German Shepherds are big, protective and loving and that’s why there are a lot of German shepard dogs about although they are often known by another name, Alsatian, because that’s where they originated in Germany.

Many Germans still call them Deutscher Schaferhund because of their original function as sheepdogs but despite its popularity the breed is not at all old and was really developed from a variety of sheep herding farm dogs just over a hundred years ago. Because of their size, impressive looks and original purpose, they were first popular with the German landowning class, but since then the breed has turned up all over the world and it arrived in the USA in 1908 where it was popular with the Red Cross, the police services and as guard dogs.

This has a lot to do with them being very loyal and courageous dogs, extremely intelligent and capable of retaining specialized training. Temperament is what ensures the usefulness of the dog and this comes from breeding. With a bad temperament these dogs are a disaster. They are strongly territorial and begin to know and recognize their people and place by about six months and this is when their protective loyalty starts to show itself!

German Shepard dogs are widely available due to their popularity and you should have no problem finding one, but just remember that German Shepherds come in a range of colors, are very affectionate and intelligent and will protect you no matter what!