Think you know everything about German Shepherds? Think again! These incredible dogs have a history and a set of skills that will truly amaze you. Whether it’s their role in famous historical events or their superhuman-like abilities, there’s always something new to learn about this iconic breed.
In this post, we’ll share 10 fascinating and little-known facts about German Shepherds that will blow your mind. You might be surprised by what makes these dogs so extraordinary—and fall even more in love with your four-legged companion.
1. German Shepherds Were Originally Bred for Herding Sheep
Contrary to popular belief, German Shepherds weren’t initially bred as police or military dogs. Their original purpose was far more pastoral.
In the late 19th century, German cavalry officer Max von Stephanitz set out to create the perfect herding dog. He wanted a breed that combined intelligence, strength, and obedience.
Von Stephanitz’s efforts resulted in the German Shepherd we know today. These dogs were designed to have the stamina and intelligence needed to herd and protect sheep all day long.
It wasn’t until later that their versatility and trainability led to their use in military and police work. This transition showcases the breed’s remarkable adaptability.
2. They Have an Incredible Sense of Smell
German Shepherds possess an extraordinary olfactory ability that far surpasses that of humans. Their noses contain up to 225 million scent receptors, compared to a human’s mere 5 million.
This exceptional sense of smell makes them invaluable in search and rescue operations. They can detect scents buried under rubble or track missing persons over long distances.
German Shepherds are also employed in detecting various substances, from drugs and explosives to specific diseases. Some can even smell changes in human blood sugar levels, making them excellent companions for diabetics.
Their keen noses also allow them to recognize individual humans by scent alone. This ability contributes to their strong bonds with their families and their effectiveness as guard dogs.
3. They’re Hollywood Stars
German Shepherds have graced the silver screen for decades, often playing heroic roles that reflect their real-life capabilities. One of the most famous was Rin Tin Tin, a German Shepherd rescued from a World War I battlefield.
Rin Tin Tin went on to star in 27 Hollywood films and became one of the biggest box office draws of his time. His popularity helped establish German Shepherds as a beloved breed in America.
Other notable German Shepherd actors include Strongheart, who starred in silent films in the 1920s, and more recently, the dogs who played Bolt in the Disney animated film of the same name.
These canine celebrities have not only entertained millions but have also helped showcase the intelligence and versatility of the German Shepherd breed to audiences worldwide.
4. They Excel at “Schutzhund”
Schutzhund, which means “protection dog” in German, is a dog sport that was originally developed to test German Shepherds for their suitability for police and military work.
This challenging sport tests dogs in three areas: tracking, obedience, and protection. It requires a high level of intelligence, trainability, and physical prowess – all traits that German Shepherds possess in abundance.
In the tracking phase, dogs must follow a scent trail over various terrains and find specific objects. The obedience phase tests their ability to perform precise commands and movements.
The protection phase demonstrates the dog’s courage and control. They must apprehend a “criminal” on command but also release immediately when ordered. This showcases the German Shepherd’s ability to switch between high drive and calm obedience instantly.
5. They Have a Unique “Flying Trot”
One of the most distinctive features of German Shepherds is their unique gait, often referred to as the “flying trot”. This efficient movement allows them to cover great distances with minimal effort.
When in full trot, a German Shepherd’s feet barely touch the ground, giving the impression that they’re flying. This gait is a result of their specially designed body structure.
Their slightly longer body and well-angulated hindquarters allow for a long stride. Combined with their strong, muscular build, this enables them to move swiftly and gracefully.
This flying trot was intentionally bred into German Shepherds to allow them to cover large areas while herding sheep. It’s a testament to the thoughtful design that went into creating this versatile breed.
6. They Were the First Guide Dogs for the Blind
While Labrador Retrievers are now commonly associated with guide dog work, it was actually German Shepherds who pioneered this role.
The first formal guide dog training schools were established in Germany after World War I to assist soldiers who had been blinded in combat. German Shepherds were chosen for their intelligence, trainability, and size.
In 1929, Dorothy Harrison Eustis, an American dog trainer living in Switzerland, heard about these guide dog programs. She was so impressed that she helped establish the first guide dog school in the United States, using German Shepherds.
The success of these early guide dog programs not only changed the lives of many visually impaired individuals but also showcased the German Shepherd’s ability to form deep bonds with humans and perform complex tasks.
7. They Can Have a Wide Range of Coat Colors
When most people think of German Shepherds, they picture the classic black and tan coloration. However, these dogs actually come in a surprising variety of colors and patterns.
German Shepherds can be solid black, solid white, sable, blue, liver, and even panda-colored (mostly white with black patches). Some have a “brindle” pattern, with streaks of color on a darker background.
The American Kennel Club recognizes eleven different color varieties for German Shepherds. However, some colors, like blue and liver, are considered faults in the show ring.
Interestingly, white German Shepherds were once culled from litters due to the belief that they were weaker. We now know this isn’t true, and white German Shepherds are just as healthy and capable as their colored counterparts.
8. They’re Incredibly Smart
German Shepherds consistently rank among the top three most intelligent dog breeds, alongside Border Collies and Poodles. Their intelligence goes beyond mere trainability – they possess a remarkable capacity for problem-solving and decision-making.
On average, German Shepherds can learn a new command in less than five repetitions. They also have an excellent memory, often remembering commands years after they were first taught.
Their intelligence allows them to excel in complex roles such as police work, search and rescue, and assistance for people with disabilities. They can understand and respond to subtle cues from their handlers.
This high intelligence does come with a caveat – German Shepherds need mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. Without it, they may become bored and potentially destructive.
9. They Have a “Soft Mouth”
Despite their reputation as fierce guard dogs, German Shepherds actually have what’s known as a “soft mouth”. This means they can hold objects gently without damaging them.
This trait was originally bred into them for their sheep herding duties. They needed to be able to control sheep without injuring them, often by gently gripping the sheep’s legs or wool.
Today, this soft mouth ability makes German Shepherds excellent at retrieving game for hunters without puncturing the bird or animal. It also allows them to play gently with children and small pets.
This combination of strength and gentleness is a testament to the breed’s versatility and trainability. It’s one of the reasons they’re so well-suited to a wide range of roles, from family pet to working dog.
10. They Have Saved Countless Lives
Throughout history, German Shepherds have been responsible for saving numerous human lives in various capacities. Their bravery, intelligence, and loyalty make them exceptional heroes.
In search and rescue operations, German Shepherds have located survivors in disaster zones, often days after human rescuers had given up hope. Their ability to navigate difficult terrain and detect human scent under rubble is unparalleled.
As military and police dogs, they’ve protected their human partners from harm countless times. Many have received medals and commendations for their heroic actions in the line of duty.
Even as family pets, there are numerous stories of German Shepherds saving their owners from fires, intruders, or medical emergencies. Their protective instincts and deep bond with their families often lead to heroic acts.
Take Home Message
German Shepherds are truly remarkable dogs, with a rich history and an impressive array of talents. From their origins as humble sheep herders to their roles as Hollywood stars, guide dogs, and life-saving heroes, these canines have proven themselves to be versatile, intelligent, and deeply loyal.
Their unique characteristics – from their flying trot to their soft mouth, from their keen sense of smell to their problem-solving abilities – make them stand out in the canine world. Whether working as service dogs, competing in dog sports, or simply being loving family pets, German Shepherds continue to amaze and inspire.
As we’ve seen, there’s much more to these dogs than their striking appearance and reputation as guard dogs. Their intelligence, adaptability, and unwavering devotion to their human companions truly set them apart. It’s no wonder that German Shepherds remain one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds worldwide.
So the next time you see a German Shepherd, remember – you’re not just looking at a dog, you’re looking at a piece of living history, a marvel of canine evolution, and quite possibly, a hero in the making. These fascinating facts about German Shepherds indeed blow our minds and deepen our appreciation for this extraordinary breed.
