The German Shepherd Dog

Max v. Stephanitz on Horand von Grafrath SZ1, the first registered German Shepherd Dog

"His character corresponded to his exterior qualities; marvellous in his insinuating fidelity to his master; towards all others the complete indifference of a master-mind, with a boundless and irrepressible zest for living. Although untrained in his puppyhood, nevertheless obedient to the slightest nod when at his master's side; but when left to himself, the maddest rascal, the wildest ruffian and an incorrigible provoker of strife. Never idle, always on the go; well-disposed to harmless people, but no cringer, mad on children and always ---in love. He suffered from a suppressed, or better, a superfluity of unemployed energy; for he was in heaven when someone was occupied with him, and he was then the most tractable of dogs. "

The photo is of my Mikey. He's changed a lot since that photo was taken shortly after we adopted him. The words that Max wrote about Horand could have been written about Mikey. Mikey is all GSD.... wants to work, has a passion for learning and trying to understand what I want. He's a trouble maker when left to his own devices... knocking over trash, barking at the turn of a blade of grass and antagonizing the horses. He also has a passion for women's panties. He has captured my heart as only a proper GSD can. I love all my dogs, don't get me wrong. It's just that I'm a GSD girl, have been since childhood. This breed can still captivate and astound me in ways no other breed can. Intuitive leaps in training, iron-clad loyalty, always up for whatever I want to do, and willing and able to provide serious protection should I need it.