Here at the GSRA we do not use the word "purebred" or the acronym (AKC) American Kennel Club. None of our dogs have "papers", in fact the only paper involved in our organization is your kind donations and the required registration forms. We don't believe in assessing a dogs "quality" by their gait or measured height, length, and position. Our view is a little different, we believe it is not the dogs that posess faults but the irresponsable owners and breeders do.

Please refer to the below diagram for common traits in our 'GSRA Standard', but keep in mind everyone of our dogs are unique in a very special way, fortunately through the hard work and dedication of our volunteers they share one thing in common — a second chance!
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1. Coat–  Outer coat consisting of straight, hard, close-lying dense hair; Our GSDs have a reputation as great snugglers. Note the musculature of the loin as it follows the arch of the spinal column, this is very condusive for consistent petting. Warning: their hair gets prickly and sticks up at the sight of cats and rabbits. We recommend a monthly FrontLine application and at least a weekly brushing.
2. Ears– Medium-sized, firm in texture, broad at base, set high, carried erect. Their ears play an important role when learning tricks and playing games. Please clean weekly for best results
3. Nose– Skull from ears to bridge of nose tapering gradually and evenly. Our GSD's smell is the most developed of all its senses and uses it most frequently to identify what pantry contains the treats.
4. Mouth/Tongue– Jaws strongly developed with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, teeth healthy and strong. Perfect for munching on Greenies but be warned! our GSDs have been known to lick your face enthusiastically.
5. Paws– Rounded toes well closed and arched. Pads well cushioned and durable. Our GSDs excel at chasing toys, sticks and the occasional rabbit.
6. Belly– Belly firm, only slightly drawn up. This particular region is considered a flaw in our GSDs. At any given moment, they will roll-over and beg for a belly rub
7. Tail– Bushy-haired and ideal length reaching to middle of metatarsus. At rest, the tail hangs in slight sabre-like curve, however please be warned when happy and excited the tail will wag erratically.
8. Neck– Carried at 45 degrees angle to horizontal, raised when excited, lowered at fast trot. This region is perfect for a collar with proper identification and don't forget to attach the rabies vaccination tag. Children tend to focus their hugs at this region.
9. Heart– As a rule our GSDs have "big" hearts, and as an owner you will be completely overwhelmed with love and admiration. However, our GSD's are succeptible to Heartworms which are invasive parasites that spread from dog to dog by mosquitoes. Once heartworms infest a dog they migrate to the heart, where they may grow to fourteen inches. Please have your GSD on Heartworm prevention.
10. Reproductive Organs– The Rescue believes there are enough unloved and unwanted puppies in society today thus all GSR dogs are spayed or neutered.