The GSDC of Mpls./St. Paul was founded in 1950 to promote the responsible breeding of the German Shepherd Dog; to procure the adoption of the "Standard of The German Shepherd Dog" as approved by the American Kennel Club by breeders, judges, dog show committees and others as the recognized standard by which this breed shall be judged; to protect, advance and improve the interests of the breed by offering prizes, giving and supporting breed and obedience shows and in general to aid in every possible means in demonstrating its conspicuous abilities as a companion, war, Red Cross, police, herding and lead dog for the blind; and finally to bring together, help and encourage all GSD owners in every way without discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color or religion.