The German Shepherd is a dog breed dating back to 1899. They owe their existence to one man: Captain Max von Stephanitz, a career Captain in the German Cavalry who had a goal of creating a German breed that would be unmatched as herding dogs. As Germany became more and more industrialised, von Stephanitz saw the need for such dogs fading. Determined that this breed would continue as a working dog, he decided that the dog’s future was in police work and military service. Having military connections, von Stephanitz convinced the German government to use the breed.
During World War I the German Shepherd served as a Red Cross dog, messenger, rescuer, guard, supply carrier, and sentry. It wasn’t until the war that the breed became popular in the US. Allied servicemen noted the dogs’ bravery and intelligence and a number of dogs went home with these soldiers. One such dog was a five-day-old puppy plucked from a bomb-riddled kennel in France by an American corporal from Los Angeles. The corporal took the puppy home, trained him and turned him into one of Hollywood’s most recognizable four-legged stars: Rin Tin Tin, who appeared in 26 movies and helped popularise the breed in America.
This highly intelligent and trainable breed thrives on having a job to do. The German Shepherd can be trained to do almost anything, from alerting a deaf person to a doorbell ring to sniffing out an avalanche victim.
Leika – German Shepherd X
DOB – 07/10/16
Leika arrived in July 2018 with her 9 siblings and her father and mother from a farmer who had not socialised them. They are all good, but they were afraid. They never went for a walk or saw anything other than walls of a backyard of the house. Leika has improved a lot and now goes for a walk, but still needs to gain confidence. Look at those ears!
Nicoletta – German Shepherd X
DOB – 14/02/13
Poor Nicoletta was in such a petrified state when she arrived that she jumped a very high fence and broke her leg. She was put in an isolated safe area, but then picked up a middle ear infection which had complications and resulted in her losing a lot of fur. This very brave girl has now fully recovered and is starting to go out on walks. Nicoletta is always so happy to see the volunteers. She needs introducing to other dogs slowly.
Pucho – German Shepherd
DOB – July 2015
Pucho arrived at the shelter with his best friend Pinpon. Found on the street, local people fed them and advertised them for four days thinking someone would come forward for such beautiful dogs, but they never did. Pucho looks well cared for, is a spectacular German Shepherd and is tremendously affectionate. How could anyone abandon such a polite and good dog? He is big and has a very affable character. Pinpon has since been adopted and we don’t want Pucho to wait too long.
For further details, please contact the Perrera via the Facebook page Los Infiernos Perrera Supporters, or email losinfiernosdogs@hotmail.com
Paypal donations can also be made to the email address.
Dog walkers are always needed – Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings 9am-1pm.
Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.