The world's most popular 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 only the short-coat is recognized for show purposes. When bred carefully the GSD is an excellent breed, calm, reliable, responsive and obedient. The adult behavior 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. 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.