Okay, so I’ve been digging into this whole “German Shepherd 1850” thing, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. It all started when I was looking for something totally different, I stumbled upon some old photos of dogs that looked kinda like German Shepherds, but… different. That got me hooked.
So, I started digging. I read a ton of articles and blogs about the history of German Shepherds, trying to figure out what was up with those old photos. Did you guys know, that they started as herding dogs way back in the day? I had no idea!
The Origin of the German Shepherd
Turns out, the breed as we know it today wasn’t officially a thing until 1899. A guy named Max von Stephanitz is the one who’s credited with creating the breed. He used a bunch of different German herding dogs to come up with the German Shepherd. He made a new breed with the Society for the German Shepherd Dog. The modern German Shepherd dog was selected from the working shepherd dogs. Crazy, right?
I spent hours comparing pictures of modern German Shepherds with those old photos I found. You can see the differences pretty easily. The older dogs had a more rounded face, were bigger overall, and their backs didn’t slope as much. It’s like they were built a little sturdier back then.
Key features of German Shepherd
They’re super loyal and brave, and they make awesome companions. But they need a job to do, you know? They’ve got this drive to be useful, so you gotta keep them busy, both mentally and physically. The German Shepherd is so special, and we should look out for them, before we get a German Shepherd. From their history and origins to their characteristics and temperament.
- Loyalty: They are really loyal to their owners.
- Intelligence: Super smart dogs, easy to train.
- Energy: They have tons of energy, so they need lots of exercise.
- Health: Generally healthy, but they can have some health issues. Usually, they can live around 7 to 10 years.
And guess what? German Shepherds weren’t just used for herding. People started using them for all sorts of things. They’ve worked as assistance dogs, in search-and-rescue, with the police, and even in wars. They’re like the ultimate working dogs!
I also learned a bit about what they look like. You know, the usual stuff. German shepherds have thick coats in shades of brown, tan, black, and gray. They’ve got those pointy ears, long, bushy tails, and black snouts. They have a desire to serve a greater purpose and need mental and physical stimulation. Although they’re prone to certain conditions, they are generally a healthy breed.
If you’re thinking about getting a German Shepherd, you gotta be ready to give them the time and attention they need. They’re not the kind of dog you can just leave alone all day. They need to be a part of the family. I think that’s why I’m so fascinated by them. They’re not just pets, they’re like partners.
Anyway, that’s my deep dive into the world of German Shepherds circa 1850. It’s been a fun ride, and I’ve learned a ton. Hope you guys found it interesting too!
