Meet the multi-faceted German Shepherd Dog.
The breed is known for beauty, intelligence, loyalty, strength, and gentleness;
a helper to the disabled, protector of home and livestock,
a partner in search and rescue, and crime prevention.

The German Shepherd is bred to be a companion dog in every sense of the word.
They are excellent travelers, even by airplane.
They may be taken boating, swimming, camping, fishing, hiking, bicycling, etc.
The dogs are most happy when included as a member of the family.

There is little the dog cannot do and they are willing to try almost anything.

GENERAL APPEARANCE
The first impression of a good German Shepherd Dog is that of a strong, agile,
well-muscled, alert and full of life. The dog is well balanced with smooth curves.
The ideal dog has a look of quality and nobility.
Secondary sex characteristics are strongly marked, with a
definite impression of masculinity, or femininity, according to its sex.

TEMPERAMENT
The breed must be fearless, self-confident, poised, eager and alert.
The dog has certain aloofness, but must be approachable, must not be timid,
shrinking behind its master. Willing to serve in its capacity.

SIZE, PROPORTION
The desired height for males (Highest point of the shoulder blade) is 24-26 inches,
bitches 22-24 inches.The German Shepherd is longer than tall,
most desirable proportion as 10 to 8 _.

HEAD
The head is noble, and in proportion to the body, with the male being
definitely masculine and the female definitely feminine.

EYES
Eyes are medium size, almond shaped, dark as possible
with an intelligent, keen, composed expression.

EARS
Medium size, firm texture, carried erect, in proportion to the skull.
Cropped or hanging ears are a serious fault.

MOUTH
Jaws are strong, lips firmly fitted, 42 teeth, 20 upper,
and 22 lower, meet in a scissors bite.

NOSE
Must be black.

NECK, TOPLINE, AND BODY
The neck is strong and muscular, without loose folds of skin.
The back is strong, straight, without sag, or roach.
The withers are higher than and sloping into the back.
The structure of the body gives an impression of depth and solidity.

CHEST
Deep, well fitted, with ample room for lungs and heart.
Ribs show a moderate curve, correct ribbing allows the elbows
to move back freely when the dog is at a trot

LOIN
Broad and strong, undue length between the last rib and the
thigh when viewed from the side is undesirable.
The croup is long and gradually sloping.

TAIL
Bushy, at rest hangs in a slight curve like a saber,
when moving raises slightly, but should never be curled
beyond a vertical line.

FOREQUARTERS
Shoulder blades are long and obliquely angled, laid on flat and not placed forward.
Both upper arm and the shoulder blade are well muscled. Forelegs, straight.
The feet are short, compact, pads thick and firm with
well-arched toes and dark short nails.

HINDQUARTERS
The whole assembly of the thigh, viewed from the side, is broad,
with the upper and lower thigh well muscled, forming as nearly as possible a right angle.

COAT
A double coat, medium length.

COLOR
The German Shepherd varies in color; strong rich colors are preferred.
Washed out colors are serious faults and white dogs must be disqualified.

GAIT
The gait is outreaching, smooth without effort covering the maximum
amount of ground with a minimum number of steps.
The gait is maintained with strength and firmness of back.

The German Shepherd Dog is a trotting dog, and its structure
must meet the requirements of its work.

DO YOU WANT TO OWN A GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG?
Rock Shadow Shepherds
541.476.0275

glenda@rockshadowshepherds.com

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