Setting the Record Straight

When Gary first took me to our local off-leash park, I noticed straightaway that other dog owners would view us with great suspicion. I thought 'mmm...must be the weird clobber Gary is wearing...'  but quickly realised that it was me they were concerned about. 'How could this be', I wondered.

The owners would instinctively form a protective circle around their dogs, like pioneers forming a wagon circle to defend against marauding Indians in the Wild West! Precious poodle owners were the most anxious. Typical!

Some owners would even approach and, with furrowed brows, inquire 'Is she ok?'

Then the penny dropped. 'Ah the reputation of my breed has preceded me.'

Well folks, I'm here to set the record straight. First off, shepherds are one of the most noble of breeds. We were bred to work alongside man, herding and protecting sheep. Since then we have served mankind admirably. As well as herding, we have worked as guards, in search and rescues, as guides for the blind, and as police dogs (keeping you mob under control). In war zones, we have served gallantly alongside soldiers, detecting bombs, providing security, and tracking bodies. Check out the vid.



We excel in all these jobs because we are super intelligent, easily trained, reliable, and have a great temperament – which is more than you can say about most humans.

As a pet we make a loving, protective and loyal companion – just ask Gary.

And no we aren't aggressive by nature. Few if any dogs are. Aggressive dogs are usually that way because they are trained to be so or if they are mistreated.

Oh, by the way, our proper name is German Shepherd Dog (‘GSD’). Some folks still use the term ‘Alsatian’ but this is not strictly correct.