Interesting facts about German Shepherds you might not have known!
The German Shepherd is one of the most iconic dog breeds. Strong, hardy, loyal, intelligent and instantly recognisable for their distinctive coat, markings and features. But these dogs have more going on than meets the eye.
Fact #1: German Shepherds are among the most intelligent dog breeds
Being a clever breed is a fairly common boast when it comes to dogs, but German Shepherds are especially smart even among the genuinely clever breeds. In fact, the American Kennel Club ranks the German Shepherd third for intelligence, out of an assessment of 100 different dog breeds.
These dogs are easy to train and pick up lessons quickly, which may explain why so many of them work in professions such as law enforcement. According to scientists, German Shepherds are at least as smart as a 2 to 3-year-old child when it comes to understanding language, and can learn at least as much maths as a 4 to 5-year-old.
Photo: chewy.com
Fact #2: The First World War made German Shepherds famous
Although the "First World War" taught us a great deal — for example, that traditional mounted cavalry made up much of the battlefield — it also made German Shepherds famous among the Allies. Used by the German army for various tasks, the soldiers who fought against the Kaiser were struck by the loyalty, tenacity and intelligence of Germany's most widely used military dog.
This admiration is one of the reasons the German Shepherd became an extremely popular breed in the United Kingdom, and it probably helped make the breed as popular as it is in the United States and even Bulgaria. Ironically, though, the very same war that made the dog so popular made the "German" part of its name rather unpopular. For this reason, the German Shepherd was called the Alsatian Wolf Dog in parts of the United Kingdom and in other countries.
Fact #3: German Shepherds are not dangerous dogs
German Shepherds have built up a reputation over the years as dangerous, aggressive dogs. Organisations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association, however, have repeatedly debunked these unfounded claims. Although German Shepherds are often used by the police and the military, the qualities these organisations look for are intelligence, obedience, endurance and strength, not aggression. Police and military dog units want dogs that are easy to train and that will follow orders in dangerous situations. Properly trained and socialised German Shepherds tend to be friendly and, aside from being wary of new people entering their territory, they make ideal family dogs.
Photo: Dogster
Fact #4: The first modern German Shepherds
When the breed was standardised by Max von Stephanitz, the first aim was to find and breed ideal dogs. The first dog in this experiment was named Horand. The second generation was also carefully bred, resulting in the birth of Beowulf, named after the hero of Scandinavian legend. Beowulf is, in many respects, the ancestor from whom most modern Shepherds trace their lineage.
Fact #5: German Shepherds have stars on the Walk of Fame
You might think Hollywood's Walk of Fame is only for two-legged stars, but there are at least two German Shepherds on that famous pavement. The older of the two stars is Strongheart, one of the earliest German Shepherds to appear in films. Rin Tin Tin, widely considered one of the most famous German Shepherds ever to appear on screen, is also on the Walk of Fame. Although there have been other great canine actors since, no other Shepherd has joined these two, let alone surpassed them.
Fact #6: Their double coat sheds
This breed's thick, coarse double coat helps insulate the dog, keeping them cool in summer and warm in winter. To look after it properly, never shave or clip your Shepherd's coat. Comb them or use a de-shedding tool every other day to easily remove loose hair.
