german shepherd

An extremely intelligent and capable dog that is widely used for K-9 units, guide dogs for the blind and deaf, search and rescue dogs, narcotics and explosives detecting dogs, herding dogs, and of course family companion. They are a medium-sized breed weighing anywhere from 75-90 pounds and 22-26 inches at the shoulders. They come in all black, black and tan (which is the most popular), and white (which is disqualified from the show ring). They will never let you down and will protect you with their life against anything, human or animal. They are very easily trained and are extremely strong. They can be vicious to intruders if they feel that their owner is threatened in any way. They are extremely gentle with children and protect them too. They love their owners immensely no matter what the owner is like. They can outrun even the fastest olympic athlete with ease. They are the best bodyguard and companion you can ask for.

the best dog a person could have if they are brought up well as in not abusive. THey're friendly, loyal, and very smart. I would advise getting one(or more) at a younger age.

This is an awesome breed of dog, and despite what other definitions will say, the definately can surpass 90 pounds, as I have two that are 110, and 115 lbs.

The act in which an individual bites the hand of the aggressors first born then proceeds to urinate on said child. The German Shepherd can be confidently and gracefully used to assert dominance in a variety of situations if performed with dignity.

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD, also known as an Alsatian), (German: Deutscher Schäferhund) is a breed of large-sized dog that originated in Germany. German Shepherds are a relatively new breed of dog, whose origins date to 1899. As part of the Herding group, the German Shepherd is a working dog developed originally for herding sheep. Because of their strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training they are often employed in police and military roles, in forces around the world. Due to their loyal and protective nature the German Shepherd is one of the most registered of breeds. Shepherds were bred specifically for their intelligence, a trait for which they are now renowned. They are considered to be the third most intelligent breed of dog, behind Border Collies and Poodles. In the book The Intelligence of Dogs, author Stanley Coren ranked the breed third for intelligence. He found that they had the ability to learn simple tasks after only five repetitions and obeyed the first command given 95% of the time. Coupled with their strength, this trait makes the breed desirable as police, guard, and search and rescue dogs, as they are able to quickly learn various tasks and interpret instructions better than other large breeds. German Shepherds have a reputation for aggression and have been banned in some jurisdictions as a result. In the United States, German Shepherds are responsible for more random bitings than any other breed, and have a known tendency to attack smaller breeds of dogs. Reports have found that statistically German Shepherds are the breed third most likely to attack a person. Another report found that German Shepherds accounted for almost half of the dog bites that required medical attention. These claims have been refuted on the basis that German Shepherds represent a higher proportion of the population than other breeds. However, reports indicate that Shepherds are over-represented when the statistics take into account the difference in population. German Shepherds are highly active dogs, and described in breed standards as self-assured. The breed is marked by a willingness to learn and an eagerness to have a purpose. Shepherds have a loyal nature and bond well with people they know. However, they can become over-protective of their family and territory, especially if not socialized correctly. An aloof personality makes them approachable, but not inclined to become immediate friends with strangers. German Shepherds are highly obedient and not easily distracted, but due to their strong self-will must be trained by "a firm hand".

A breed of dog developed in Germany by Captain Max Von Stephanitz. The only breed of dog that can do multiple jobs, not just one, which is why they are commonly used by police departments and for search and rescue. Many aspects of the German Shepherds' temperament and conformation are extremely misunderstood even today. They are not overly aggressive, nor do they inflict any more bites per year to other dogs and people than any other large dog breed, and IF they do so it is due to lack of knowledge and skills of people who think they deserve this type of dog as a "pet". Because of it's loyalty and bonding to it's family "pack", it can easily be made aggressive by ignorant people who train it for such and cannot handle its power. The breed needs extra mental and physical exercise. The German Shepherd Dog was developed for work on many levels. The GSD has separate lines, or different types. Working Lines, (such as the DDR), German High lines (German Show) and American Show (the common black and tans seen in such movies as "I AM Legend". Mixing of these lines is not unheard of, but not desired. The German Shepherd Dog does not require an firm hand; it requires a handler who understands it and can positively develop its power and intelligence while correcting with positive reinforcement. Several groups exist today to better the education of this outstanding, intelligent, and exceptionally loyal breed of dog.

A nickname for pope Benedict XVI. Along with other terms such as papa ratzi, B16, and papa ben, this phrase may be considered either endearing or offensive, depending upon whether the speaker is a practicing Catholic or not. (similar to the N word among Blacks). German shepherd is a pun on the pope's German background and his role as shepherd of the Christian church, and it plays on the practice of some members of the media calling him a rottweiler during his days as head of the CDF.