Josip Tito and Lux
This story took place in the midst of World War II. The future President of Yugoslavia Josip Broz Tito was at the front, defending his native lands from the Nazi invaders. Neither the superior enemy forces nor the mortal danger emanating from all sides could break the spirit of the future politician, who desperately fought the occupiers. But on June 9, 1943, an event occurred, the terrible memories of which lived in Josip’s memory until his death.
Tito, along with his dog named Lux, and also accompanied by fighters from the international group, came out of the forest to assess the situation. At that moment, German bombers flew over their heads. The Nazis, noticing the detachment, began bombing. There was no chance of survival. Another moment, and a powerful explosion was heard next to Josip. Tito, struck by shrapnel, collapsed to the ground. There was deathly silence. The man already thought he was dead, but continued to think and was even able to move. As it turned out later, the devoted dog managed to cover his owner’s head with himself, taking the brunt of the blow. The dog was torn to shreds, but thanks to her courage, Josip survived.
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German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is perhaps the most recognized and widespread breed in the world. Due to their ability to various types of training, exceptional intelligence, sensitivity and extraordinary devotion to the owner, more than 90% of all service dogs are representatives of the breed.
There is practically no service where this dog would not be involved, be it military, search, search and rescue or guard . The grace and elegance inherent in the Germans leaves no one indifferent.
German Shepherds are deservedly considered excellent watchdogs, which is why they are often taken to guard homes. It is not uncommon to keep them in a city apartment, but it should be remembered that the animal needs great physical activity and long walks . In the absence of these, the pet begins to wither and loses its fighting qualities.
She is distinguished by acute hearing and instinct, mistrustful, courageous, and resilient. The type of higher nervous activity is balanced, mobile.
to be at work all their lives ; for them, the meaning of life is service to the owner. At the same time, excessive vigilance is perhaps the only difficulty in keeping it.
Probably no other breed has so many subspecies and varieties. They tried to breed it in many countries, improving its exterior and performance qualities. However, the highest indicators of intelligence, temperament and performance remain with the standard type.
Types of German Shepherds
Classic German Shepherd show dog , West Germany, high line. This type has the best breed characteristics and is most often used in search, military, guard service, and also as guide dogs. The color is characteristic saddleback with red tan or black.
Disadvantages include an uneven back, loss of pigmentation, and weak character. In addition, these dogs are overly aggressive, which leads to some problems.
German Shepherd, working line . This group includes both Belgian and Danish shepherds, which are not related to the German line. They were bred for sport and detective service. This breed is most involved in police and military service, as a search dog in the search for narcotics and explosives.
This breed, despite its average exterior grade, has excellent strength and physical fitness. They make excellent companions and service dogs.
Typical colors are black, sable or tri-color. There is black-brown, which is also the norm. Not suitable for the role of a guide dog or a pet due to its overly aggressive temperament.
German Shepherd, East German line . This subspecies was created in East Germany after 1945 from those individuals that were bred in the pre-war years. These were wayward dogs with changeable temperaments.
Modern representatives of East Germans have a full range of the best performance parameters, a serious disposition, and an excellent exterior. These dogs have massive bones and a large head. East Germans are highly trainable, but can be overly aggressive.
To improve the bloodlines, East Germans are often crossed with other working strains, although some adherents try to maintain the purity of the breed. Color ranges from zoned black to black with tan.
German Shepherd, Czech/Slovakian line. Bred in Socialist Czechoslovakia from an eastern German line and has an external resemblance to its ancestor.
This working line is often integrated with similar subspecies, although breeders try to isolate the breed from outside interference.
German Shepherd, American line. This variety was registered and distributed on the North American continent in the 70s of the last century.
It was originally designed for walking, which is why it lacks both performance standards and hip height standards. Individuals of this line are poorly suited for classical running and jumping, and are distinguished by a disproportionately long, angular body and a relatively mild, changeable temperament.
Disadvantages include poor health and a delicate psyche, however, representatives of the American line get along well in the family. Currently, selection work is underway to improve this breed.
The color of the American “Germans” differs little from the standard German one - black-and-white with red and fawn markings.
German Shepherd, English line. The subspecies comes from representatives of old lines that were once brought into the country and modern post-war classic German shepherds. These dogs were distinguished by their gentle disposition and unstable temperament. The physique, despite the heaviness, is beautiful and elegant.
They made excellent police officers and guides. Over time, this breed was pushed aside by German exhibition and working areas. The reason for this was weak legislation that did not enforce quarantine for the newly bred breed.
Individuals obtained by crossing the English line with the German line had a flexible temperament and possessed the necessary working characteristics. They are black in color with fawn markings.
Savior Buddy
Buddy is a German Shepherd who will definitely go down in Alaska history. The events took place in the early spring of 2010. Ben, Buddy’s owner, loved to tinker in his own workshop, which was located in the basement of his house. But one day something went wrong. The fire that broke out spread so quickly that the flames cut off all Ben's exits from the workshop. The confused man called the police and reported what happened.
Time passed, but there was still no help. Buddy, having received a command from the owner to bring someone to help, takes off and flies out of the burning room like a bullet. After some time, a dog running towards the police station notices people in uniform and starts barking. She managed not only to attract attention, but also to lead the police to the burning house where her owner was. The story ended on a positive note, and no one was hurt, and one of the law enforcement officers still recalls: “Our GPS navigator froze, without which we would not have been able to find Ben’s workshop in such difficult weather conditions... If it weren’t for Buddy... If if it weren't for Buddy..."
German standards for four-legged guards
Detailed breed standards include the following postulates:
- The dog's head is elongated;
- Head and skull of equal length;
- Scissor bite;
- The tip of the muzzle is always black;
- Almond-shaped eyes have a dark tint;
- Medium sized pointed cone ears;
- The body has a continuous line of the back;
- The tail is saggy and slightly fluffy underneath;
- The limbs are parallel and straight, the forearms are powerful, the paws are rounded.
The color of the breed can vary in the following tones:
- black with gray and brown;
- black one tone;
- gray with darkened “cloak” and “mask”.
The undercoat of representatives of the breed always has a gray tint.
Shannon Lorio and the Stray Dog
Often dogs come to the aid of even complete strangers. This story is proof of that. Shannon, 36, who lives in rural Georgia, had a serious fight with her husband. The woman, in order to calm her nerves, decided to drive her own car. She pressed harder and harder on the gas pedal, as if not noticing the enormous speed at which her car was rushing. Another moment, and she lost control, falling into a ditch.
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Shannon's car flew into a tree, and the strong impact threw the woman out of the car and onto the ground. She lost consciousness and was bleeding. Perhaps she would have died that way, because her car was not visible from the roadway. But suddenly, out of nowhere, a huge German shepherd appeared, carefully grabbed Shannon by the leg and pulled her onto the road. The crippled woman regained consciousness only after her furry savior began licking his face, trying to stop the bleeding. Another moment, and a passing car stopped nearby. The unfortunate driver was taken to the hospital, where over time Shannon began to recover.
Rambo
Jonathan Hardman is an avid traveler who always takes his German Shepherd, Rambo, with him. In July 2015, a man and a team of like-minded people set off to conquer Mount Bierstadt. But while climbing he was struck by lightning. “My body was in unbearable pain, and I collapsed to the ground,” Hardman recalls. Perhaps this day would have been the last in his life, but a faithful friend named Rambo deliberately touched the owner, struck by an electric discharge, in order to relieve the tension from him. Unfortunately, the dog did not survive.
Training smart "Germans"
One of the most intelligent breeds in the world begins its training at a young age. This is how a 3-4 month old puppy gets accustomed to simple commands easily and quickly. Many dog breeders, after initial home training, take their dogs to special clubs, where they are taught to behave correctly in various situations.
Early socialization is also important for such a dog. Shepherd dogs learn from a young age to understand the emotions of strangers and their owners. Some representatives are even able to perceive human humor. They are always happy to appreciate the owner's joke, expressing their delight by actively wagging their tail or jumping high.
A policeman named Bruno
Bruno is a German Shepherd who served in one of the Colorado police departments. This brave dog participated in many arrests, but in March 2014 he was seriously injured, which almost put an end to his future career in law enforcement. During another special operation to detain dangerous criminals, the daredevil Bruno was given the order to pursue an armed criminal. He fulfilled his duty with honor, but during the chase he was shot. The police department covered all the costs of treatment and rehabilitation of its furry employee. At the moment, Bruno is back in action.
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Sasha
The following story, which took place in Argentina, is dedicated to the heroic deed of a German shepherd named Sasha. This dog lives with a young couple and their daughter Milena in a country house. One summer day, parents, busy with their own affairs, did not notice how their little daughter ended up unattended by the pool. Sasha immediately assessed the situation and sensed the danger that hung over the girl. Another moment, and Milena fell into the water. The child tried his best to climb out, but in vain.
The dog howled. He whined and barked, trying to attract the attention of his owners, who did not understand what was happening. Not wanting to waste precious time, the shepherd dog rushed to help the girl. Jumping into the pool, Sasha quickly reached Milena and kept her afloat until the confused father pulled the baby out of the water.
Small German dog breeds
Residents of modern cities often buy the most compact dogs. They are cute, cheerful and do not take up too much space, content with a small bed in a dedicated corner. In a word, they are perfect for living in cramped city apartments. And among the German dog breeds there are many miniature ones. Well, let's get acquainted!
Dachshund
Today, most dachshunds are kept as companions, appreciating their cheerful disposition and unpretentiousness. It’s hard to imagine that recently they were selective hunting dogs, terrifying foxes, badgers and other den dwellers. However, even today there are lovers of burrow hunting who breed dachshunds for these purposes.
Due to its cheerful disposition and all-encompassing love of humanity, the dachshund will not be able to become a good guard or watchman. But for adult family members and children, she is a great friend with whom you will never get bored.
True, when maintaining it, it is worth remembering some rules. For example, a dachshund should not jump even from a small height (for example, from a sofa) or stand on its hind legs. Due to the structure (low and long), there is a risk of serious injury.
All dachshunds have a small height - usually no more than 35 cm at the withers. But at the same time, the body is elongated, which provides decent weight - 10-12 kg.
The price range is wide. A faithful friend and hunter without a pedigree will cost 5-10 thousand rubles. But puppies from elite parents, who will take prizes at prestigious exhibitions, cost 50-80 thousand rubles.
Affenpinscher
Looking at this little guy, it’s hard to imagine that he is capable of coping with guard duties perfectly. Their territorial instinct is highly developed, so any stranger who enters the territory of their owners will be immediately barked at, and maybe even bitten by sharp teeth.
But the Affenpinscher’s character is not sugar - he is a real egoist who will not tolerate the presence of other animals in the family. No, he should be the only and beloved pet! He hates rodents acutely - dogs were originally bred to fight mice and rats. Therefore, a hamster, guinea pig or rabbit brought in by their owners will not last long.
Affenpinschers cannot stand loneliness - they quickly begin to get bored, and this, due to their active nature, is fraught with the risk of turning the entire apartment into a dump.
The sizes are small - with a height of 25-30 cm, the doggies weigh only 4-6 kg.
There are few nurseries engaged in breeding Affenpinschers in Russia. And the quality of the puppies varies markedly. Depending on the pedigree and the presence of awards from the parents, the cost of affens ranges from 20 to 120 thousand rubles.
Miniature Pinscher or Miniature Pinscher
Many people, when choosing a suitable pet for small children, choose a miniature pinscher. This German breed can be an excellent friend and family companion. But at the same time, it is not as simple as it seems. It's worth starting with high aggressiveness. If the dog doesn’t like something, he is able to use his sharp fangs. Therefore, the likelihood of conflicts with children, if they do not respect the pet and perceive it as a toy, always remains. They have a tendency to dominate - it is important in the very first days after the miniature pinscher appears in the house to show him that he must obey his owners unquestioningly. Then the dog will become the kind of pet you can only dream of - smart, cheerful and restless, infecting everyone around with positivity. By the way, he is physically unable to sit in one place for a long time. It is advisable to have a miniature dog for active people who themselves like to run, walk, and go hiking.
Doesn't get along too well with other animals. The miniature pinscher often provokes large dogs into conflict, and perceives rodents as prey. Which is not surprising - they were originally bred to kill rats and mice.
Purebred representatives of the breed are compact: height is about 25-30 cm, and weight is from 4 to 6 kg.
The price ranges from 10 to 40 thousand rubles - it all depends on who you need: a faithful friend, albeit without a pedigree, or a threat to elite dog shows.
Biewer Yorkshire Terrier
Animal lovers looking for a fun, active, yet compact pet will definitely love the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier, or simply Biewer. This is a great companion who will happily play with children, run with adults and have fun with other pets.
At the same time, character is not always easy. Biewers seem to deliberately run into conflicts with large dogs, which can cause additional problems during maintenance. And despite their small size, they still have a desire for dominance. It is necessary to show a certain firmness in order to prove to the pet that he must always yield to his owner in everything.
Representatives of this German breed weigh only 2-3 kg. Height corresponds to weight: 15-23 cm in males and 10-18 cm in females.
The price range is wide - from 5 to 60 thousand rubles. The presence of a passport and pedigree plays a role here, which club the puppy belongs to, how famous his parents are and whether they have prestigious awards.
German Spitz
This is a decorative companion that adores its owner and is ready to do everything possible to please him. Combined with a sharp mind, this makes training easier - it's enjoyable for both parties. But they are also sometimes used as guards. Spitz dogs do not trust strangers and always greet them with a loud, ringing bark that is difficult not to hear.
Note! The name “German Spitz” includes several varieties that vary greatly in size.
Let's get acquainted:
- miniature Spitz, also known as Pomeranian - height at the withers 18-24 cm;
- small – 24-30 cm;
- average – 30-40 cm;
- large – 40-50 cm;
- Wolfspitz - 43-55 cm.
Despite their different sizes, each of these dogs will become a true friend with proper care and sufficient love from the owner. But you should also not forget about strictness - Spitz love to test their man’s strength and, if given slack, they are able to sit on the neck.
Miniature Schnauzer
Among the schnauzers, the miniature is the most compact. This breed is also the smallest among service dogs. Previously, they were used when hunting weasels, moles and rats. But later, having appreciated its compactness, fearlessness, intelligence and keen sense of smell, they also began to use it for official purposes. The tiny dog easily finds drugs and any prohibited items at customs, leaving no chance for criminals.
The Miniature Schnauzer is also good as a companion. True, it is not suitable for everyone. The energy flows out of him. And he will be happy only when surrounded by the same people - active and cheerful, lovers of hiking and adventure. Sitting at home all day and occasionally going for short walks will not make your dog happy.
He builds relationships with children quickly and naturally, spending a lot of time playing and having fun. But this does not mean that the dog does not need discipline. Without her, the German dog will become a tyrant, any relationship with which will be complicated by a bunch of problems.
Healthy, well-fed miniature schnauzers weigh from 4 to 8 kg - males are not only slightly taller, but also stronger built. Height is about 30-35 cm.
The cost of a purebred puppy can range from 15 to 40 thousand rubles. Naturally, the bottom bar is pet class or even dogs without pedigree. Well, for 40 thousand you will get an elite pet, which will probably take many prizes at prestigious exhibitions.
Jed
Jed is an adult and very smart German Shepherd who loves to walk in the park with his owner Roger. In November 2013 the weather was great. Roger, who came home from work, took his furry friend and went for a walk along the already beaten route. But in the park, Jed's behavior changed in an instant. The dog began to rush forward and pull its owner into the bushes. The man obediently followed the shepherd, and when he found himself in the thicket, he was horrified. On the cold ground stood a woman's bag containing a baby. Roger immediately called the police, who took the baby to the hospital, where he received the necessary medical care.
History of the Shepherd in Europe
Initially, representatives of the German Shepherd conquered the United States, and the founder of the breed was John Gans, one of the founders of the American Club. Hans had excellent business connections in Germany, from where only the best and most promising breeding dogs were exported, which played a decisive role in the process of breeding German shepherds in America.
In Germany during this period there was an economic crisis, which forced experienced breeders to sell their high-quality breeding German shepherds for next to nothing. The war that broke out in Europe did not at all have a negative impact on breeding work in America, and the demand for purebred puppies was steadily increasing. Very quickly, the German Shepherd, beloved by Americans, entered the top ten most popular breeds in the country.
German shepherds were brought to France back in 1920 . However, initially such purebred animals did not take root there very well. Unsuccessful attempts to introduce the breed ended with the founding of the Societe duChien de Berger Allemand (SCBA), and Georges Baret, who headed it, purchased excellent male dogs: Walter am der Neustrasse, Aribert von Wildweibschenstein, Gockel von Holzstockkrand and Faust von Wickkrater Schloss. Just a few years later, data on dogs began to be entered not into the SCBA stud book, but into the unified French stud book with mandatory branding of dogs.
In Great Britain, the German Shepherd gained popularity quite quickly, and soon the breeders created the very first club, The German Shepherd Dog League of Great Britain (GSDL), which is currently the leading member of the World Union, uniting all German Shepherd clubs. The club is headed by a breeder with sixty years of experience - Percy Elliott.
In England, the breed is represented by two types: the Alsatian (English) type of German Shepherd and the type that fully complies with the German SV standards. The first version of dogs is more good-natured, powerful and short-legged. Shepherd dogs of the SV standard have a very characteristic hair coat and special plasticity in movements.
This is interesting! The Swiss National German Shepherd Club was founded in 1902. This is the largest canine organization in the country, carrying out breeding work in two directions: breeding show animals and sports dogs.
However, one of the leading countries with high birth rates of purebred shepherd dogs today is deservedly Italy, where the breed, according to the national stud book LOI, has been at the peak of popularity for more than thirty years. Over 25 thousand German Shepherds are born in the country every year.
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Bear
Bear is the nickname of our next hero, who lives with his owner Debbie in Texas. This German Shepherd is a real local celebrity. Her owner suffers from epilepsy, attacks of which can catch a girl at the most inopportune moments, for example, while crossing a roadway. The dog acutely senses when the owner’s condition begins to deteriorate and warns her about it. She is also trained to bring people to help if Debbie does have a seizure and is in danger.
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German working dog breeds
The Germans are a disciplined people, excellent servants. And local breeders have bred quite a few service dog breeds. Among them we can confidently include:
- German Shepherd;
- Doberman;
- Rottweiler;
- dandseer;
- Bavarian mountain hound;
- miniature schnauzer.
Of course, each breed has certain inclinations and specializations, but they all serve faithfully in the police, army or rescue units.
Noah and the stray bullet
Noah is a German shepherd, the favorite of a large family. Its owners are Kadon and Diondra, who are raising three children. In January 2015, a married couple and their children went to a pet store to buy a new collar for their four-legged friend. Kadon took the dog with him to the store, while the rest of the family waited in the car. There were no signs of trouble, when suddenly a shootout began near the pet market. Noah, as if sensing trouble, rushed to the car in which Diondra and the children were. The dog, rushing towards the owner, jumped into the open car window. Another shot sounded. The bullet hit Noah in the neck, who managed to cover Diondra’s head with his body. The wound turned out to be fatal. If not for the intuition and courage of this German Shepherd, three children could have been left without a mother.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
The Caucasian Shepherd is the largest representative of the herding dog family. The breed has a history of more than two thousand years. The harsh mountain climate of the Caucasus left its mark: large size, wildly growing long thick wool with a thick undercoat, extraordinary endurance and strength, devotion to one owner, malice and distrust, sometimes even ferocity - these are the distinctive qualities.
The dog has a rough, massive build, dense muscles, and thick skin. The head is massive, with prominent cheekbones. The chest is strong, wide, the neck is powerful. Ears are cropped to avoid injury during clashes with wild animals. The color of “Caucasians” ranges from gray wolf, fawn, brown to motley and red, with and without a mask.
The Caucasian Shepherd is deservedly considered the best guard dog and is not very suitable for keeping in a city apartment. “Caucasians” are ready to defend their household at any time, and are not averse to playing with children. This is a fairly friendly dog outside of its territory. He will guard his own area with special zeal.
This dog has considerable intelligence and a stable psyche. It lends itself well to training, and education should begin at a very early age . Caucasians do not require special care and are practically not susceptible to disease.
Types of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs
Based on the type of coat, they are divided into several groups:
- with long hair without mane, fringe or trousers;
- with elongated guard hair, a pronounced mane, trousers on the hind legs and feathering;
- with a shortened coat and lack of mane, fringes and trousers.
Family connections with St. Bernard
At the end of the 40s of the last century, Soviet breeders crossed a Caucasian Shepherd dog brought from a Georgian collective farm and a St. Bernard taken from Germany as a trophy.
This mating marked the beginning of a new breed - the Moscow Watchdog. The breed was finally registered only in 1985. In terms of external features, they are close to the St. Bernards, but, unlike their ancestors, they are leaner and stronger.
FBI agent nicknamed Ape
Ape is a German Shepherd who was in the service of the FBI until March 2013. She participated in the arrests of especially dangerous criminals, but the last persecution ended very sadly for our hero. Federal agents have long been tracking a crime boss named Kurt Myers, who committed several murders in the suburbs of New York. They managed to establish the exact location of the criminal.
Kurt barricaded himself in one of the abandoned bars and posed a real threat to the lives of law enforcement officers. The agents decided to attach a camera to Ape’s withers and send the dog on reconnaissance. The German shepherd coped with the task brilliantly and helped eliminate the criminal, but she herself was seriously wounded. After the long treatment that the four-legged policeman had to undergo, it was decided to send Ape into retirement, since his health condition did not allow him to return to duty.
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Classification
Dogs are classified according to different coat types and possible colors, and we'll look at them in more detail below.
By wool type
The German Shepherd can be either short-haired (smooth-haired) or long-haired. The first type is distinguished by thick, hard fur, and the undercoat fits tightly to the animal’s body. The coat in the area of the tail, paws and neck is much softer compared to other areas.
The second type of dog has a long and structured coat. The fur is long and soft, can be wavy, the undercoat is weakly expressed. The fluffiest and longest fur grows in the area of the tail and chest. The back of the paws and the area of the ears creates the so-called feathers, which give the animal external enthusiasm and playfulness.
Color
Black and Tan
This is the most common and popular color combination. These dogs usually have brown paws and eyebrows with a reddish tint. They come with a black patch on their back that extends from the neck to the tail. And they may also have a pronounced black “mask” on their face.
Cheprachny
Dogs in the German show line often have this coloring. They have the same pattern as the black and tan ones, but the brown part is more of a reddish color. In some cases, instead of black and red, there is black and silver, although instead of the latter there is rather a cream tint on the paws and chest of the animal. Black and cream are by no means uncommon, but they are not as common as black and tan.
Golden yellow
One of the rarest colors among the NOs, their fur has a golden sheen.
Blue
These dogs are rarely seen at shows because the presence of this color indicates diluted genes. They can still be considered purebred German Shepherds, but their lack of the typical black coloration indicates that among their immediate relatives there were dogs that deviated from the breed standard. Such dogs have a smoky gray iridescent color, which looks quite unusual, but breeders consider the blue color to be a poor quality trait for the breed.
Sable or gray
Sable colors are more common in working lines than in show lines because working dogs are not bred with an emphasis on appearance. They have striped fur, which means each hair is a different color. Common colors include silver, brown, black, and sometimes even red. Gray individuals are considered a variety of sable, but their fur is more wavy in color.
White and black
German Shepherds can also be all white or all black. White color is simply a manifestation of recessive genes similar to blond hair in humans and does not indicate albinism. Unfortunately, white dogs are not allowed to compete in most kennel club shows, but they can compete in a number of other competitions.
Black color is also the result of a coincidence of recessive genes. Sometimes such dogs have white patterns on their chests. Unlike black and tan dogs, which are black as puppies but take on a more typical appearance as they age, black shepherds remain that way for the rest of their lives.
