GSD dogs were used as military dogs for both of the world wars and when the soilders returned home after the wars they took their dogs home with them, after the wars people became interested in them. Did you know that the famous Rin Tin Tin was a war dog that came to the USA after the war had ended and then later became a doggie film star. He was not the only famous doggie star to hit the sinema there was Bullet Roy Rogers comapnion as well.
When the wars ended and everybody was going anti German the GSD name was changed to Alsation Wolf Dogs, very quickly the wolf dog was dropped and it was called Alsation. There seems to be some confusion with the GSD and Alsation name and people thinking that they are 2 different breeds when in fact its the same breed just having 2 names! Here in Turkey the GSD is called ALMAN KURDU meaning German wolf or just being called plain KURDU meaning wolf. For some reason they are not recognised as Shepherds. There was a phase where GSD was losing popularity here in Turkey when people turned to choose dobes, rotts and pits but now GSD are becoming quite popular again!
GSD started off as herding farm dogs but nowadays they are seen in the show rings, used as tracker dogs, police dogs and even working as guide dogs for the blind