any of a breed of large dog somewhat resembling a wolf, with a bushy tail and erect ears, developed in Germany to herd sheep, now often used as a guard dog, a police dog, and a guide for the blind
See German shepherd in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
Any of a breed of large dog developed in Germany, having a dense grayish to brownish or black coat and often trained to assist the police and guide the blind. Also called police dog.