Product Description

The German Shepherd Dog stands supreme as the most popular breed worldwide, valued for its intelligence, its distinguished good looks, and its loyal temperament. Originally bred as a versatile working dog, herding and guarding the flock, it is now the service dog par excellence, used by military and police forces all over the globe. The German Shepherd's tremendous versatility translates to other roles, and the breed is widely used as a guide dog for the blind and an assistance dog, as well as excelling in the world of Working Trials, Competitive Obedience and Agility. This noble-looking dog always makes it mark in the show ring, and, perhaps most importantly, the German Shepherd ranks as a most devoted family companion.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #542301 in Books
• Published on: 1998-08-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

Synopsis
Originally bred as a versatile working dog, herding and guarding the flock, the German shepherd is now u sed by military and police forces worldwide. This book offer s a comprehensive guide to the breed. '

From the Inside Flap
In The Ultimate German Shepherd Dog, Editor Sheila Rankin has recruited a star-studded cast of specialists to write the definitive book on the breed. Experts from all over the world have pooled resources to give the most comprehensive coverage of the German Shepherd Dog today. Starting with in-depth research into the origins and development of the breed, the experts go on to analyse the Breed Standard in detail, and there is a special feature - The Judge's View - in which three judges make a pictorial critique of six different German Shepherd Dogs. The importance of training and socialisation is emphasised throughout the book, with contributions from top trainers and handlers in all the German Shepherd's different spheres of activity. There is a section devoted to the German Shepherd at work, with contributions from a guide dog owner, a police dog handler, and an army office who specialises in training German Shepherds for the military. Leading experts give detailed information on feeding, grooming, exercise, health care and inherited conditions, and there is a special feature on breeding and rearing German Shepherds. The Ultimate German Shepherd Dog, a book for the true Shepherd enthusiast, is lavishly illustrated with more than 200 colour photographs.

Excerpted from The Ultimate German Shepherd Dog (Ultimates S.) by Sheila Rankin. Copyright © 1998. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Having thought long and hard, and having carefully considered the environment in which you live, you are now ninety per cent convinced that the German Shepherd Dog is for you. Before making the final decision, let me give you my impression of the GSD as a domestic pet, based on my forty years experience of the breed. The well-bred GSD is a noble, highly intelligent dog with loyalty second to none. As a puppy he is willing to learn and eager to please. As a companion dog he is a great mimic and will blend into the family unit without fuss or favour. Being of such high intelligence, there comes a point at which he must be given rules to live by, for example the seating and sleeping arrangements. Chairs and beds are for humans, and the floor is for Rover. Ground rules must be established early on in life, otherwise you will find, as I did with my first German Shepherd, that two humans and one Shepherd in the same bed does not equal a good night's sleep. If, by chance, you are a weak-minded wimp of a person, the roles will be reversed and the Shepherd will impose his ground rules on you. If, on the other hand, you are a highly dogmatic individual whose will is imposed on all and sundry, then you will find the dog unable to reason for himself and he will become withdrawn. As happens when bringing up a child, the centre road must be taken, allowing the dog to demonstrate his powers of learning. And learn he will! He has a built-in clock and calendar with the ability to anticipate your every move.

Customer Reviews

Brilliant - Stunning Photos
Whether you are a GSD owner or not you will love this book. Packed with stunning colour photos and Loads of relevant information on the breed.

A must have book for every GSD owner and everyone thinking of owning this magnificant breed.