The German Shepherd was bred to be, you guessed it, a herding dog! These large, loyal, and intelligent dogs are well-known for their various roles throughout the previous century, as well as their ability to be great family dogs.
German Shepherds are, however, driven in their own ways and can be difficult dogs to own if you're not prepared for them. This guide will give you a look into the history of German Shepherds, their temperament, health issues, and tips for their ownership.
Let's get started.
The History of German Shepherds
The German Shepherd breed was developed in the late 1800s by a former cavalry officer in the German army. The man, Captain Max von Stephanitz, intended to create an ideal herding dog.
He started the process at a dog show where he found a wolfish-looking dog that wasn't too unlike the German Shepherds of 2025. This dog's name was Hektor Linkshrein (a human-like name for a dog, we know), and Captain von Stephanitz adopted him and claims him as the first German Shepherd.
In all likelihood, Hektor Linkshrein was a descendent of local northern German herding dog that didn't have a particular breed line or lineage. These dogs were often mix breeds, generally bred to be effective herders. The result was a large dog that was wolf-like in appearance, bred for work ethic, intelligence, temperament, and speed.
These are all traits that the German Shepherd inherited and improved upon, leading to the highly intelligent and capable dogs that we know today. Below, see an image that depicts the original German Shepherd in comparison to the way they appear today.
From The Early 1900s Onward
German Shepherds originated in the midst of the industrial revolution, before the majority of society had made the shift to manufacturing. As a result, there was a strong need for herding dogs.
Around the turn of the 20th century, however, the need for German Shepherds diminished and they started to be bred for a variety of other things. One primary role of these dogs was in the police force and military. Their intelligence, obedience, and ability to carry out complex tasks made them invaluable in police and military applications.
15 years into the 20th century, German Shepherds were serving vital roles in World War I, performing search and rescue missions, carrying messages, and serving as watchdogs. Around this time, Americans attributed the name "German Shepherd" to these dogs, whereas Germans called them Alsatians.
"Alsatian" is still the term used to refer to these dogs in the United Kingdom today. German Shepherds are still actively used in modern military and police operations due to the qualities that made them shine throughout the 20th century. Still, they can be wonderfully kind and protective family dogs as well - they're trainable and adaptable to nearly any environment that you'd like to put them in.
German Shepherd Temperament & Personality
German Shepherds have complex and varying personalities. One quality that these dogs overwhelmingly possess is intelligence. They also have a strong drive to work and engage with life, as most herding dogs do.
What matters is how you foster and encourage their intelligence, and whether you give them ample opportunities to get out and exercise their mental muscles. German Shepherds require a mentally-stimulating life. They're typically not dogs who will be totally content laying with you on the couch all day, although they love to relax after a hard day's work.
Additionally, these dogs can quickly become your "shadow", constantly expressing a deep love and attachment to their primary caregivers and families. Over centuries of breeding, German Shepherds have evolved the capacity for a strong connection to their group.
That connection and sense of group naturally leads to protectiveness. That protectiveness can go in a couple of directions, depending on the training and socialization of the dog. German Shepherds are not inherently aggressive, they have simply developed that association due to their professional roles in which they've been trained to perform aggressive behaviors.
In reality, however, they are simply very intelligent, loyal, and obedient. This means they'll perform the tasks they're trained to do. As family dogs, however, German Shepherds aren't likely to be aggressive to strangers or other dogs, so long as you socialize them properly.
Finally, German Shepherds are very sensitive. They're attuned to their owners emotions, and they can become vulnerable to anxiety issues in unstable environments. Just because these dogs are big and effective in the field doesn't mean they're not emotionally vulnerable to stress and negative reinforcement. In many ways, their emotional capacity is the reason that they're so trainable and protective.
Common Health Issues in German Shepherds
Unfortunately, German Shepherds are the dog breed that is most affected by hip dysplasia. We have an article entirely on this subject, if you'd like to learn more than is discussed below.
Approximately 20% of German Shepherds experience hip dysplasia, and this contributes to secondary osteoarthritis which can cause significant pain and loss of quality of life. It's believed that this issue is genetic, but also partially cause by the German Shepherds rapid growth rate during adolescence, which lends itself to the improper positioning and size of joints and sockets.
Additionally, German Shepherds are among the dogs most affected by separation anxiety. Many owners wonder why their German Shepherd whines or howls when they're left alone, or even separated for a period of time. This is because German Shepherds were bred to live very closely with their owners and depend on them implicitly.
Early crate training and a consistent routine can familiarize your German Shepherd with periods of separation. Additionally, a healthy regimen of supplements like CBD which can support hip & joint and emotional health, can be very helpful for German Shepherds.
So, Is a German Shepherd Right for You?
German Shepherds are wonderful dogs, but they may not be the right choice for a first-time dog owner. These dogs demand a lot of attention, exercise, and love.
If they don't have the care they deserve, they become vulnerable to emotional issues and even the risk of worsening hip & joint issues. That said, if you have an active lifestyle and the time to devote to your loving German Shepherd, these dogs truly live up to their mighty reputations.
