The German Shepherd Dog and Temperament

By Dr. Robin R. Lyle


The (German Shepherd Dog) has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not
hostile, expression, self-confidence, and a certain aloofness that does not lead itself to
immediate and indiscriminate friendships.  The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its
ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them.
(The German Shepherd Dog Standard)

    Brian Wootton, in his book The German Shepherd Dog, defines temperament as “the sum total
of all those innate and acquired physical and mental qualities and capabilities that regulate
control and shape a dog’s response to its environment.”  Temperament is obtained through the
melding of hereditary and environmental factors.  Ideally, the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) will be
even-keeled, moderate and self-controlled; not too nervous, easily upset or quick to read it’s
surroundings and not too low key; being slow to react to its surroundings.  The GSD is to be
controlled while spirited and energetic.
    The GSD with good character will possess eagerness, alertness and never lack in confidence.  
Strickland and Moses, in their book The German Shepherd Today, vehemently affirm that “judging
the German Shepherd’s character and temperament should not be taken lightly because a
German Shepherd with a poor temperament and/or dubious character is a worthless creature and
should never become a Champion.”  The GSD which does not possess a good temperament is
not worthy of being called a German Shepherd.  
    It can be argued that temperament is the single most essential aspect of the GSD. The GSD by
necessity must meet the standard in regard to temperament.  Its functionality and worth will be
questioned and tested in every possible aspect of work:  police, herding, showing, pet and
companion, and protection.
     To assist GSD owners in evaluating temperament, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America
(GSDCA) offers a Temperament Test.  This test is administered by a Senior Evaluator provided by
the GSDCA.  The fee is $20.00 of which $17.00 is retained by the regional club that administers the
test and $3.00 is submitted to the parent club.  The test is administered in eleven (11) parts in
which the dog is evaluated in various situations.  These segments include neutral stranger;
friendly stranger; hidden clatter (approach); hidden clatter (inspection); gun test; umbrella; poly
footing; wire mesh; protective response (appearance); protective response (approach); and
protective response (threat).  The dog’s response in each of these diverse circumstances is
scored from a +3 (alert, confident) to 0 (no reaction) to -3 (panic, escape reaction, little or no
recovery when startled).  
    A minus score on any part of the test is a failing score.  The GSD that passes this test is
awarded the Temperament Certificate and is permitted to bear the initials TC after its name.  
    If breeders and regional clubs prioritize temperament in the German Shepherd, as they
should, it will be reflected in their activities.  It is rather alarming that so few breeders and
exhibitors temperament test their GSDs.  Breeders and exhibitors should be encouraged to
temperament certify all their GSDs to be breed or shown.   Regional clubs should step up and
hold temperament tests in conjunction with their conformation shows and obedience trials.