German shepherd dog
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obedient and loyal breed of herding dog recognized all over the world for its courage, trainability, intelligence, and adaptability; coat is short, moderately bristly, and dense, and may be all black, black and tan, or solid sable; ears are large, erect, and slightly pointed at tip; tail is long, slightly bushy, carried low, and ends in a slight natural curve; eyes are dark, almond-shaped, deep-set, and piercing; adult stands 22-26 in. (56-66 cm) tall at shoulders and weighs 60-85 lbs (27-39 kg); also called Alsatian, especially in England; the father of the breed was German breeder Max von Stephanitz, who developed this breed as a shepherd in 1899 with his friend Artur Meyer in Germany; breed is also immensely capable as a police dog, search-and-rescue dog, army and sentry dog, watchdog, and companion to the blind and disabled; direct and fearless demeanor; can easily withstand extremes in temperature; a famous member of this breed was film star Rin Tin Tin
