No, the breed standard was ****** in the early 19th century. Their asses dropping low to the ground as opposed to the rest of their torso is desired by breeders but is the result of inbreeding and makes it impossible for them to run without pain.
Except that's not entirely true. It's still perfectly possible to have a shep that can run its entire life without crippling pain. I know several breeders/shep owners that have no problems at all with their dogs, most of them being show medal winners. But as it is with a lot of dogs, excess strain on the joints, stairs etc, or improper exercise can lead to such pain.