Today I learned.......

• Foundation:

  The foundation of the German Shepherd breed came from a variety of herding dogs found in different areas of Germany, particularly the herding dogs that were used for working and guarding livestock. 

• Breeding Program:

  In the late 19th century, Max von Stephanitz, an ex-cavalry officer, aimed to standardize and create a breed type with specific working traits, which he called the "German Shepherd Dog" (Deutscher Schäferhund). 

• Various Herding Dogs:

  He systematically bred dogs from different regions of Germany, including Thuringian and Württemberg Sheepdogs, to develop a breed with a uniform look and strong working abilities. 

• The First Dog:

  The first dog that Von Stephanitz considered the quintessential German Shepherd dog was named Horand von Grafrath, which he used as a foundation for the breed.