German Shepherd Video From 1925

German Shepherds are described as "Alsatian police dogs," in this British Pathé clip from 1925. 

Ascribing the origin of these dogs to Alsace was common after World War I and prior to the late 1950s due to prejudice against Germany brought by two World Wars.

In fact, the dog was actually created (or should I say bought for cash?) near Grafrath, Bavaria by Max von Stephanitz.

In the clip these dogs are said to "exhibit almost uncanny skill in 'speaking, tracking and holding' their quarry in 2nd Annual Trials, Crystal Palace, London." 

Notice how these top German Shepherds are lighter than most modern versions, and that they also have spines that are parallel with the ground.   This is the dog envisioned by Max von Stephanitz; not the half-frog mutants we see in the show ring today.

For other videos of working German Shepherds of the period, see this 1925 clip describing the dog as "the Acme of Canine Intelligence". 

The absolute best video, however, is of the Wonder Dog 'Wolf" who dives through some amazingly small hoops and leaps over school children as well. 

Finally, we get to see a picture of a 1925 Alsatian being sent to the North Pole for some sort of expedition. 

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