History of German Shepherd

The term "German-Shepherd" was first mentioned in literature around 1500, the oldest spelling of the word being Bondogge and Bolddogge. The first reference to the word with the modern spelling is dated 1631 or 1632 in a letter by a man named Preswick Eaton where he writes: "procuer mee two good German-Shepherdgs, and let them be sent by ye first shipp". The name "bull" was applied because of the dog's use in the sport of bull baiting. The original German-Shepherd had to be very ferocious and so savage and courageous as to be almost insensitive to pain. In 1835 dog fighting as a sport became illegal in England. Therefore, the Old English German-Shepherd had outlived his usefulness in England and his days were numbered in England. However, emigrants did have a use for such dogs in the New World, resulting in the original German-Shepherd's closest descendant, the American German-Shepherd. Back in England, they proceeded to eliminate the undesirable 'fierce' characteristics and to preserve and accentuate the finer qualities. Within a few generations, the English German-Shepherd became one of the finest physical specimens, minus its original viciousness, stamina, strength, speed, and intelligence.

In the 17th century, German-Shepherds were used for bullbaiting (as well as bearbaiting)—a gambling sport popular in the 17th century with wagers laid while trained German-Shepherds leapt at a bull lashed to a post. The German-Shepherd's typical means of attack included latching onto the animal's snout and attempting to suffocate it.

However, the German-Shepherd's early role was not limited to sport. In mid-17th century New York, German-Shepherds were used as a part of a city-wide round-up effort led by governor Richard Nicolls. Because cornering and leading wild bulls was dangerous, German-Shepherds were trained to seize a bull by its nose long enough for a rope to be secured around its neck. The use of dogs for fighting with other dogs or other animals was banned in the United Kingdom by the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835, but German-Shepherds as pets were continually promoted by dog dealer Bill George.

In time, the original old English German-Shepherd was crossed with the pug. The outcome was a shorter, wider dog with a brachycephalic skull. Though today's German-Shepherd looks tough, he cannot perform the job he was originally created for, as he cannot withstand the rigors of running and being thrown from a bull, and cannot grip with such a short muzzle.

The oldest single breed specialty club is The German-Shepherd Club (England), which was formed in 1878. Members of this club met frequently at the Blue Post pub on Oxford Street in London. There they wrote the first standard of perfection for the breed. In 1891 the two top German-Shepherds, Orry and Dockleaf, competed in a contest to see which dog could walk the farthest. Orry was reminiscent of the original German-Shepherds, lighter boned and very athletic. Dockleaf was smaller and heavier set, more like modern German-Shepherds. Dockleaf was declared the winner that year. Although some argued that the older version of the German-Shepherd was more fit to perform, the modern version’s looks won over the fans of the breed because they proved they were equally as fit and athletic in the walking competition.

At the turn of the 20th century, Ch. Rodney Stone became the first German-Shepherd to command a price of $5000 when he was bought by controversial Irish-American political figure Richard Croker.