German Shepherd Dogs are known as intelligent, loyal and brave canines. These dogs have been bred specifically for their working abilities like search and rescue, military and police work and as service dogs. There are several synonyms for the German Shepherd Dog including Alsatian, Deutscher Schäferhund, GSD, and Shepherd. The name Alsatian originated during World War I when anti-German sentiment was high and the name German Shepherd dog was considered unpatriotic in several countries. The Deutscher Schäferhund is the German term for the breed, while GSD is an acronym used by breeders and enthusiasts. Finally, Shepherd is another common term used to describe these dogs, most commonly in the United States.