"Horand embodied for the enthusiasts of that time the fulfillment of their fondest dreams.  He was big for that period, between 24" and 24 1/2", even for the present day a good medium size, with powerful frame, beautiful lines, and a nobly formed head.  Clean and sinewy in build, the entire dog was one live wire.  His character was on a par with his exterior qualities; marvelous in his obedient fidelity to his master, and above all else, the straightforward nature of a gentleman with a boundless zest for living.  Although untrained in puppy hood, nevertheless obedient to the slightest nod when at this master's side; but when left to himself, the maddest rascal, the wildest ruffian and incorrigible provoker of strife.  Never idle, always on the go; well disposed to harmless people, but no cringer, mad about children and always in love.  What could not have been the accomplishments of such a dog if we, at that time, had only had military or police service training?  His faults were the failings of his upbringing, never of his stock.  He suffered from a superfluity of unemployed energy, for he was in Heaven when someone was occupied with him and was then the most tractable of dog."

~Captain von Stephanitz
Originator of the breed

"Horand was of Thuringian stock and had passed through the hands of various breeders, including Eiselen, all of whom had greater success with him than did Von Stephanitz who finally renamed and registered him.  As a  specimen Horand was of medium size with good bone, a satisfactory head and excellent temperament.  He was widely used and it is not surprising that,  being owned by the SV President,  he  was used to some extent as a model for the breed in it's early days.  Later he was

Horand v Grafrath S.Z.1 (lying down) and Mari v Grafrath S.Z.2 the first two German Shepherd Dogs registered in Germany

inbred to and this inbreeding, coupled with rigid selection under the watchful eye of the increasingly all-powerful SV, helped to stabilize type fairly rapidly while soon after the turn of the century the registration of dogs of unknown pedigree was forbidden."

Unknown Author

Horand v Grafrath S.Z.1 (lying down) and Mari v Grafrath S.Z.2 the first two German Shepherd Dogs registered in Germany