From a single dog at a show in 1899 to the most decorated working breed on Earth -- German Shepherds carry secrets that will completely change how you see them.
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German Shepherd Dogs: 11 Facts
11. They Can Run At 30 MphFaster than Usain Bolt's top speed of 27.8 mph.
10. Born With Floppy EarsGSD puppies start with droopy ears and blue eyes.
9. AKC Dropped German From NameAnti-war sentiment erased the word German until 1931.
8. Called Alsatian Until 1977Britain hid their German origin for 58 years.
7. They Were WWI Mercy DogsCarried medical kits to soldiers in no-man's land.
6. Rin Tin Tin Almost Won An Oscar10,000 fan letters a week. A rescued WWI battlefield puppy.
5. The First Guide Dog (1929)Buddy the GSD gave blind people their independence.
4. Schutzhund Was A Breed TestFail the trial and you lose your breeding rights.
3. World's 3rd Most IntelligentLearn any command in under 5 tries. 95% first-time obedience.
2. Every GSD Shares One AncestorOne dog. Horand von Grafrath. 1899.
1. Invented In 1899 By One ManFrom a single show dog to a global breed in one year.
