Anton von Stephanitz

Anton von Stephanitz was a German veterinarian and dog breeder best known for creating the modern German Shepherd dog in the early 20th century. He believed in developing a highly intelligent, versatile working dog, which he achieved by carefully selecting and breeding dogs with desired traits. His work emphasized obedience, strength, and agility, making the German Shepherd ideal for roles like police, military, and search-and-rescue work. Stephanitz's dedication transformed the German Shepherd from a local herding dog into one of the most recognized and widely used working dogs worldwide.