| There's a lot of different breeds of dogs, | | | | keen sense of smell and dedication to |
| but among the world's most popular dog breeds | | | | pleasing their masters make them diligent |
| there are a few that have been singled out as | | | | workers. |
| the most loyal, hard-working and intelligent. | | | | |
| German Shepherds have long been valued for | | | | In a more urban environment, German Shepherd |
| these qualities and more. | | | | Dogs are extremely useful for locating drugs, |
| | | | explosives and fleeing suspects. The strength |
| The German Shepherd is a newer breed. It | | | | of the dogs makes them ideal for taking down |
| originated in 1899 in Germany and was used | | | | dangerous or running suspects. They are often |
| for herding sheep. The breed was created when | | | | used in airports and mail processing |
| German ex-military member and veterinary | | | | facilities to sniff out contraband in luggage |
| student Max von Stephanitz saw a dog with | | | | and packages. |
| admirable working qualities. The dog was | | | | |
| strong and intelligent, with a superior sense | | | | In recent years, some concerns have been |
| of smell and fierce loyalty. | | | | raised about the safety of German Shepherd |
| | | | Dogs. There have been some reported cases of |
| Von Stephanitz purchased the dog and bred it | | | | the dogs turning violent or attacking people. |
| with his own working dogs. Eventually, he | | | | However, most of these cases are based on |
| created the breed we now know as German | | | | anecdotal evidence. Dogs tend to react |
| Shepherds. Every German Shepherd today can be | | | | aggressively when mistreated or threatened, |
| traced back to von Stephanitz and his | | | | or when protecting their masters. This has |
| breeding efforts. | | | | been the cause for many of the so-called |
| | | | German Shepherd 'attacks'. |
| The name of the breed has been a source of | | | | |
| several controversies since its inception in | | | | Overall, German Shepherd Dogs are very safe |
| 1899. The original name given to the breed by | | | | to have around. In fact, they make |
| Max von Stephanitz translated literally to | | | | outstanding guard dogs. They are protective |
| "German Shepherd Dog." In the 1940's, the | | | | of their owners and will often put themselves |
| Kennel Club officially changed the breed's | | | | in danger to save their masters. They are |
| name to Alsation Wolf Dog. The change was due | | | | currently the third most popular dog breed in |
| to the fear that the breed would become | | | | the United States and enjoy popularity all |
| unpopular because of widespread anti-German | | | | over the world. |
| sentiments during WW2. | | | | |
| | | | In Spain and the Balearic Islands especially, |
| Not long after this name change, the general | | | | dog lovers appreciate the loyalty and beauty |
| public began to fear that Alsation Wolf Dogs | | | | of this regal breed. According to licensing |
| were actually wild and aggressive half | | | | records, in fact, the German Shepherd Dog is |
| wolves. While this was not true, the public's | | | | the most popular dog breed in Menorca - the |
| fear was enough to prompt the Kennel Club to | | | | popular holiday island has a reputation of |
| change the name again, this time to simply | | | | being extremely safe. That reputation is |
| Alsation. | | | | thanks, in part, to these gentle working |
| | | | dogs. They are always on the job, protecting |
| Dog lovers in various countries pressured | | | | their adoptive families and keeping watch for |
| kennel clubs for another name change in 1977. | | | | any signs of trouble such as housebreakers. |
| This time, they asked that the breed revert | | | | |
| to its original name. Since then, the | | | | Photographs and information about the Spanish |
| official name of the breed has been German | | | | holiday island of Menorca can be found at |
| Shepherd Dog. | | | | travel guide yourmenorca.net |
| | | | |
| The original German Shepherd Dogs were used | | | | Traditional Menorca vacations are popular |
| to herd and protect sheep on working farms in | | | | with families and the holiday guide has Mahon |
| Germany. Since then, German Shepherds have | | | | airport photos and cheap flight Menorca |
| been used in a variety of working capacities. | | | | deals. |
| Perhaps most well-known is their use as | | | | |
| police and military working dogs. In rural | | | | For new visitors a map of Menorca is |
| settings, German Shepherds are extremely | | | | included. |
| useful for search and rescue missions. Their | | | | |