When did the German shepherd become a domesticated animal?

The German Shepherd didn't become "domesticated" in a single point in time, as the term "domestication" implies a complete change from a wild animal to a domesticated one. Instead, the German Shepherd was developed as a breed through selective breeding over several decades.

Here's a timeline of key events:

* Late 1800s: In Germany, breeders began selectively breeding working dogs with desirable traits, such as intelligence, herding skills, and loyalty, to create a reliable and versatile working dog. These dogs were primarily used for herding sheep and guarding property.

* 1899: The "Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde" (German Shepherd Dog Club) was founded, officially establishing the breed standard and promoting responsible breeding practices.

* Early 1900s: The German Shepherd gained popularity worldwide as a working dog, serving in police forces, military units, and as guide dogs for the blind.

Therefore, while the German Shepherd had its roots in working sheepdogs, it's more accurate to say the breed was developed through selective breeding, rather than becoming domesticated. They are still considered a domesticated species, but the specific breed of the German Shepherd emerged through a process of careful breeding over time.