technially german shepherds didn't exist until about 1890. (1899). the dog they were derived from of course existed before then. however they are new in the area of dog breeds.
www.americantundrashepherd.com has the gsd history on their page. i have found this elsewhere on the web. honestly i have yet to call the skc and talk to them. origanally german shephers dogs were called alsatians. the area they came from.