German Shepherd Mississippi

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The German Shepherd Dog, also known as the Alsatian and by the acronym GSD or simply German Shepherd, is a breed of dog originally bred for herding sheep. They can also be found working as guide dogs for the blind, police work, guarding, search and rescue, therapy and in the military. Despite their suitability for such work, German Shepherds can also make loyal and loving pets inside the home. They enjoy being around people and other animals, although socialization is critical for young puppies in order to prevent aggressive and dangerous behavior as an adult. German Shepherds are well-suited to obedience, with advanced and prestigious titles available to test both the handler and dog in various schutzhund trials.

German Shepherds are highly intelligent and agile dogs, with a strong work drive. They are often deployed in various roles such as police, guarding, search and rescue, therapy, service-dog, and in the military applications. German Shepherds are often bred to conform to accepted breed appearance standards or for work function. Conformation line dogs ideally possess an excellent balance of proper physical appearance for the breed and minimal working instincts such as herding, or prey drive. They are specifically bred to conform to the published breed standards for appearance, temperament, and health. Conformation line dogs are often found as pets, in breeder environments, and in competition.

Working line German Shepherds are typically excluded from the show ring as most don’t conform to the breed standard for physical appearance. These dogs are bred to have an aggressive, enduring work drive, and unwavering obedience. Of critical importance is the dog’s ability to distinguish what constitutes a threat and what does not constitute a threat. Dogs that cannot make that distinction are eliminated from police and military programs. Extremely well-suited for police and military work, these dogs are also suitable as pets for home environments, though for owners should be familiar with their dog’s abilities and needs. Working line dogs are employed in many police departments and government organizations such as the ATF, the U.S. Marshals, and Customs.