German shepherd
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Definition
Noun: 1. A breed of large working dog: A German Shepherd is a specific breed of dog originally developed in Germany for herding sheep. It is characterized by its intelligence, strength, loyalty, and distinctive appearance, often with a tan and black or red and black coat. 2. A dog used in specialized work: Due to its traits, the breed is commonly employed in police and military work, as a service dog for people with disabilities, and in search-and-rescue operations.
Usage Examples
- As a breed name:
- The family decided to adopt a German Shepherd from the local shelter.
- German Shepherds are known for their courage and trainability.
- Referring to a specific dog's role:
- The police German Shepherd successfully tracked the suspect.
- Her German Shepherd is a certified guide dog.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used generically to refer to dogs of this breed performing specific duties, emphasizing function over just breed identity.
- The unit deployed with several German Shepherds for patrol and detection.
Variants and Related Words
- Alsatian (noun): A chiefly British term for the same breed. This name was adopted in the UK and some other countries after World War I.
- In the UK, you are more likely to hear the term Alsatian.
- Shepherd dog (noun): A general term for breeds originally used to herd livestock. The German Shepherd is one type of shepherd dog.
- Other popular shepherd dogs include the Australian Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois.
Synonyms
- Working dog (noun): A dog bred or trained to perform practical tasks, such as herding, guarding, or assisting humans. (This is a broader category that includes the German Shepherd.)
- Police dog (noun): A dog trained to assist police. (This describes a role; many police dogs are German Shepherds.)
Related Phrases
- German Shepherd Dog (GSD): The full, formal name of the breed, often used in kennel club and official contexts.
- The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most popular breeds in the United States.
Noun
- breed of large shepherd dogs used in police work and as a guide for the blind