Page 45 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

WORKING DOGS

German Shepherd Dog CANINE SUPERSTAR

Rescued from a WWI battlefield by US Marine
HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Sable Lee Duncan, Rin Tin Tin (below) was taken to
23–25in 49–88lb Over 10 years Black California where Duncan trained him for film
(58–63cm) (22–40kg) work. He starred in 28 Hollywood films and
became so popular that in 1929 he received the
most votes for the Best Actor Oscar. However,
One of the most popular breeds worldwide, this intelligent the Academy, fearing that giving the award to
and versatile herding dog makes a faithful companion an animal would undermine their credibility,
instead gave it to the runner-up. Rin Tin Tin
died in 1932, but some of his descendants,
This breed was developed by a German dog and tracker, and is used by police and
trained by Duncan, also appeared in movies.
cavalry captain, Max von Stephanitz, from armed forces worldwide. It is also employed
dogs used to guard and herd livestock. The as a search and rescue dog and as a guide dog
first examples appeared in the 1880s, and for blind people.
the breed was registered in Germany as the The modern breed has a coat that can
Deutsche Schäferhund (German Shepherd vary from long to short. The German
Dog) in 1899; the first registered individual Shepherd Dog has a reputation for being
dog was a male named Horand von Grafrath. fierce, but dogs produced by reputable
During World War I the dog’s name was breeders usually have a steady temperament.
changed in the UK to Alsatian. This new These dogs need to be handled in a calm,
name was chosen because the first dogs authoritative way so that they will not
were brought back from Alsace-Lorraine become overly dominant, but they are brave
by soldiers that had served there, and also and willing to learn. They need plenty of
because the name avoided reference to exercise and do well at jobs such as protecting
Germany; for the same reason, in the US the home. If responsibly handled, they will
its name was changed to Shepherd Dog. become loyal, faithful members
Soldiers from both countries were impressed of the family.
by the breed’s abilities.
Highly adaptable and obedient,
Head has clean-cut
the German Shepherd Dog has appearance
proved valuable as a guard

Large, firm,
erect ears
PUPPY

Bicolor
Croup Black and tan
slopes slightly
downward to tail

Dense coat with
thick undercoat

Strong
hindquarters

Long forelegs
Black blanket
straight to
elbow
LONG-
SHORT-HAIRED HAIRED
Bushy tail

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