Sign-In
Cart
The Complete Shepherd: 10 Essential Facts About the German Shepherd Dog
Paperback
Series: Mans Best Friend
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Sep 6 2025
Pages: 120
Weight: 0.65
Height: 0.25 Width: 8.50 Depth: 11.00
Language: English
Few dogs embody nobility, intelligence, and loyalty as completely as the German Shepherd Dog. With its sharp gaze, confident stance, and unwavering devotion, the GSD has become one of the most iconic and respected breeds in the world. But behind the familiar silhouette lies a story of deliberate creation, extraordinary versatility, and complex challenges that every admirer and prospective owner should understand.
In The Complete Shepherd: 10 Essential Facts About the German Shepherd Dog, Elira Wren explores the remarkable journey of a breed that was never left to chance. From its origins in the vision of Captain Max von Stephanitz to its modern role as both family pet and working hero, this book offers a comprehensive look at the German Shepherd's strengths, needs, and unique character.
Inside, you will discover:
A Breed Forged with Purpose - Learn how von Stephanitz crafted the GSD in the late 19th century, guided by the principle that utility and intelligence are the true criteria of beauty.
The Unmatched Versatility - From herding sheep to serving in police, military, and rescue work, the German Shepherd has proven itself the Swiss Army knife of the dog world.
Brains and a Desire to Work - Understand the razor-sharp intelligence and innate drive that make the GSD so trainable, but also so demanding of mental stimulation.
Two Worlds of a Shepherd - Explore the divide between show-line Shepherds, bred for appearance, and working-line Shepherds, bred for stamina, utility, and focus.
The German Shorthair Coat - Behind their wolfish good looks lies a practical double coat that sheds heavily but protects them from harsh weather.
A Question of Health - Uncover the challenges of hip and elbow dysplasia, genetic conditions, and the risks of poor breeding practices that threaten the breed's well-being.
The Guardian's Instinct - Learn how protective instincts can be both an asset and a liability, and why early training and careful socialisation are essential.
The Power of Training and Socialisation - See why a German Shepherd is not a set and forget dog but thrives under structure, purpose, and partnership.
An Athlete in a Fur Coat - Explore their impressive need for exercise, agility, and purposeful activity that keeps both body and mind healthy.
The Shadow Dog - Discover the loyalty of a breed that forms profound, life-changing bonds with its people, following them from room to room and standing as both companion and protector.
Wren doesn't simply celebrate the breed's achievements-she also offers an honest look at its challenges. The German Shepherd is not a dog for everyone. Its intelligence can turn destructive if neglected, its loyalty can become over-protectiveness without guidance, and its health requires careful attention. Yet for those willing to commit to the breed's needs, the rewards are unmatched: a partner who works, plays, and lives alongside you with unshakeable devotion.
This is not just a dog-it is a phenomenon of partnership. A German Shepherd will learn your routines, anticipate your actions, and often seem to read your very emotions. It will stand between you and danger, run tirelessly at your side, and lie patiently at your feet when the day is done. The bond forged with a Shepherd is deep, often lifelong, and for many, addictive. Few who have lived with one stop at just one.
Also from
Wren, Elira
Don't Poison Your Dog: Top 10 Human Foods That Are Surprisingly Dangerous for Dogs
Wren, Elira
Paperback
Also in
Pets: Dogs
Every Dog Deserves an Adventure: Amazing Stories of Camping with Dogs
Tracosas, L. J.
Camping with Dogs
Hardcover
The Puppy Whisperer: A Compassionate, Non Violent Guide to Early Training and Care
Owens, Paul
Cranendonk, Terry
Eckroate, Norma
Paperback
Paint by Sticker (Official): Dogs: Create 12 Stunning Images One Sticker at a Time!
Workman Publishing
Paperback
The Dog's Table: 120+ Easy Real-Food Recipes for Happier, Healthier Pups--From Eggs Benedog to Seafood Pawella
Jay, Joelle
Young, R. a.
Hardcover
Repostería Canina Saludable: Pasteles de Cumpleaños, Galletas y Premios sin Gluten para Consentir a tu Perro
Mendoza, Valeria
Paperback
Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research
Kaplan, Melanie D. G.
Hardcover
No Ordinary Dog: My Partner from the Seal Teams to the Bin Laden Raid
Chesney, Will
Layden, Joe
Paperback
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Dogs (Stress Free Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Dog Hiking New England: 45 Dog-Friendly Trails in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island
Valenti, Kristen
McMahon, Jill
Paperback
The Forever Dog Life: 120+ Recipes, Longevity Tips, and New Science for Better Bowls and Healthier Homes
Becker, Karen Shaw
Habib, Rodney
Hardcover
Excel-Erated Learning: Explaining in Plain English How Dogs Learn and How Best to Teach Them
Reid, Pamela J.
Paperback
Woofdle: 75 Canine Crime Puzzles to Solve Using Logic, Skill & the Power of Walkies
Ayres, Laura Jayne
Moore, Gareth
Paperback
Following Atticus: Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship
Ryan, Tom
Paperback
James Herriot's Dog Stories: Warm and Wonderful Stories about the Animals Herriot Loves Best
Herriot, James
Paperback
Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems
Millan, Cesar
Peltier, Melissa Jo
Paperback
Don't Eat That: Force-Free Food Avoidance Training for Dogs who Love to Scavenge
Mueller, Simone
Kokko, Päivi
Paperback
Hunting Together: Harnessing Predatory Chasing in Family Dogs through Motivation-Based Training
Mueller, Simone
Paperback
Sookie and Ivy Crochet Cute Dog Hats: Funny Snoods and Toppers to Stitch for Your Best Friend
Oja, Jani
Paperback
Akc Official Guide to Toy Dogs: Featuring Lovable Breeds Including Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Papillon, and Pomeranian
American Kennel Club
Hardcover
Doodling for Dog People: 50 Inspiring Doodle Prompts and Creative Exercises for Dog Lovers
Correll, Gemma
Paperback
Goodbye to a Good Dog: Healing, Comfort, and the Hope of Heaven After the Loss of Your Pet
Frezon, Peggy
Paperback
This Book Is Literally Just Pictures of Cute Dogs That Will Bring You Joy
Smith Street Books
Hardcover
The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer
Becker, Karen Shaw
Habib, Rodney
Paperback
How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science: A Dog Lover's Guide to Animal Behavior and Positive Reinforcement Training
Grossman, Annie
Paperback
Service Dog Training Guide: A Step-By-Step Training Program for You and Your Dog
Hack, Jennifer
Paperback
The American Dog Epidemic: Why Dog Behavior Goes Wrong and a Path to Rescue Us All
Eckert, Jackie
Paperback
Barkitecture: Explore the World of Innovative and Sustainable Pet Architecture
Thomasson, Joshua
Hardcover
Dog Grooming for Beginners: Simple Techniques for Washing, Trimming, Cleaning & Clipping All Breeds of Dogs
Bendersky, Jorge
Paperback
The New Complete Dog Book, 23rd Edition: Official Breed Standards and Profiles for Over 200 Breeds
American Kennel Club
Hardcover
Brain Games - Sticker by Number: Dog-Gone It (28 Images to Sticker)
Brain Games
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend
Marin, Vanessa Estrada
Paperback
Training Your Own Psychiatric Service Dog 2021: Step-By-Step Guide to an Obedient Psychiatric Service Dog
Matthews, Max
Paperback
I Will See You in Heaven (Dog Lover's Edition): -- A Book of Comfort and Reassurance for Pet Loss
Wintz, Friar Jack
Hardcover
Inside of a Dog -- Young Readers Edition: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know
Horowitz, Alexandra
Paperback
A Literary Dog for Every Day of the Year: Mischievous Mutts and Faithful Friends - Literature's Waggiest Tales
Richardson, Tara
Hardcover
Zak George's Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love
Port, Dina Roth
George, Zak
Paperback
The Little Book of Big Corgi Butts: Outrageously Cute Activities to Celebrate the Greatest Booty on Earth
Acoff, Zoey
Paperback
Separation Anxiety in Dogs - Next Generation Treatment Protocols and Practices
Demartini-Price, Malena
Paperback
Think Like a Sheepdog Trainer - A Guide to Raising and Training a Herding Dog
Stephens, Kay
Kerber, Beth
Paperback
Training the Best Dog Ever: A 5-Week Program Using the Power of Positive Reinforcement
Sylvia-Stasiewicz, Dawn
Kay, Larry
Paperback
Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior and Evolution
Coppinger, Lorna
Coppinger, Raymond
Paperback
Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals
Johnson, Catherine
Grandin, Temple
Paperback
Het Complete Labradoodles Handboek: Het selecteren, trainen, voeden, opvoeden en liefhebben van je nieuwe Labradoodle pup
de Klerk, Joanna
Paperback
The Complete Guide to Bernedoodles: Everything you need to know to successfully raise your Bernedoodle puppy!
Anderson, David
Hardcover
Entrenamiento para el Ajuste del Comportamiento BAT 2.0: Nuevas Técnicas para tratar el Miedo, la Frustración y la Agresividad en Perros
Stewart Ma, Grisha
Paperback
Training Your Psychiatric Service Dog: Step-By-Step Guide To An Obedient Psychiatric Service Dog
Matthews, Max
Hardcover
Good Old Dog: Expert Advice for Keeping Your Aging Dog Happy, Healthy, and Comfortable
Dodman, Nicholas H.
Paperback
Rocket Recall: Unleash Your Dog's Desire to Return to you through Motivation-Based Training
Mueller, Simone
Paperback
Tu Perro Habla. Aprende a Entenderlo / Your Dog Speaks: Learn to Understand It
Olfateando El Mundo
Fernández, Alba
Padilla, Víctor
Paperback
Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats (4th Edition)
Pitcairn, Richard H.
Pitcairn, Susan Hubble
Paperback
Healthy Homemade Dog Treats: More Than 70 Simple & Delicious Treats for Your Furry Best Friend
Faber-Nelson, Serena
Hardcover
The Word of Dog: What Our Canine Companions Can Teach Us about Living a Good Life
Rowlands, Mark
Hardcover
How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond
Millan, Cesar
Peltier, Melissa Jo
Paperback
The Complete Guide to Goldendoodles: How to Find, Train, Feed, Groom, and Love Your New Goldendoodle Puppy
Hotovy, Erin
Hardcover
Guía Completa del Border Collie: Cómo adiestrar, enseñar, alimentar, criar y amar a su nuevo cachorro de Border Collie
Anderson, David
Paperback
Be Right Back!: How To Overcome Your Dog's Separation Anxiety And Regain Your Freedom
Naismith, Julie
Paperback
I Bark, Therefore I Am: Funny Dog Thoughts, Humor, and Photography for Dog Lovers
Jean, Charlotte
Hardcover
The Complete Guide to Miniature Dachshunds: A step-by-step guide to successfully raising your new Miniature Dachshund
Anderson, David
Hardcover
Amazing Dogs - Large Print Dot-to-Dot Book for Adults: Puzzles From 150 to 760 Dots (Large Print Edition)
Laura's Dot to Dot Therapy
Paperback
The Stress Factor in Dogs: Unlocking Resiliency and Enhancing Well-Being
Spaulding, Kristina
Paperback
Akc Official Guide to Sporting Dogs: Featuring Lovable Breeds Including the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Pointer, and English Setter
American Kennel Club
Hardcover
How Dogs Love Us: A Neuroscientist and His Adopted Dog Decode the Canine Brain
Berns, Gregory
Paperback