What are purebred German Shepherd dogs called? - briefly
Purebred German Shepherd dogs are officially known as "Deutscher Schäferhund" in their native Germany. In English-speaking countries, they are commonly referred to as German Shepherds.
What are purebred German Shepherd dogs called? - in detail
Purebred German Shepherd dogs are known by several official and colloquial names, each reflecting different aspects of their breed history, recognition by various kennel clubs, and regional preferences. The most widely recognized name is "German Shepherd Dog," which is the official designation used by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the world's largest canine organization. This name is also used by many national kennel clubs, including the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC).
In the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) registers these dogs as "German Shepherds." However, during World War I and World War II, anti-German sentiment led to a temporary name change. During these periods, the breed was often referred to as "Alsatian Wolf Dog" or simply "Alsatian" in English-speaking countries outside of the United States. The name "Alsatian" was derived from the Alsace region in France, where the breed was popular. This name is still used in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, where the Kennel Club registers them as "German Shepherd (Alsatian)."
Additionally, the breed is known by other names in different languages and regions. For instance, in German, they are called "Deutscher Schäferhund," which translates to "German Shepherd Dog." In Dutch, they are known as "Duitsche Herder," and in Spanish, they are called "Pastor Alemán," both of which also translate to "German Shepherd."
The breed's name can also vary based on the specific lineage or bloodline. For example, some lines are known for their working abilities and are often referred to by specific names, such as "West German Working Lines" or "East German DDR Lines." These names indicate the breed's origin and the specific traits that have been selectively bred for in those lines.
In summary, purebred German Shepherd dogs are officially known as "German Shepherd Dog" by the FCI and many national kennel clubs. In the United States, they are registered as "German Shepherds" by the AKC. In the United Kingdom and some other countries, they may be known as "Alsatians." The breed's name can also vary based on language and specific bloodlines, reflecting the rich history and diverse recognition of this popular and versatile breed.