German Shepherd

German Shepherd
Adult male
Other names
  • German Shepherd Dog
  • Alsatian
  • Alsatian Wolf Dog
  • Deutscher Schäferhund
  • Altdeutsche Schäferhunde
OriginGermany
Traits
Height Males
60–65 cm (24–26 in)
Females
55–60 cm (22–24 in)
Weight Males
30–40 kg (66–88 lb)
Females
22–32 kg (49–71 lb)
Coat Double coat
Colour Tan with black saddle, sable, solid black or bi-colour
Litter size 6 to 8
Kennel club standards
VDH standard
The Royal Kennel Club standard
Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog (domestic dog)

The German Shepherd, also known in Britain as an Alsatian, is a German breed of working dog of medium to large size. It is characterized by its intelligent and obedient nature.

It was developed in Germany from 1899 by Max von Stephanitz, using various traditional German herding dogs, and gained international recognition after the end of the First World War. It was bred as a herding dog, for herding sheep, but has since been used in many other types of work, including disability assistance, search-and-rescue, police work, and warfare. It is commonly kept as a companion dog, and is among the most frequently registered breeds world-wide.

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