THe history of the German Shepherd began in 1889, when German breeder Max von Stephanitz bought a "wolf-like dog with yellow and black markings". He changed its name from Hektor Linksrhein to Horand von Grafrath and set up the German Shepherd Dog Club with guidelines for the breed’s standard and the motto "utility and intelligence".THe history of the German Shepherd began in 1889, when German breeder Max von Stephanitz bought a "wolf-like dog with yellow and black markings". He changed its name from Hektor Linksrhein to Horand von Grafrath and set up the German Shepherd Dog Club with guidelines for the breed’s standard and the motto "utility and intelligence".
THe history of the German Shepherd began in 1889, when German breeder Max von Stephanitz bought a "wolf-like dog with yellow and black markings". He changed its name from Hektor Linksrhein to Horand von Grafrath and set up the German Shepherd Dog Club with guidelines for the breed’s standard and the motto "utility and intelligence".

German Shephed Facts 2024: Here are 10 interesting dog facts you should know about the adorable German Shepherd breed 🐶

They’re one of the UK’s most popular breeds of dog, but how much do you know about the brave and bold German Shepherd?
By David Hepburn
Published 31st Aug 2021, 10:48 BST
Updated 5th Apr 2024, 12:44 BST

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The last two years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership soar.

But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.

Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.

There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.

One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the German Shepherd – they were one of the UK’s 10 most popular dog breeds in 2020 and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.

Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.

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German Shepherds rank within the three most intelligent dog breeds. To be included in this top tier of canine bright sparks a breed must understand a new command after only five repetitions and follow the first command given to them 95 percent of the time.

1. Clever dogs

German Shepherds rank within the three most intelligent dog breeds. To be included in this top tier of canine bright sparks a breed must understand a new command after only five repetitions and follow the first command given to them 95 percent of the time. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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A Mexican German Shepherd called Zuyaqui is thought to be the dog that has captured the most drugs in Mexican history. His body is now on display at the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense's Narco Museum in Mexico City.

2. Crime buster

A Mexican German Shepherd called Zuyaqui is thought to be the dog that has captured the most drugs in Mexican history. His body is now on display at the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense's Narco Museum in Mexico City. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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In 1980s Holland, theatre director Whim Schipper staged a play starring six German Shepherds, sending the dogs to drama lessons and giving them treats for acting well. The play, a domestic drama about a girl bringing a new boyfriend to meet her family, was unfortunately a flop.

3. Stars of the stage

In 1980s Holland, theatre director Whim Schipper staged a play starring six German Shepherds, sending the dogs to drama lessons and giving them treats for acting well. The play, a domestic drama about a girl bringing a new boyfriend to meet her family, was unfortunately a flop. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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German Shepherds earned their name due to their talent for herding sheep. You'll be unlikely to see one acting as a sheepdog now though - these days their talents are more commonly utilised as police and military dogs due to their strength and intelligence.

4. What's in a name

German Shepherds earned their name due to their talent for herding sheep. You'll be unlikely to see one acting as a sheepdog now though - these days their talents are more commonly utilised as police and military dogs due to their strength and intelligence. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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