view a larger version. <<<===

VEGAS VALLEY DOG OBEDIENCE CLUB

" MAX "

The German Shepherd Dog is hailed as the world’s leading police, guard and military dog, however,
this dependable breed is more than its 9-to-5 job. Consistently one of the United States’ most
popular breeds according to AKC® Registration Statistics, the German Shepherd Dog is also a
loving family companion, herder and show competitor. The breed is approachable, direct and
fearless, with a strong, muscular body. The GSD may be most colors, but most commonly is black
and tan.

A Look Back
The German Shepherd Dog originated in 1899 at Karlsruhe, Germany due to the efforts of Captain
Max von Stephanitz and others. Derived from the old breeds of herding and farm dogs, the first
German Shepherd Dog exhibited in America was in 1907. The fame associated with Rin-Tin-Tin and
Strongheart, two members of the breed whose movies played on variations of the boy and his dog
theme, shot the popularity of the breed sky-high.

Right Breed for You?
Energetic and fun-loving, the breed is very fond of children once a relationship is established. He is a
loyal family pet and a good guard dog, the ideal choice for many families. He requires regular
exercise and grooming.

Did You Know?

The German Shepherd Dog is distinguished for loyalty, courage, and the ability to assimilate
and retain training for a number of special services; he is not pugnacious, as his reputation
posits him to be, but a bold and punishing fighter if need be.

The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most popular and recognizable breeds of the AKC.

German Shepherd Dogs are utilized often as police dogs, service dogs, agility dogs,
conformation animals, obedience dogs, and sentinels. Their high trainability and extreme
loyalty and commitment make them an excellent choice for any agenda.

In terms of show presentation, the German Shepherd Dog has a unique stack or "pose",
featuring one rear leg under the body and one extended, as opposed to conventional "square"
stacks (parallel front and rear) or extended stacks.

The German Shepherd Dog has been in the public eye and media many times, recognizable
as "Rin Tin Tin" and other canine characters.

The German Shepherd Dog does not give affection lightly and is known for his dignity and
stature; it is also known as a "one-man" breed for its tendency to display serious loyalty and
fidelity, especially to its owner or main caretaker.

Summary

Herding Group; AKC recognized in 1908.

Ranging in size from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.

Herding, police work.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

The German Shepherd Dog Breed Standard - www.akc.org/breeds/german_shepherd_dog/

History of the German Shepherd Dog - www.akc.org/breeds/german_shepherd_dog/history.cfm

National Breed Club - German Shepherd Dog Club of America - www.gsdca.org

RALLY