German Shepherd Dog History
In Germany a very active market developed for German
Shepherd Dogs sought in countries such as Japan, Italy,
Scandinavian countries, South America, France, and others.
The SV matured with innovation such as the "a" stamp, a
tattoo identification system, emphasis on producing
bloodlines, and stricter regulations for top ratings given
to dogs. In America the reverse happened as show status was
emphasized, professional handlers began to control the sport
and systems such as the Futurity/Maturity system emphasized
early breeding of dogs before their true genetic worth
became clear. The emerging
sires of Germany were Quanto Wienerau, Canto Wienerau, Mutz
vd Pelztierfarm, and Marko v CellerLand. Quanto was a
dominant producer giving low-stationed, medium sized progeny
with good forequarter, strong bone and heads, and good type
but also some fading pigment, east/west pastern
conformation, cowhocks, and short, flat croup. He produced
many famous sons such as Dick Adeloga and Lasso di val Sole.
Quanto line breeding has continued in importance through
dogs such as Uran v Wildsteiger Land.Canto only lived about four years yet had an important impact on the breed in Germany. Canto passed on style, energy, and desire to show and move which was sought after by international buyers. Canto produced well when crossed with Quanto lines as well as traditional working lines. His famous son Canto Arminius was also a dominant force in the breed. The SV began to place more and more importance on training degrees. The mid-sixties saw a minimum Schutzhund 1 degree, and the AD, an endurance test. Temperament and courage tests became more demanding, and the SV forced breeders to concentrate on problem areas such as missing teeth, poor croups, etc. Since SV officials were also the judges at the Sieger show it was only the animals meeting their dictated requirements that received the top honors. Schutzhund 3 become mandatory for the top VA awards. To this point, the mid-eighties, we end this brief history. Although starting with a common base, the breed in Germany and America has taken a separate but parallel course. The Americans, largely through Lance, and the Germans, largely through Canto and Quanto, have evolved closely-bred, although differing breeds in looks, movement, style, and structure. Both systems have cemented both desirable and undesirable characteristics into the breed. The Americans have the option to pursue their own views and choose their own bloodline courses whether from within or outside their country. The Germans, controlled by the SV, will likely continue to look within to develop the breed.
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