Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz (30 December 1864 – 22 April 1936) was a German cavalry officer and dog breeder.

Stephanitz was a career cavalry officer and spent some time serving at the Veterinary College in Berlin.

Here he gained valuable knowledge about biology, anatomy, and the science of movement all of which he later applied to the breeding of dogs.

[2] Stephanitz used the knowledge he had acquired during his years at the Veterinary College and "...established a ‘grand design’ he wanted breeders to aim for with judging based on angle of bones, proportions and overall measurements.

"[3] Horand's son Hektor v. Schwaben and his grandsons Heinz v. Starkenburg, Beowolf and Pilot were also instrumental in standardizing the breed.

Three sheep masters, two factory owners, one architect, one mayor, one innkeeper, and one magistrate joined them as co-founders.

The first Schutzhund trial was held in Germany in 1901[5] and tested the dogs' abilities in tracking, obedience, and protection.