Once upon a time a man named
Max von Stephanitz
was dreaming about a dog that was brave, agile, loyal, intelligent and temperament-sound. He founded the SV and registered the first German Shepherd, Horand von Grafrath in 1899.

The first GSD arrived to Australia in 1904.

Country of origin

German Shepherd Dog

Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz (December 30, 1864 – 22 April 1936) was a German dog breeder who is credited with having developed the German Shepherd Dog breed as it is currently known. Captain von Stephanitz defined the guidelines for the breed standard, and he was the first president of the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (S.V.).

FCI-Standard-Nr. 166/23.03.2010/D

Group 1 - Guard dogs and herd dogs
Section 1 - Herd dogs with working trial
Color: Black with red-brown, brown, yellow to light yellow marks. Black and grey unicoloured

Size and weight:

Dogs: 60-65cm, 30-40kg
Bitches: 55-60cm, 22-32kg

Description

A versatile utility and companion dog

Sport and family dog, service and guard dog, rescue and therapy dog, guide dog, herd dog. The German Shepherd dog is a secure and self-confident, robust, natural, attentive, very resistant physically and mentally.It has a good and secure social behavior, gets along very well with humans and animals in the family environment after corresponding socialization. It is an active dog that needs regular exercise (walks, swimming, cycling, jogging, dog sports) in order to be balanced.

One of the iconic characteristics of the German shepherd is its versatility: The GSD wants to be challenged and stimulated. The GSDs therefore need regular physical and mental exercise to stay healthy and fit. German Shepherds that are challenged and stimulated enough are more balanced in their nature, more obedient and satisfied.

Efficiency test was introduced in 1903 to identify animals worthy of breeding.

The selection approach was a huge success.
The first vestiges of today's modern GSD were born.

Civilians formed clubs focused on training, testing and breeding.

The Seed of IGP Dogsport

The Scheme is critical for identification of workability and character.

Training

Trained dogs are happy dogs

Training is absolutely necessary but do not expect too much from puppies too quickly. It is not very difficult to educate a GSD, as the breed is indeed a very capable of working dog breed. Consistent, patience and understanding are basic requisites.

People who have never trained a dog before will understandably have many questions. It is not the dog that makes mistakes, does not want to learn or is disobedient - the problem is usually at the other end of the leash.

If a dog and handler are a well-rehearsed sportive team, they can prove themselves and be awarded working titles and participate in WGSDCA sanctioned trials.