The world's most numerous breed has its recent origins in a superb breeding program introduced by Max Von Stephenitz. Until 1915, the long-haired and the wire-haired were exhibited but today on ly the short-coat is recognised for show purposes. When bred carefully the GSD is an excellent breed, calm, reliable, responsive and obedient. The adult behaviour of the dog depends not only the genes that they have inherited but also in the way they have been treated by their mother and humans and by experiences they acquire. The name 'Alsatian' is often mispelt as 'Alsation' and is actually derived from the name of the place where it originated - "Alsace". It is originally bred to be a sheep dog, it has been used the world over for security, obedience, guarding and companionship. It has even become a symbol of loyalty and faithfulness to its master. It is about 65 cms in height.