West German Show Line German Shepherds
The most handsome GSDs are produced by the West German Show Line. These dogs do have a pronounced angulation of the back, along with larger heads that show judges often deem attractive.;
Their luxurious Black and Red coats are usually denser than their working cousins. They can also be found with long hair and excessive feathering.
Long haired GSDs are not accepted by the AKC, but are entirely appropriate for the UK and German dog shows.
Breeding these dogs is a very strict affair. Dogs in this breeding program must be champions, as well as pass all health checks.
But its all worth it, because they make great family pets, especially since they have the loyal and protective mentality which other show dogs lack, but also do not have the high prey drive of working lines.
These dogs are an attempt to create a fully functioning German Shepherd that conforms to the breed standard. They should do well as search and rescue dogs or conformation dogs.
How These Five Types Came To Be
In Germany in 1961, they split the country into East and West by building the Berlin Wall. This is what initially led to the German Shepherd taking on different breeding structures between the two sides. The separation lasted until 1989.
The introduction of the German Shepherd to the United States dates back to 1906. Because of unregulated breeding, the U.S. has a problem with authenticity. Many original bloodlines are now broken, causing undesirable traits in the breed.
Czechoslovakia had their hand in things as well, developing their unique spin on the breed. Throughout 1955, the dogs were workers but didnt thrive as a breed until Germanys official reuniting.
Europe and American lines have differences relating to breed standards. While Europe has a focal point of the breeds temperament and ability, America is more focused on physical traits.
East German Work Lines
Bred after World War 2 from the remnants of war dogs and controlled by the East German government, these lines tend to have a very uniform and standardized look. With large heads, a heavy bone structure and dark coloration, East German lines are favored because of solid genetic stock, exceptional temperament, and sound personality. Strong, aloof and heavily built, East German breeds make for exceptional guard and work dogs, but can still be good for families if you stay active.
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What Is The Largest Breed Of German Shepherd
The King Shepherd is the largest variety of German Shepherd breed. A full-grown King Shepherd is between 25 and 31 inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh between 75 and 150 pounds.
The King Shepherd is a relatively new breed, and as such still not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they have a breed standard. ;
Working And Show Lines Of German Shepherds
In addition to the length of their coat and its coloring, the German Shepherd is also sometimes categorized by its body type. This body can be more or less stylized, tending to be more or less muscular. The more muscular the dogs are considered to be working lines and the less muscular are show lines. They are not officially different types of German Shepherd dogs, but they do exhibit small differences.
Focusing on working dog lines, they tend to have larger muscle mass and a more structured body. This means they are more commonly used by police or security forces. There are differing opinions on whether temperament differs between working and show breeds. While both types will require training and education, some believe working dog lines can tend to be more aggressive and better suited for security. Conversely, show dogs are thought to have a more docile temperament.
Whether a working or show dog, German Shepherds are not ideal dogs for first-time owners. These dogs need a lot of attention, proper socialization and careful training. Without it, they are prone to behavioral disorders. They can be wonderful and loving companion animals, but their need for attention and structure does not suit every temperament.
Not all types of German Shepherd are show dogs, but even within this category there are variations. Show dogs can be either:
- West German working lines
- East German working lines
- Czech working lines
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Czech Working Lines German Shepherds
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Owners wanted Czech German Shepherds to be just as labor intensive as other working lines. When Germany split between the East and West, Czech Shepherds became more commonplace but didnt flourish until Germany reunited in 1989.
Czechs are a bit leaner than other working lines and are nimble because of that. They tend to mature the slowest growth-wise of the working lines. They were once the most prey driven, which led to high stamina and agility. As far as looks are concerned, they generally have a sable or agouti coat, which is a mixture of black and tan shades.
While this line has calmed over the years, they are still hard-wired for work. So, if you opt for a Czech puppy, reputable breeding to ensure a proper temperament for your family situation is imperative. Having appropriate outlets is vital. If you want the best out of your dog, providing them with appropriate behavioral training is key to an irreplaceable relationship.
However, many of these dogs have a relaxed temperament in todays world, making them fun-loving companions for multi-pet and multi-people households. Because of muddied breeding, many Czech puppies have bloodlines that veered off, mixed with another German Shepherd line along the way.
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European Show Line German Shepherds
The European working line German Shepherds are ideal specimens in terms of breed looks. They are typically a rich rust color and black. Their backs are straighter, preventing any excessive sloping to reduce commonly seen issues. They must pass tests to ensure that their joints and hips are in tip-top order, to avoid problems like hip and elbow dysplasia.
The Show lines came about once the working lines were solid, and each dog used for breeding must also double as working dog material. However, rather than being such prey-driven workaholics, these tend to be slow-paced dogs who do better within family structures.
Because of selective breeding, European, and mostly German show line German Shepherds, have a less chance of developing issues relating to ill temperaments. Tests will reveal any traits considered unwanted to prevent further breeding from the specimen.
Therefore, the most significant difference between show lines of America and Europe is a focus on the overall greatness of the breed. European lines uphold the authenticity of the original breed standards. These strict regulations help produce reliable, well-rounded dogs.
- Make sure you have the gear specific to your dog: Harnesses for German Shepherds
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Panda German Shepherd Dog
Another of our types of German Shepherd which is not very common is the Panda German Shepherd. They have a curious and striking appearance which is often confused with other dog breeds. Due to a genetic mutation, but they are a full German Shepherd and are not a mixed breed. The mutation occurred in a litter from the USA. This type of German Shepherd exhibits a white coat on the abdomen and legs, but has black or tan on other parts, giving them a sort of panda like appearance.
Like other German Shepherd Dogs, they are agile, strong and ideal family pets. However, they arouse controversy over some breeders as white markings are considered a fault. The main controversy appears to be the belief that the dog is from inferior stock, but so far their health seems to be average when compared to other types of GSD.
German Shepherd Dog Coat Types
Different types of German Shepherds are also categorized according to their coat types. These coat types are a result of inbreeding and outbreeding. Although American Kennel Club accepts any coat type except white, it is important to know if coat types affect the GSDs behavior and health.
- Sable German Shepherd
Did you know that the first registered GSD is a sable? A sable dog has two or three different colored hair strands and also a coat color pattern that resembles a gray wolf. Sable GSDs are normally seen in the working lines. For a GSD to be sable, at least one parent should be a sable. A dominant sable or a homogeneous sable dog has received one sable gene from its parents and will definitely reproduce only sables regardless of its partners coat. Having sable parents is not a guarantee to have sable puppies because they might inherit the recessive gene instead of the sable gene.
- Panda German Shepherd Dog
The rarest GSD coat type is Panda. Franka, the first Panda GSD, came from pure bred GSD parents. After testing its DNA, it was discovered that Frankas Panda coat was caused by the mutation of the KIT gene. There are no known causes for the mutation as it can also happen to other species. To reproduce such rare coat, one parent should have a clear mutated KIT gene. Since there are no known health issues about Panda coat, there a number of breeders who are keen on reproducing them. But a responsible breeder will always prioritize their pets health over its colors.
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West German Show Lines
These dogs are stockier than the American lines although they also have bodies which slant downwards from the head to the rump.
Their heads are larger than the American lines and their coats are more luxurious. They can come in a variety of colors.
The two most common are black and light tan and black and red. The coloration pattern is the same as American lines.
The rules for breeding West German Show Lines are very strict. It is governed by The Club for German Shepherds which has a breed registry.
Every dog on this list has to have won herding or schutzhund competitions as well as the typical dog shows. They also have to go through health checks.
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia and if they have this they are not allowed to breed.
Like the American lines they also do well as family pets. They are easily trainable, perhaps even more so than the American lines.
If they are trained well, they will become more active and intelligent than American German Shepherds.
East German Working Lines
This line has its origin in the 1940s and 1950s, when East Germany was separated from West Germany. These dogs were bred not for their appearance, but rather for their workability. In East Germany, breeding of these dogs was heavily regulated, to ensure that large, strong dogs were the result. The focus on ensuring clean genetics and an obedient, loyal temperament created a very pure lines of dogs.
The East German working lines are usually darkly coloredblack or sable mottled with brownand have more wolfish features that dogs bred for show. They also have longer back legs and a more stereotypical dog gait, instead of the flying trot so typical of show dogs. This is one of the German Shepherd breed types that individuals looking for a sturdy working dog will usually turn t, though they can also make great family pets with the right training. Because they are bred for their working drive, however, it is usually best to make sure they have plenty of activities or they will become bored and potentially destructive.
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Difference Between Working Line And Show Line German Shepherds
Working Line German Shepherds Generally
The working line German Shepherd is the original breed standard. The Working Line German Shepherd was developed and bred for their capacity to work and not specifically for their physical appearance.
They are highly driven, incredibly energetic, and exceptionally confident dogs that have a high tolerance for pain. All of these traits allow them to perform remarkably not just for herding but also in the police, military, and personal protection work.
To be certified working line German Shepherd dogs, the dogshave to meet very specific physical and mental characteristicsset by TheGerman Shepherd Club of German , along with a few morespecifications. The dogs cannot carry the gene for hip dysplasia and have tohave earned the working title in Schutzhund, Herding or Police Serviceactivities.
Working line German Shepherd dogs have exceptional standards that they must meet:
- The dog has to be eager to repeatedly perform tasks with confidence and energy.
- Are required to be loyal and show poise around strangers and children.
- They are required to have nerves of steel; they should not falter from tasks around loud noises like traffic and gunshots.
Unlike their show line counterparts, the working line is smaller and more agile, with a shorter coat so it can perform duties with more ease.
Show Lines Generally
Characteristics Of The German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a breed of German Shepherd or Shepherd dog, as the name suggests. Its origin dates back to 1899, when the breed was developed by Maximilian von Stephanitz to serve as a companion in field work, especially in the task of protecting and guiding flocks of sheep.
It is a breed characterized by its flexible, muscular and strong body, so the German Shepherd is considered an excellent guard dog, which is why he is also currently trained as a police dog.
The German Shepherd has a life expectancy of 15 years and is generally identified by its black fur with brown areas. However, did you know that there are several types of German Shepherd? The breed has been developed in different parts of the world over the years, which has resulted in the appearance of varieties that are now recognized as types of German Shepherd. Find out what they are next!
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Solid Color German Shepherd Dog
The solid color German Shepherd dog is less common than the Saddle Back, but they shouldn’t have any other differentiating characteristics. Their health status and temperament should not be informed by color. It is possible to have powder blue colors in the dog’s coat, but it is unlikely this will be solid. While a GSD may be accepted in competition, they will likely be marked down for both this color and liver. However, for solid colors, you tend to only get solid black or solid white German Shepherds.
Solid black German Shepherds are accepted in competition. However, solid white German Shepherds are one of the few color variations which tend to be immediately disqualified. While black GSDs are due to a recessive gene, white GSDs are thanks to a dominant gene which exists in some litters. It should not be confused with albinism. Neither should it be confused with the Berger Blanc Suisse, also known as a White Swiss Shepherd. Perhaps partly due to their disqualification from competition, solid white Germans Shepherds are not very common.
How Many Types Of Shepherd Dogs Are There
These cute yet ferocious little bodyguards are categorized into two breeding types, the working line and Show Line. You would be surprised to know that there are 5 different types of show line;German Shepherd Dogs that you can find. The most popular distinction that separates them among their different types is the colour of their coats.
German Shepherd is also sometimes differentiated by the length of their hair and coat, but that is generally done only for purebred German Shepherds. Apart from being characterized based on their looks, they are also differentiated based on their personality and health, which is known as working lines.
Notewe wont talk about the mixed breed of a german shepherd like wolfdog or any other type of mixed German Shepherd with other dogs. because it not considered as an original type of german shepherd dogs.
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Czech Working Line German Shepherds
- Czech Working Line GSDs originated from communist Czechoslovakia thats why they are called Czech Working Line German Shepherds.
- The Czech Working Line German Shepherds are very loyal, graceful, agile and got most powerful desire among all other German Shepherd breeds. These GSDs have extremely powerful jaws and broad shoulders.
- Their coats have dark coloring, can often be found by their darker coats and less sloping backs.
- These GSDs have more uniform coloring like wolfish gray, dark brown to black. Their ears are slightly smaller than the other 4 GSD breeds.
- These dogs also have very strict standards for breeding and thats why they are very healthy like East Working Line DDR GSDs.
- These dogs have the least behavioral problems as compared to other four types of GSDs.
- These dogs are best for chasing down criminals, patrolling border territories, protection jobs and search & rescue operations.
Top 5 Types Of German Shepherd Dogs
German Shepherd Show and Working Lines
The following breeds are all considered German shepherds, Each in his own way is his own line.
These lines usually indicate the Heritage of The Dog, How these dogs Were Bred and for what Purpose these dogs were bred.
While there are technically seven different lines, there are only two general lines: show lines and working lines.
Show lines, from America, Canada, and West Germany , were mainly bred for their glorious body type, color, and coloration pattern over health and personality.
While working lines as the name indicates were bred to be workaholics focusing on personality, health, and stamina instead of to achieve a specific look.
Here are the most recognizable types of German shepherd dogs, their defining features, traits, and characteristics:
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