My Introduction to the German Shepherd Dog

By Dr. Robin R. Lyle


     The ownership of my first German Shepherd Dog occurred out of necessity.  I had been
appointed by The Salvation Army as the Principal and Administrator of the School for the Blind
and Visually Handicapped Children in Kingston, Jamaica in August 1992.  The school occupies
approximately 12 acres in the Havendale section of the city.  The compound is comprised of an
administrative block, a classroom block, separate compounds for male and female students, a
deaf-blind unit, as well as, a kitchen/dining hall and numerous smaller buildings.  When I
arrived in my new appointment, the school was experiencing a rash of unauthorized
individuals who would enter the property and steal anything of value from fruit and vegetables
being grown for the school’s consumption to the students’ laundry as it was placed on clothes
lines to air and dry.
     I purchased my first GSD, a young dog puppy, locally-bred and registered through the
Jamaica Kennel Club.  “Brutus” would become the first of a number of GSDs purchased to
provide protection for our compound and discourage thieves from entering the property.  
Needless to say, the occurrences of thief diminished rapidly and become non-existent in a
matter of months once my GSDs were introduced onto the compound. Not long after the
purchase of Brutus, I was introduced to a breeder of GSDs whom I became a close friend.  I
purchased several puppies from Mr. Hughlet Charles and eventually used his dog, Ch. Kimbo
of Hychas, to breed to an adult bitch I had purchased.  
     Among this very first litter, born under the kennel name of “Gailin,” was a very promising
dog that I named Alex the Great of Gailin.  Alex won the Best Locally Bred Puppy Award and I
received the Breeder of the Best Locally Bred Puppy Award in one of Alex’s first shows in
November 1994.  Alex continued to be shown in the German Shepherd Club specialty shows
(two per year) and the Jamaica Kennel Club all-breed shows (two per year).  Alex was shown
under a number of judges including Percy Elliott of England, Freddie Christensen of Norway,
Fred Lanting and Ralph Ambrosio.
     These shows featured a rather large entry of dogs, normally about 50.  Another helpful
element was the judge’s critique for each dog which was published with the show results in
the club’s newsletter.
     During my four years (1992 – 1996) in Jamaica, I bred and showed both GSDs and Doberman
Pinchers.  I was a member of the Executive and Journal Committees of the Jamaica Kennel
Club in 1995 -1996.  As I prepared to return to the USA in June of 1996, I contemplated selling
Alex in Jamaica and purchasing a show quality puppy once I arrived home.  I spoke to Ralph
Ambrosio, as he judged Alex’s last show in Jamaica in April 1996, and inquired if he could help
find a suitable puppy for me once I returned home.  He encouraged me to return to the USA
with Alex and show him.  At that point in time, Alex had earned 13 points toward his Jamaican
Championship (15 points necessary).  This was the course of action which I took.  Alex was
shown in the USA and won Winners Dog in three different all-breed shows.  I lost Alex several
years ago; but without a doubt, one of the best decisions I ever made was to bring Alex back
to the USA.  A special thanks to Ralph Ambrosio.
     Five years ago, I purchased a bitch puppy locally for my son who at that time was a college
student at the University of Maine.  Last year, he bred that bitch to “Dallas” and now I am the
proud owner of a puppy from that litter; “Apache”.  During the past year, I have joined the
Northern New Jersey German Shepherd Dog Club and the German Shepherd Dog Club of
America.  I have shown Apache this past spring in a number of GSD shows and in the Mid
Atlantic Futurity.
     As I have reentered the German Shepherd show world, I have met a number of individuals
who have been supportive, instructive and a source of friendship.  A special thanks to Victor
Signorelli, Dennis Mulligan, Joe Bihari and George Berestler. I would like to encourage all who
read this article to become engaged in our club’s activities.  You will find club members who
are gracious and anxious to assist you in your life with German Shepherds.  The socialization
will prove to be greatly beneficial to both you and your GSD.