The first official publication endorsed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to celebrate this remarkably talented and multi-faceted breed, Meet the German Shepherd is the ideal introduction for new owners. German Shepherds have served humankind in various capacities over the years, including work as a police dog, military dog, search and rescue dog, herding dog, competition dog, guard dog and companion dog. Few breeds can boast as many devoted fans at the GSD. This colorful and useful owner's guide is divided into eleven chapters, which offer authoritative and accurate information on the breed's history as a working dog, characteristics, and special requirements for owning a dog as active and intelligent as the GSD. All titles in the American Kennel Club's Meet the Breed series are heavily illustrated with beautiful color images of well-bred puppies and handsome adults, a true feast for the eyes of any lover of this breed. A chapter devoted to the purchase and selection of the GSD puppy gives the reader specific guidance on how to locate a qualified breeder and to recognize a healthy, sound puppy. Individual chapters on house-training and basic obedience serve as a crash course in positive-training techniques, the AKC's only recommended way of training dogs. Chapters on exercise, grooming, feeding, and healthcare present indispensable information for new dog owners. As an official publication of the AKC produced in conjunction with the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, Meet the German Shepherd also explains the many vital programs offered by the country's leading canine organization to all pet dog owners, including the S. T. A. R. Puppy and the Canine Good Citizen programs, as well as descriptions of various dog sports such as conformation showing, agility, herding, obedience and more. A detailed resources section offers recommendations for websites, books, periodicals, and club affiliate programs, all of great interest to responsible new dog owners.