Peter,
They were known as Alsatians because of the association with Hitler, who loved the breed and kept a few. (A latter day form of PC?)
Now they are again officially recognised as what they are, German Shepherd Dogs.
The breed is fantastic, and I trained 'Tosca' to traverse a 9" wide plank between two sets of steps, climbing the steps at one end and descending at the other of course. He could also scale a 10' fence. He wouldn't have qualified if he couldn't have done those things! That is true.
And in Germany, for years they used them for ground searching after lowering them in a 'breeches-buoy' from helicopters. So even though they might be scared of heights, with trust, they can overcome it.
But as I said, as to Tosca licking the ceiling then:
IFBTYBA!
John
:lol: