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| GERMAN SHEPHERD'S |
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 History |
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Captain Max von Stephanitz used various herding and farm dogs of old lines to build the foundation of this breed. In 1899, he established the "Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde" (SV). The SV put down strict guidelines for the development of the breed. |
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The German Shepherd's Dog was extensively used during WW I by the Germans as messengers, sentries, Red Cross dogs, guard dogs, SAR dogs for tracking wounded soldiers, and for carrying of ammunition. |
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Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart emerged in the 1920s in the movies and became household names worldwide. This extreme popularity enticed breeders to cash in on the popularity wave, leading to the introduction of poor or rather no breeding practices. Many problems emerged in the temperament, health, character and even the look of this breed. |
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They were used heavily during WW II as well but the end of the war saw them either being culled or killed. Post-war genetic disorders and erratic temperament crept into most of the bloodlines. |
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| Profile |
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The German Shepherd's Dog is also known as the "Alsatian." |
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The German Shepherd's Dog: |
 is well known for its intelligence, workability and devotion to its owners/handlers |
| is used for a variety of work both by law enforcement agencies and civilians |
| is extremely reliable and possesses a high degree of nobility |
| possesses an overall appearance of self-confidence and fearlessness |
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| DUTCH SHEPHERD'S (Hollandse Herders) |
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| History |
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Farmers in Netherlands reared and grazed sheep for a variety a reasons before the 20th century. The shepherd had to graze the sheep, take care of them during the day and return them to the respective owners in the evening. For this purpose they needed dogs that, |
| had a lot of versatility |
| could herd and yet not harm the sheep |
| could protect the flock from any predators |
| could easily adapt to climatic changes |
| were highly intelligent, obedient and had a mind of their own |
| had the stamina to work 24 hours a day if required |
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Over time, dogs suitable for the above work were bred and began to show significant similarity to shepherd's dogs that worked in other European countries in terms of looks, intelligence and endurance. |
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Netherlands almost lost all the good dogs when they were no longer required towards the end of the 19th century. On June 12th, 1898, the Nederlandse Herdershonden Club (NHC) was formed by a group of enthusiasts who came together to set up the first breed club for a Dutch breed. The breed is still alive today, thanks to the Standard of Points they laid down. |
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| Profile |
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Dutch Shepherd's dog is of three varieties, distinguished by their coat-type - short coat, rough coat and long coat. The colour of their coat varies from gold or silver brindle to blue-grey and pepper-and-salt. |
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This Dutch Shepherd's Dog breed: |
| still seems to carry the same gene that was available 100 years ago when they came into existence |
| is very social and gets along well with children |
| has an independent nature, can be slightly obstinate and has a mind of its own |
| are thinking dogs; the handler has to give stable and good guidance to the dog |
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| BELGIAN SHEPHERD'S (Mechelaar Herders or Malinois) |
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| History |
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In 1891, a Belgian veterinarian, Adolphe Reul initiated that Belgian Shepherd's owners bred their pets only to same coat type dogs that improved the standard of the breed. |
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WW I led to extermination of the breed. To encounter the crisis, breeding practices were done regardless of the coat type and colour, and diverse varieties of pups were born. They were registered by Societie Royal St. Hubert as their own type and not as their parents. |
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During WW II the Belgian Shepherd's were used as messengers, scouts, border patrol, and Red Cross dogs and encountered breeding stock loss once again.
Fortunately the breed survives till today. |
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| Profile |
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In early 1900, Societie Royal St. Hubert recognised that the breed, Belgian Shepherd's, were found in four types. The four varieties of Belgian Shepherd's were named from the areas they were developed. |
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Type |
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Characteristics |
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Area |
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| Laekenois |
Rough coated |
Chateau de Laeken |
| Groenendael |
Black coloured long hair |
Chateau de Groenendael |
| Tervuren |
Brown coloured long hair with black mask and points |
Belgian village of Tervuren |
| Malinois (pronounced mal-in-wah) |
Brown coloured short hair with black mask and points |
The city of Malines |
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Belgian Shepherd's are bred to be round-the-clock working dogs. |
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They are smart and thinking creatures who are protective in nature. |
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They need enough socialisation and workouts. |
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