Capt. Max vom Stephanitz saw the breed as strong, athletic, confident, protective and versatile. Versatility was important to Stephanitz, he wanted the breed to be used for everything. Military, police, companions, assistance dogs, guard dogs, etc. He knew the breed could do anything its owner asked it to do. He once said, “Usefulness is the true criterion of beauty.” He said this because he predicted that race would be misinterpreted. He was paranoid about the inevitable. He knew that in time, humanity would unknowingly ruin his perfect race. If Stephanitz were alive today, he wouldn't be because he would probably kill himself after seeing what happened to the