The German Shepherd (German: Deutscher Schäferhund, German pronunciation: ) is a breed of medium to large-sized working dog that originated in Germany. In the English language, the breed's officially recognized name is German Shepherd Dog (GSD). The breed was officially known as the. The breed was named Deutscher Schäferhund by von Stephanitz, literally translating to 'German Shepherd Dog'. The breed was so named due to its original purpose of assisting shepherds in herding and protecting sheep. At the time, all other herding dogs in Germany were referred to by this name; they thus became known as Altdeutsche Schäferhunde, or Old German herding dogs.
Deutscher Schäferhund, Deutscher Schäferhund,|Altdeutsche Schäferhunde,
Deutscher Schäferhund, Deutscher Schäferhund,|Altdeutsche Schäferhunde,