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As it's name implies, this breed has its orgins as a working sheep dog in Germany. It is a relatively recent breed standard, and was developed by Max Von Stephanitz at the turn of the twentieth century. Stephanitz was keen to create a standardised dog that would be suitable for working, and stumbled across a dog named Hektor Linksrhein at an exhibition in 1899. He was so impressed with the animals obedience and strength that he bought it straight away and began breeding with other working dogs. Nowerdays all German Shepherds originate from this linage.

The breed gained recognition from the UK Kennel club in 1919, and is now the third most popular type of dog in America. Due to a dislike of using the word "German" after the first world war, the club renamed the breed the "Alsatian Wolf Dog". "Wolf Dog" was later dropped from the title. However, in 1977, after pressure from breed enthusiasts, the original breeds title was restored.

There are different types and colourings of German Shepherds. There are both short-haired and long-haired varieties of the animal (the later being seen as a fault in the breed by the American Kennel Club). The two most popular colourings of GDS's are black/tan and red/black. These varieties also sport black markings on their bodies, ranging from "saddles" to all over "blankets". There are also all black, and sable and liver varients of the German Shepherd. White German Shepherds are also quite common but are frowned upon by breed specialists - white is not a good colour for a dog expected to be seen working in snowy conditions, especially when it is amongst several sheep!

The ideal height advised by the breed kennel club is 25 inches at the withers, although most GSD's are between 22" and 26" at this point. A well breed Shepherd will have ears which point upwards and do not droop, and a long neck and black nose, as seen here in this picture of Duke, by UK portrait artist Julie Palmer.

The German Shepherd is considered to be the third most intelligent breed of dog, and this, coupled with it's strength and keen sense of smell, have made it a popular choice amongst the military and police forces. It is often employed in mine and drug detection and in search and rescue. German Shepherds also make good carers for the visually impaired and disabled.