The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most widely recognized breeds in the world. The breed is known and favored in many countries for its intelligence, trainability, adaptability and fortitude. The foundation of this breed is comparatively recent (1899), making the climb to its current numbers and status of renown even more amazing. Rittmeister Max von Stephanitz, proclaimed "the father of the breed," and his friend, Herr Artur Meyer, bought a working dog seen at a show in order to foster a strong, capable German herder. Von Stephanitz led the group that promoted German Shepherds from 1899 to 1935. During that time, he brought the breed to its current status of respect. With less demand for herding over the years, von Stephanitz was determined not to let the Shepherd decline and encouraged its use by the police and the military. During World War I, there were 48,000 Shepherds "enlisted" in the German Army. Today, the GSD serves perhaps in more ways than any other breed; search-and-rescue (S&R), police, army and sentry, scent discrimination and, of course, companion. They are superb dog guides for the blind and helpers for the handicapped.
