10 famous German shepherd whose legacies still live on
Since first being bred in 1895, German shepherds have grown to become one of the most beloved and prized breeds around. Known for their loyalty and abilities as a guard dog, German shepherds have made a name for themselves in both the military and private sectors.
From famed Hollywood actors to distinguished military veterans, here are some of the most famous German shepherds.
1. Rin-Tin-Tin
One of the most famous German shepherds is Rin-Tin-Yin. Saved by an American soldier serving in Germany during World War I, he was trained to act in film. Soon, he had made a name for himself, appearing in 27 Hollywood films. He was considered one of the elite stars in Hollywood during his day.
2. Strongheart
Another lovable film dog was Strongheart. Receiving training as a police dog in Germany, he was brought to the U.S. at the age of three. Once in the states, he became one of the first doggie film stars.
3. Bullet the Wonder Dog
Bullet the Wonder Dog appeared alongside Roy Rogers on the “Roy Rogers Show,” where he alerted Rogers when the bad guys were around. In real life, he was the pet of Rogers and his wife/co-star Dale Evans.
4. MWD Chips
Hailing from New York, the Military Working Dog Chips was a mix between a German shepherd, collie, and Siberian husky. He was the most decorated dog of World War II, helping to capture Italian soldiers on the beaches of Sicily in Italy.
5. Max the Bionic Dog
Max the Bionic Dog appeared on the third and final season of the “Bionic Woman.” His character was, as his name implies, a bionic dog who had four bionic legs and a bionic jaw. He was always there to help the bionic woman rescue those in need with his ability to run 90 miles per hour and bite through solid steel.
6. Buddy, the first seeing eye dog
Buddy was the seeing-eye dog for American citizen Morris Frank and was the first-ever seeing-eye dog. Since then, seeing-eye dogs of all breeds have gone on to help millions of blind and hard-of-seeing people worldwide.
7. Rumor, Best in Show
While not the first German shepherd to ever win best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Rumor was the first female German shepherd to do so in 2017.
8. K9 Apollo, search and rescue dog
K9 Apollo was a part of the first search-and-rescue team to arrive at the World Trade Center after the south tower collapsed on September 11, 2001. Searching for 18 hours on that fateful day, Apollo braved falling debris and fire to search the rubble for any survivors. He received the elite Dickin Medal for his service.
9. Sentry dog ‘Nemo’
Serving in Vietnam, K9 Nemo helped save his fellow soldiers, as well as the life of his handler, who he shielded with his severely injured body after a firefight. His injuries left him blind in one eye, and he was the first MWD officially retired from active military service.
10. Horand von Grafrath
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Of course, who can forget the dog who started it all, Horand von Grafrath? Horand served as the genetic basis for future German shepherds and served, along with his brothers, as a great example of what all working dogs should be.