German Shepherd

 

 

 

 

Information

Country: Germany

Lifetime: 12-13 years

Weight: male: 80 pounds

Weight: female: 65 pounds

Height: male: 25 inches

Height: female: 23 inches

 

The German Shepherd Dog's roots go back to the late 1800's in Germany where it was used as a shepherding dog. It was first known as the German Sheepdog, but during World War I the American Kennel Club renamed it the Shepherd Dog to reduce discrimination against the breed. In 1931 they restored the heritage back to the dog by naming it the German Shepherd Dog.

By World War I the breed was already popular throughout Germany. It's enormous popularity never reached the shores of North America until the appearance of two movie stars by the names of Strongheart and Rin Tin Tin. Decades of movies and tv shows with German Shepherd Dogs assured their continued spot as the most popular dog breed in North America. It's popularity still continues to this day with AKC ranking it as the 3rd most popular breed!