German Shepherds are one of the most popular breed of dogs in the United States. These dogs are known for their devotion, intelligence, courage and obedience. Here are 5 interesting facts you should know about German Shepherds:
Working Dogs
German Shepherds are frequently trained to be used as police, military, and guard dogs. Additionally, many of these dogs are used for guide and assistance work for handicapped individuals. Their intelligence and obedience make them the perfect breed to help with search and rescue missions and drug detection.
Origins
The first German Shepherd was bred in 1899 by Captain Max von Stephanitz who was a career captain in the German cavalry. He had retired from the military and was looking for a superior herding dog to help sheepherders to protect their flocks. He found that he was successful with dog breeding and produced a highly intelligent and obedient cross-breed known today as the German Shepherd. He eventually convinced the German government to use German Shepherds as a Red Cross dog during World War I. The first American German Shepherd made his appearance in 1907.
Hip Dysplasia
One of the most common health concerns of German Shepherd is hip dysplasia. This is a heritable condition in which the femur bone of the hind leg does not properly fit into the acetabulum or hip joint. This condition is generally diagnosed through x-rays of the hips. Hip dysplasia often directly contributes to early signs of arthritis, such as limping or painfulness when going up or down stairs. Many breeders will have their German Shepherds certified through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to ensure hip dysplasia is not present.
Color Variation
German Shepherds come in various colors with the most popular and recognizable being a mix of beige and black. There are also solid black, white, black and cream, black and red, black and silver, and sable owned by people around the world. The American Kennel Club does not permit white shepherds to participate in competition. The coat types have variations as well that range from medium to longhaired. Grooming is an important aspect of owning a German Shepherd.
Celebrity Status
One of the most popular German Shepherds in American history is Rin Tin Tin. He was rescued as a five-day-old puppy from a bomb-riddled kennel in France by an American solider named Lee Duncan. Duncan took “Rinty” as he originally named him back home to Los Angeles and trained him to appear in movies. He appeared in 27 Hollywood films and even received the most votes for the Academy Award’s best actor category in 1929. He did not win in the end because the Academy made a decision that a human should ultimately win the award. Rin Tin Tin made a name for German Shepherds in the United States and their popularity skyrocketed.