34 
77ze Shepherd or Police Dog 
(24 inches) and for bitches between 55 and 58 cen¬ 
timeters (22 to 23 inches). This height is estab¬ 
lished by taking a perpendicular line from the top 
of the shoulder blade to the ground, with the coat 
parted and so pushed down that the measurement 
will show only the actual height of the frame or 
structure of the dog. 
The most desirable height for the Shepherd dog 
as a working dog is between 55 to 64 or 65 centi¬ 
meters (22 to 26 inches). The working value of 
dogs above or below these heights is lessened. 
Note—Height above the average should not be 
considered a fault, however, provided the proportion 
of length to height is correct, and the weight of the 
bone is also in proportion and not so great as to make 
the dog clumsy or readily fatigued. In all cases the 
proportion of length to height should not be less 
than ten is to nine, preferably as ten is to eight. 
(b) Characteristics: 
The traits and special characteristics of the Shep¬ 
herd are watchfulness, loyalty, honesty and an aris¬ 
tocratic bearing, forming a combination that makes 
the Shepherd dog an ideal guard and companion. It 
is desirable to try and improve his appearance, but 
nothing must be done which in any way detracts 
from his usefulness. 
2. Head: 
The size of the head should be in proportion to 
the body, without being clumsy. It should be clean 
cut and of medium width between the ears. The 
forehead, seen from the front, only moderately 
arched, lacking or with very slight center furrow. 
