Interview with Ted Hoppe, Importer of German Shepherds
Interview with Ted Hoppe



Interview with Ted Hoppe
The German History of the German Shepherd
"The most striking features of the correctly bred German Shepherd are firmness of nerves, attentiveness, unshockability, tractability, watchfulness, reliability and incorruptibility together with courage, fighting tenacity and hardness."
- Max von Stephanitz, Father of the German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is a versatile working-dog, capable of being trained to perform a wide variety of tasks. German Shepherds are family pets, police dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, bomb and drug detection dogs, sheep and cattle herders, hunting companions, guard dogs, obedience champions, avalanche dogs, assistance dogs, show dogs, and more. Regardless of their particular role, German Shepherds are excellent companions provided they receive the attention, training, and exercise they need and feel useful.
This dog breed is only about 100 years old. The breed was originated by Captain Max von Stephanitz. Captain von Stephanitz, of the German infantry, bought sheep-herding dogs (many of them field trial winners) from all over Europe in the late 1800's and early 1900's and bred them together to create his 'ultimate service dog'. He started a registry and stud book. His favourite dog, Hektor, was 1/4th wolf. All the dogs originally imported to the UK & America were proudly traced back to him. After WWI, British and American soldiers, impressed by the abilities of the dog, brought home examples to breed. The breed instantly become popular, both as a family pet and as a working dog. Shortly thereafter, the German Shepherd Dog's (GSD) name was changed to Alsatian Wolf Dog. Their popularity soared for a while, then fell tremendously as the media sensationalised every remotely negative event that occurred associated with a canine with the word 'wolf' in it. There were arguments like this - was the Alsatian Wolfdog the best working / most capable / most intelligent dog that ever walked the face of the earth OR was Alsatian Wolfdog the unpredictable / livestock eating / human attacking beast from hell? The name was eventually changed back in 1977 to German Shepherd Dog, and the GSD soon reached its peak at the top of the most popular dog list.
Von Stephanitz created the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde, or SV, as the official governing body for the breed. The SV then created the Schutzhund trial as a breed test for the German Shepherd Dog, and prohibited the breeding of any dog which could not pass the trial. The purpose of Schutzhund training is to assess and mold the dog's natural abilities to track, protect, and teach the dog control through obedience. It has been considered by some to be a test for breeding in that during the training the degree to which the dog possesses these working abilities becomes apparent.
The German Shepherd Dog is a large, strong, substantial-looking dog. The fur is a double-coat and can be either short or long haired. It varies in color, coming in many different shades, mostly cream (tan) and brown, but also solid black or white. Dogs with coats that have tri-colored hair (ie. black, brown, red, or white) are called sable or agouti. Different kennel clubs have different standards for the breed according to size, weight, coat color and structure. The GSCs have an average life span of ten to twelve years.
The German Shepherd Dog is an intelligent breed of dog. Because they are eager to please, they are easily trained in obedience and protection. German Shepherd Dogs are often used as working dogs in many capacities, including search and rescue (SAR), military, police or guard dogs. They are also used as assistance dogs / service dogs (such as guide dogs). The original purpose for the German Shepherd, was (not surprisingly) to herd sheep, cattle or any other animal that may require the assistance of a shepherd. Even given the name "shepherd" some people are surprised to hear that these dogs were bred for herding, as the GSD is more often found working as a guard dog, police dog or companion pet than in the field working sheep.
The German Shepherd does not have the "eye" as border collies or other similar breeds. They are trained to follow their instinct, which for the GSD is to "work the furrow", meaning that they will patrol a boundary all day and restrict the animals being herded from entering or leaving the designated area. It is this instinct that has made the breed superb guarding dogs, protecting their flock (or family) from harm. Your German Shepherd will try to "herd" you and your family. Often they will "follow ahead", walking in front of you and looking back to make sure you are going where you should. Although the German Shepherd is not used as frequently for herding in present time, there are many breed lines still known for their herding. The breed is naturally loyal, intelligent and protective (which makes it good for police work). German Shepherd has an excellent nose, making it good for tracking and search and rescue work. German Shepherd Dogs are calm and have a steady temperament when well-bred which is why they have been used as "Seeing Eye" dogs. A German Shepherd thrives on regular exercise, mental stimulation and a well-balanced diet.
Author: Jill Pavel
Dear Friends,
We have a lot to be thankful for during the past year 2013.
We helped a few veterans acquire their service dogs.
Veteran Lou and Topeka
Ted Hoppe introducing Veteran James and Kira for the first time
Veteran Mark and Naya shopping
Veteran Josh Schutt will start his Service Dog Training 1.13.14
We made the front page this year! >> http://www.vnews.com/home/8864230-95/a-dog-in-service-of-one-who-served-white-river-junction-va-adapts-to
RJ Hoppe had an amazing trip to Europe, they were able to check in on the dogs and meet the new German Shepherd puppies that are in their new homes.
Our young client Josh is living happily with his Service Protection Dog Warrior. Josh was diagnosed with a brain tumor and has Warrior by his side to guide him through his daily life.
Josh with his scout troop leaders and Warrior
RJ Hoppe received his certification for training in American Street Ring
RJ & Ted Hoppe working with Tebow
Looking forward to making memories and changing lives in 2014. We wish you and your family a successful, healthy and happy New Year!
Author: Jill Pavel
The Adventures of Josh and Hero!
Another day, Another week at GatorlandK9.
After months of helping Veteran Josh Schutt raise funding to train and acquire his service do we are pleased to share that he has brought home "HERO" after being certified this past Friday January 17th.
Veterans who live with PTSD need our help to continue to raise awareness of how a Service Dog can change their life for the better. With Hero by his side we hope Josh Schutt's quality of life will improve each day as it has before for our other Veterans and their service dogs.
We are going to let these pictures tell the story of Josh and Hero's new life together.
Josh contacted GatorlandK9 and asked for their help. He and his wife Kirstie Jo were newly married and ready to start their new life together. Josh was having a difficult time with his PTSD and after researching Service Dogs he contacted our organization.
Josh is a US Army Veteran living with PTSD & he wanted to acquire one of our German Shepherd service dogs. Josh was connected with our Veteran Program Director Jill Pavel, who helped Josh raise funding through press, media, events and online fundraising platforms. Josh also hit the street running advocating for himself and asking his community and home town to help him raise funding.
In five months we had raised $ 20,000.00 for this mission to move into it's next phase which was to bring Josh down to GatorlandK9 in Florida, meet his new service dog HERO and complete handler training so he and Hero could become certified.
We had parades, bike runs, auctions and more!
Without the help of many this would not be possible. GatorlandK9 is working to put service dogs into the hands of as many Veterans as possible, we cannot do it alone! Thank you to everyone who has supported our efforts.
Meet Hero who was our October 2013 Dog of the Month.
Josh and Hero Bonding for the first time
Off to work we go!!
Author: Jill Pavel
Here are some GREAT reasons a Malsatian is a Good Choice of a puppy breed from GatorlandK9.
The Malsatian is a cross (malanois/german shepherd cross) done frequently by trainers & police agencies in Europe & produces a superior working dog that is easier to handle & trains very quickly.
Our Malsatians come from outstanding genetic backgrounds.
Ted Hoppe has bred & trained Malinois for over 20 years & traveled to Europe to Import his original breeding stock, creating the Gatorlandk9 bloodline, a working bred Malinois. These are crossed into the finest Imported German Shepherd bloodlines in the World.
Temperament tested, super socialized & evaluated so that they will go to suitable homes.
Author: Jill Pavel
When a Veteran or a close relative or spouse contacts our company, they are hoping to find the safety, service therapeutic companionship of having a PTSD Service Protection Dog.
At GatorlandK9 International we often hear from our clients who purchase our puppies/dogs for Service Protection Dogs and Family Companions.
Hey Ted,
I just wanted to give you an update on our wonderful Belgian. I attached a few photos we have taken recently. He is a very courageous, adventurous, ball of energy who loves his long relaxing naps in weird positions. We traveled home to Texas over the Fourth of July weekend. Let me tell you how wonderful he did. He flew in the cabin with us both ways and laid on the floor completely relaxed and was a perfect dog. I was also surprised that on the Fourth during fireworks he laid at Madison's feet the whole time and then decided he would sleep through almost all of it. He has never showed us an ounce of worry or act of being scared. We take him to an obstacle course multiple times throughout the week and he has mastered all of it. His love for water is growing everyday now to where he walks in just for fun. He has also successfully learned sit, lay down, shake, and is working on stay. We wanted to let you know we couldn't be happier with the wonderful animal you have provided us with. We get so many compliments on how beautiful and well behaved he is. Words can't express our gratefulness. Thanks again for everything!
Very Truly Yours,
Madison and Andrew
Author: Jill Pavel
It is wonderful to hear back from our clients how well their dogs are doing. Arkan was purchased in 2005 from gatorlandk9. He is currently living in Southern California.
Ted,
Just wanted to tell you how great Arkan Is doing, and how young he looks. He is so strong and powerfull. He gets raw meat ( turkey) with his Orijen dog food everyday.
A vitamin C and apples and carrots for a treat, and a moozle twice a week. We walk and run everyday. I love him so much. I.m his playmate and cuddler, while Ann is his person and makes sure the training is always there. I,m sorry Ted but how can you not spoil these dogs, thank god for Ann ( no nonsense from her). She is all business.
LOVE. MY BOY, Thanks Ted.
Paul
Visit our website: http://www.gatorlandk9international.com
Author: Jill Pavel
HERO is our October Dog of the Month!
HERO is a young 20 month old drop dead gorgeous, male German Shepherd import. He is a perfect choice for your family protection dog. He has advanced obedience training and protection training. He is wonderful with children! He is Mr. Personality and you will fall in love with him at first siight.
HERO has all the qualities you have come to expect from GatorlandK9 International Custom Selected German Shepherd Protection Dogs.
If you are interested in inquiring about HERO or any of our other Service/Family Protection Dogs please contact Ted Hoppe at (386) 337-0730
For more information on our German Shepherds (import) please visit our website at www.gatorlandk9international.com
Author: Jill Pavel