2007-05-19 04:53:53 · 3 answers · asked by Kevin R 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Mike is right. The Germans also used Dobermans during WWI, but the Alsatian (German Shepherd) was preferred because of their overall intelligence.
American forces were impressed enough by the dogs that American soldiers started bringing back Alsatian puppies after the war.
By the way, Rin Tin Tin and his litter mate were both rescued by an American reporter in Germany before WWI. They were puppies. His litter mate was lost to distemper, but Rinny was such an outstanding dog he was easy to train for the movies. HIS stardom also led to the acceptance of Alsatians in the US.
I can think of two books and one movie that will help you understand just why these dogs became the choice. One is the biography of Rin Tin Tin. Another is about the first seeing eye dogs (also German Shepherds) and the movie was Disney's movie about Buddy, the first American seeing eye dog. I don't have the titles, but you should be able to find them.
German Shepherds are just outstanding dogs. You do get some individuals who are too aggressive, but not many. The cross bred dogs are also good.
2007-05-19 05:46:05 · answer #1 · answered by loryntoo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The site below has the whole history of German Shephards.
2007-05-19 05:52:55 · answer #2 · answered by staisil 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first formal use of dogs in war units was in Germany during WWI and they naturally chose that dog.
2007-05-19 04:58:37 · answer #3 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋