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What Are The Different Kinds Of German Shepherds

List Of Types Of Shepherd Dogs

The Different Types of German Shepherds Which One Should You Get

Types of shepherd dogs, which are variations of, similar to and/or often confused with the German Shepherd Dog.

Benny the tricolor Panda Shepherd with Mabry the black and tan German Shepherd.

“This is Shady and Nikki . They are both German Shepherds. Shady is 2 years old in this photo, has an aggression problem toward other dogs, but loves rubbing on me an slepping under the sheets with me. I rescued Nikki. She is 3 years old in this picture and is still skinny. She is very sweet and loves everyone and everything, she barks a lot. They are let out early in the morning and they run around my 4 acres. They are let in at dinner time. I love them and they mean everything to me!”

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:

Black And Red German Shepherd

Unlike most of the colors in the list, this color is most suited to show bloodlines, as opposed to working GSD bloodlines.

The black and red German Shepherd strongly resembles the black and tan variation.

One difference is that the tan-colored areas are replaced with reddish-brown areas. This red pigment is much stronger than the tan pigment.

These red areas sometimes appear to be lighter in color .

The black color on their fur is still the same as the other variations with a black saddle-like marking and a black mask marking.

Read Also: When To Start Training Your German Shepherd

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. ;

German Shepherd Dogs Story:

Types of German Shepherds: A Dog Varieties Guide

Hello, Mr. King Shepherd.

Hi, Mr. Human.

Long time no see. Where have you been?

Well, as you know its this time of the year again, my family is chilling with their friends at the beach, so I was thinking of visiting my big German Shepherd friends back home and then Ill join them. Shedding in Dogs; Heres the Deal

Germany you mean?

No, I am originally from the USA, one of my parents is a German Shepherd, he is the one from Germany.

Oh, so how your parents met?

Well, I am a dog breed that developed from crossing the German Shepherd dog, with the Shiloh Shepherd dog and Long-Coated European lines of German Shepherd dog along with Malamute in the 1990s. The main goal of this process was to breed a big German Shepherd dog similar to the kind, intelligent, hard worker German Shepherd, but larger and without the existing health and temperament problems. Read about;Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd Mix

Wow! I am very interested in learning more about you and your background. Do you mind telling me your story?

Oh, man I wasnt ready for this. Are you going to take pictures, because I havent groomed my coat yet, and you know I always have to look as awesome as I could be! Top 7 Dogs Like German Shepherd

Dont worry, your coat suits you well, women are crazy about Long Coat German Shepherd Dogs and big German Shepherd, too.

Woof-Woof, tell me about it! Okay. What do youwant to know about me?

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American Show Line German Shepherds

American German Shepherds are the most seen Shepherds in the U.S. and Canada. These lines are the most different of all the Shepherd variations. Since they are a combination of many bloodlines, you may notice that an American Shepherd is more substantial in build and their heads and muzzles are shorter.

American show line German Shepherds are most generally black and tan, though with specific breeding, they can be a variety of colors. They are generally lighter and have more of a sloping gait and longer hocks than their European relatives. Their underbellies are thicker, as are their chest portions.

Because of the backyard breeding problem among Shepherds in America, many of these dogs are passed off as champions but are muddied down. So, if you want a show-quality Shepherd, be sure to do your homework. Proven bloodlines are a must to ensure good temperament and quality.

Backyard breeding has led to these guys getting quite a bad rap. You may see people selling shepherds claiming strong champion bloodlines, but these may not be authentic. While people may not breed these dogs to be irresponsible, it leads to many undesirable traits, such as nervousness, aggression, and various health issues.

Types Of German Shepherd

Developed by Max von Stephanitz, the German Shepherd is a medium to large-sized working dog breed. Bred to possess extraordinary working abilities, German Shepherds are versatile workers and are often used for search and rescue tasks, but are also amazing family pets.

Please note, show line German Shepherds are bred to reign supreme in show rings, so they are bred for their looks, not work ethic. On the other hand, working line German Shepherds would never win in a ring, since they are bred for working, not showing.

Here are the five different types of German Shepherd based on coat color and pattern:

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How Many Types Of German Shepherd Are There

While the medium and longhair varieties are the only recognized length of coat for purebred German Shepherds, the color of said coat can be varied. Not all will be allowed in competition, with some color variations being considered to be faults affecting their scoring. In terms of coat color, there are the following different types of German Shepherd:

  • Saddle coat German Shepherd Dog
  • Black German Shepherd Dog
  • Panda German Shepherd Dog
  • White German Shepherd Dog
  • It should be noted that not all types of German Shepherds are accepted by all breed associations such as the FCI . Similarly, there are dogs which look very similar to the German Shepherd, but are not considered part of the breed. We will discuss these breeds further below.

    American And Canadian Show Lines

    German Shepherd Types – 5 Types of German Shepherds

    These are dogs who have diverged largely from their German origin, having been bred just with other American dogs for at least the last fifty years. This isnt a requirement to be considered an American or Canadian show line German Shepherd, breeders have preferred to breed from North American stock, rather than importing dogs from overseas, to retain a consistent body style, coloration pattern, and coloring.

    The AKC and the CKC both have fairly strict regulations when it comes to what they want their dogs to look likenot act like, but look like. They want extreme rear angulation, and whats known as the flying trot gait. They also want the tan legs with a black saddle coloration. The dogs should be short-haired, and while some breeders do try to maintain strong personality traits, many breeders forgo protecting the typical breed temperament, in favor of looks and gait.

    With recent breeding practices, there seems to a trend trying to eliminate the Schutzhund characteristics. Schutzhund refers to defense or protection dog, which means the personality trait that makes a German Shepherd great at working jobs. What makes this dog breed excellent as military or police dogs. Those breeders only want this specific breed type to be used for showing.

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    Types Of German Shepherds Based On Their Lines

    1. West German Working Line

    The West German working line is known for its temperament and looks. They are also very charming and enjoy working a good days job.

    This dog breed is smaller than its other counterparts by a small margin. They have a high pain tolerance due to their breeding, making them much more valuable in their work.

    West German working lines have a sable color; they can also be black and tan or sable and black. These dogs are much more energetic than show lines and possess a higher prey drive.

    Due to these instincts, these dogs are suitable for situations where they do what they are bred to do, which is to work.

    They can get bored when they dont have anything to do, leading to destructive behaviors. They require tasks or games to keep them mentally stimulated.;

    2. Czech German Shepherds Working Line

    The Czechs German Shepherd dogs became common when Germany split between the East and West; however, they didnt flourish until Germany reunited in 1989.

    These dogs are leaner and more agile than other working lines. Growth-wise, they tend to mature the slowest.

    The Czechs were once the most prey-driven, which resulted in high stamina and agility. They are generally sable-colored with a mixture of black and tan shades.;

    Although this working line has calmed down over the years, they are still capable of working. They still require adequate behavioral training to build a good relationship with their owners.

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    Black And Cream German Shepherd

    The black and cream German Shepherd is simply a lighter variation of the stereotypical black and tan variation.

    Their back is covered in a black saddle-like pattern and they will also have a mask of black fur covering their face.

    The difference is this coat has a lighter shade as opposed to tan.

    The black coloration against their cream fur can really accentuate their gorgeous black markings.

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    Types Of Shepherd Dogs

    Shepherd or sheepdogs come in all shapes in sizes, with around 30 different types of shepherd dogs altogether. Some, like the Corgi, look unsuited for the role but perform surprisingly well. Others, like the Bouvier des Flandres, are more versatile farm dogs, undertaking a variety of roles, from guarding and herding livestock to pulling carts.

    The following 16 types of shepherd dogs make great pets for energetic owners who are willing to put in the time necessary to keep them mentally stimulated and physically challenged.;

    Each type has its own physical traits and characteristics which can present problems in the wrong environment.;

    Find out what makes each of these shepherd dogs special and which would be the best dog for you and your family.

    East German Shepherd Ddr Working Line

    The Different Types of German Shepherds Which One Should ...

    East German Shepherd working line dogs were bred to be more aggressive than their western counterparts, to help scout and attack escapees jumping the Berlin Wall. They were trained under heavy conditions to build up their muscles and conditioned to jump up 6-feet high walls.

    Because of the divide in Germany after World War II, the Eastern and Western German Shepherds became more distinctive and different than the other, because of how different the East and West of Germany became.

    Built stockier, with a flat back and generally having a darker color coat, these dogs love work, which can easily translate to love fun. The way they were bred gives them a stronger immune system, so they are less likely to catch the diseases that dogs are prone to.

    This type of German Shepherd is usually seen with police forces since they were bred for their aggressiveness and sheer strength. They can still make good family dogs, given they have the proper training and attention.

    Sam Shephard talks about them more in depth on the website PetHelpful. I recommend giving it a read. Oh, you arent interested in the East Working Line? Go read it anyway, maybe youll change your mind.

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    West German Show Line German Shepherds

    Probably the most gorgeous looking of all varieties of German Shepherds, this breed will certainly pique your interest.

    It is said that this German Shepherd is bred for its beauty but it is not just that. This dog species will offer you much more and make great pets and protectors.

    Some of the defining features of the West German show line German Shepherd include:

    • The West German show line shepherd is bestowed with a sober temperament which makes them ideal house pets
    • They usually come in deeper tones of the saddle and red but not dark such as black and tan
    • They dont have perfectly chiseled and angled back as compared to the working line shepherds
    • They have a fuller face
    • They love socialization and will surely enjoy some training activities

    American Show Lines German Shepherds

    • The American Show Line German Shepherds are also called the AKC Lines GSDs. This type of German Shepherds are generally taller and longer. They come in different colors like black and tan saddle, solid black, saddle sable and solid white.
    • The coloring of American Show Line German Shepherds coat is typically lighter. This type of German Shepherd are generally more laid-back. American Show Lines GSDs have lower drive, means they have less energy as compared to Working Line GSDs.
    • Americans Show Line German Shepherds are good pets for family. These GSDs are very obedient, tracking and good at herding sheep as compared to Working Lines GSDs.
    • American Show Line GSDs are active but have low strength, and because of this weakness these GSDs do not really best for top personal protection or law enforcement, but some of them do reasonably good and are widely used.

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    Types Of German Shepherds By Hair Length

    In the case of dogs, even the length of the hair is taken into account when talking about one variety or another. There are two types of German Shepherd taking this characteristic into account.

    1. Short-haired German Shepherd

    As their name suggests, they stand out for having a short coat. Likewise, they are very active dogs, therefore, they need to perform physical exercise daily.

    In addition, it is noteworthy that the German Shepherd is among the most intelligent dog breeds, although they need training from puppies.

    2. Long-haired German Shepherd

    In this case, the opposite of the above happens â the animal boasts of having its long coat. This characteristic gives them great beauty and, for this reason, they attract even more attention.

    The fur can measure up to 60 centimeters, making it very soft and shiny if it is cared for well. Thus, it is important to brush their hair twice a week with a metal brush.

    Black And Tan German Shepherd

    Different Kinds of German Shepherds with GSM and Sergeant

    The most common coat color of German Shepherds is definitely black and tan.

    Although this is true, the black and tan coloration is actually one of the recessive genes when it comes to coloration.

    The black color usually appears on their back as a saddle, they also have black printed across their face like a mask.

    Tan coloration is usually located on their chest, sides, underbellies, and on their necks.

    The tan color may vary in light or dark tints across different puppies; generally, the depth of the tan is based on the parents and gene inheritance.

    As puppies, this coat color appears more black than tan, however as they mature their coat lightens to more of a tan coloration.

    Famous German Shepherds with this coat coloration include Rin Tin Tin, and is the best coat for show competitions.

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    The Different Types Of German Shepherd In Terms Of Coat Color

    Aside from having different lines within the German Shepherd breed, they also come in a fair few colors. Many assume that GSDs are only Black and Tan but that is far from the truth.

    The Black and Tan is only prevalent in the media, thanks to the depiction of a GSD of that color during the Golden Years of Hollywood called Rin-Tin-Tin.

    Saddle Back German Shepherd Dog

    This by far the most common of all types of German Shepherd. While they are usually of two colors, it is the distinctiveness of their markings which gives them this name. The saddle part refers to a patch of black fur which lays over their back, resembling the shape of a saddle on a horse. Some people refer to this as a âblanketâ pattern, interpreting the shape as of a blanket were laid over their back.

    The other color of Saddle Back German Shepherds are usually either tan or red. In many dog shows and competitions, the more vibrant the color, the better the scoring. Liver color is not welcomed and may be used to deduct points in German Shepherd show dogs. They usually also have a black muzzle which covers their snout and parts of their face. Other areas such as their tail may exhibit black coloration.

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    East German Working Line German Shepherds

    The East German Shepherd traces back its origin to the 1940s and 1950s, during the period following World War II.

    It is a result of controlled closed breeding which is why it has a very distinctive appearance. They are commonly used in military and rescue operations.

    They are also considered to be the purest of all breeds of German Shepherds.

    Some of the defining features of the East German working line German Shepherd include:

    • This dog breed is wolfish in nature because of its unparalleled strength.
    • They have a very stable temperament even bordering on the obedient if trained well.
    • They are dark colored and come in blacks and browns.
    • They have long back legs which is typical of working line dogs as opposed to their showing line counterparts.
    • They are sturdy, have a great working drive and like to be occupied.
    • If they are left for long periods without engaging in any activity, they may betray signs of boredom or even turn destructive in some cases.
    • They come with a big head and a very aesthetic-looking body.
    • They are definitely not going to complement first-time dog owners.

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