German Shepherds, sometimes called Alsatians though that is largely a term of the past now, are a breed with a spotty reputation and history, though that is largely unwarranted. The breed has its roots in the European sheepdogs used across the continent by local communities to protect the herd, but has since become an incredibly useful service dog in personal protection, watchdog, and police capacities. With such an intimidating resume, there are some who feel that the German Shepherd isn’t right for a role as a family dog, but that is simply untrue: these intelligent, loyal, protective, and obedient dogs are the perfect companions for a family.

Recent History

German Shepherd dogs began to gain international recognition as a superior breed of dog when soldiers returned from the first World War with stories of the breed and its many deeds throughout the war. The Kennel Club first accepted registrations for the breed in 1919, and just a few years later in 1926 it had more than 8,000 German Shepherds registered. It is thought that animal actors like Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart both contributed to the increasing popularity of the German Shepherd in that time.

Sadly, puppy factories sought to meet the demand for the German Shepherd, and the resulting German Shepherds were often plagued by congenital defects, illness, or poor socialization. As a result, the reputation of the dog suffered, and its popularity waned up until the end of World War II.

Loyal to a Fault

Again and again, what has brought dog-lovers back to the German Shepherd is its immense trainability – few dogs are as intelligent and as open to learning as the German Shepherd – and its physical strength and agility. Indeed, these traits led to the breed being most commonly used in military and police forces, along with competitors in dog sports often using the breed as well as in obedience trials. In fact, between 1965 and 1968, obedience trials showed German Shepherds receiving more Companion Dog titles than Poodles, Shetland Sheepdogs, or Doberman Pinschers!

As highly active dogs that have a strong sense of self-confidence and an eagerness to learn, German Shepherds are the ideal working dog. They are, nevertheless, also great family dogs, but in owning, raising, and training your German Shepherd, you must take care to socialize them correctly, or they may come to be overprotective of your family and territory; indeed, even once socialized properly, they are not particularly interested in becoming friends with strangers.

Nevertheless, your family will never have a greater friend, companion, or guardian than it will have in a German Shepherd. The dog is strong, able, vigilant, intelligent, and loyal to a fault. We would all do well to have a German Shepherd by our side.