If you ever chance upon one of these dogs, youll probably notice its stately demeanor right away. It gives off an air of sleekness and fluid power, while retaining a lively and vigorous outlook on life. The German Shepherd has a long body, that is solid and healthy, radiating health and top form.

When you look upon one of the members of this breed, you are struck right away by their noble demeanor. The German Shepherd is a coolly aloof dog, exuding subtle confidence and poise, and does not make friends with strangers easily. It is straightforward and bold, but is known for its disciplined nature.

This dog is matchless when it comes to guarding, and is a terrifically loyal member of the family once adopted, a perfect selection for families that want a good investment when picking out a dog. As soon as its trust in its owner is established and a firm understanding and relationship is acknowledged, the German Shepherd is quite amiable with children. This dog is the right choice to make if you want an animal that is intelligent, loyal and strong, all at the same time.

The breed was named Deutscher Schferhund, literally translating to “German Shepherd Dog”. It was named for its original purpose of assisting shepherds in herding and protecting sheep. They were bred to preserve traits that assisted in their job of heading sheep and protecting flocks from predators, as this was practical in Germanys local communities, during the 1800s.

Dogs believed to have the traits necessary for herding sheep, like brawn, brains and a good nose would be selected and bred by shepherds. The end resulted in dogs that executed their duties superbly, but varied in outward appearance and skill, depending where they came from and were bred. This was an accepted practice back in the 1800s, in Germanys local communities.

German Shepherds are marked by a willingness to learn and an eagerness to have a purpose. Because of these characteristics that make for a loyal protector and herder, it is also hailed as the worlds leading police, guard and military dog. Not only that, its a loving family companion, herder and show competitor.

The German Shepherd is famous for being a working dog, especially when it comes to tracking down criminals, holding apprehended suspects, and patrols. Theyre also excellent noses, sniffing out narcotics and explosives and aiding in search and rescue missions. Their keen sense of smell and ability to focus regardless of distractions, such as in port hangars or busy shopping districts, sets this dog apart from other animals.

This dogs expression is intelligent, keen and composed, and his coat comes in a wide variety of colors, the most common combinations being tan and black, or red and black. They have a noble, dense outer coat, with a thick undercoat, and a bushy tail that reaches to the hock. Giving off an impression of subtle power and solidity, and being one of the most intelligent, hardworking and agile dogs in the world, the German Shepherd is a wise choice to make when choosing to adopt a pet.