The German Shepherd

The undisputed king of dogs, the versatile German Shepherd has done more in the service of mankind than any other. Apart from his original sheep herding role, he has excelled as a sentry and guard dog, police and army dog, tracker, drug detection dog, guide dog for the blind, as well as a search, rescue and avalanche dog.

However, above all else, the German Shepherd is a superb companion dog. While showing a certain reserve towards strangers, he is utterly devoted to his owner and family. He is patient and tolerant with children, tending them as he would have done his flock in days of old.

In fact it is essential that the German Shepherd feels that he has a job to do in life. His extreme intelligence needs to be utilised in some positive way. either by taking him to obedience training or by keeping him busily involved in family activities and outings. His height is around 55.5 to 65 cm and his weight 28 to 37 kg.