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What Are The Different Types Of German Shepherd Dogs

Bone And Joint Problems

Different Types of German Shepherds Dogs | Types of german shepherd

A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in German Shepherd Dogs. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friend’s bones, joints, or muscles, you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life.

Different Coat Types On German Shepherd Dogs

Most German Shepherd Dogs have a medium length, thick, coarse coat.

But a small number carry two copies of a recessive gene for long hair, which means they grow long coats.

In most countries, a long coat is regarded as undesirable by GSD purists.

The AKC, Kennel Club and FCI all record purebred longhaired Germans Shepherds on the same register as their shorthaired counterparts, but theyre disqualified from taking part in shows.

The Australian National Kennel Club has taken a slightly different approach.

In Australia, long haired GSDs are recorded separately on their own register.

Theyre called German Shepherd Dogs, and their breed standard is word-for-word the same as the German Shepherd Dogs, except for the description of coat length.

They can enter the show ring in the German Shepherd class, where theyll be judged against other long haired GSDs.

This is the only true example of a different type of German Shepherds.

Personality Traits Of The German Shepherd

German Shepherds were bred to be herding dogs, which means they are extremely intelligent. They are also somewhat aloof but are extremely loyal. A German Shepherd loves his family however, he will protect them and his property. These dogs are excellent watchdogs.

This dog breed is highly trainable and needs to have a job to do. They can be trained for a wide range of jobs, including helping the blind, visiting the sick, chasing down criminals, searching for illegal substances, search & rescue missions, and so much more.

One thing to understand about German Shepherds is that they dont do well alone for long periods. If you and your family are away from home for long hours, then this isnt the dog for you. They need plenty of companionship and exercise.

Without the right amount of exercise and together-time, these dogs are known to develop destructive habits such as chewing. Keep in mind these are powerful dogs they have the ability to chew up just about anything, including furniture, woodwork, and more. You have to be concerned about more than just chewed-up shoes!

This dog breed requires training and socialization from a young age. German Shepherds are wonderful, well-rounded dogs who can adapt to many situations and people with the right training and socialization.

When it comes to other pets and dogs, German Shepherds can also live very well with them. But the dog must be raised and socialized with other dogs and pets from a young age.

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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.

Shockingly Different Types Of German Shepherds Breeds

Types of German Shepherds: A Dog Varieties Guide

The German Shepherd is a very well-known breed worldwide. They have always been identified for their work in the Security Forces, and have even been used to shoot films and series on this subject. Their aesthetics leave no one indifferent. They are elegant, large dogs and have a force that imposes.

However, it is not widely known that there are different types of German Shepherds breeds. We are usually used to that black and brown fur that characterizes them, but it is not always like that. This breed has many variants and we will explain each one of them throughout this article.

Contents

  • 4 Types of German Shepherd: Dwarf or Miniature
  • Also Check: German Shepherd Puppy Raw Diet Plan

    Different Kinds Of German Shepherds

    German Shepherds are the most popular large dog breed. Their intelligence, trainability and loyalty makes them an ideal furry companion. But not all GSDs are similar. They might have come from the same gene but outbreeding and inbreeding has changed them. But how many types of German Shepherds are there? Well, they are categorized according to their body types, coat and hair color.

    How Many Different Types Of German Shepherds Are There

    Based on their appearance, coat color, and pattern there are five different types of German Shepherds. While the physical appearance varies from one type to the next, all are considered a part of the German Shepherd Dog breed.

    While the breed standard recognizes only medium and longhaired German Shepherds the coat colors can be varied. However, certain color variations arent allowed to compete and some are considered faults and can affect the scoring.

    Bear in mind that not all types of German Shepherd are accepted and recognized by major canine organizations. For example, the American Kennel Club and the World Canine Organization doesnt recognize White German Shepherds.

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    What To Feed A German Shepherd

    A German Shepherd needs dog food formulated especially for large, active dog breeds. The dog food should contain at least 18% to 22% protein, with a meat listed as the first ingredient on the label.

    In addition, its best to look for a dog food thats been developed to meet the guidelines of the AAFCO . The dog food should contain a badge from this organization, ensuring the food meets their guidelines.

    The dog food should also be labeled for all life stages, which ensures the food meets the nutritional requirements for all the dogs life stages from puppyhood to adult. The food should also provide the right nutrients for pregnant and lactating mother dogs.

    East German Ddr Working Lines

    German Shepherd Types – 5 Types of German Shepherds

    This type of German Shepherd has continued to be developed and maintained after the end of WWII.

    The establishment of the Deutsche Demokratische Republik meant strict government-controlled pedigree registration.

    And 40 years of closed breeding.

    From this developed a distinctive looking dog. With dark pigment, a big head, deep chest, athletic body, supreme intellect, and stamina to boot.

    This type of German Shepherd has a sound temperament and a high work drive .

    They must have plenty of mental and physical stimulation and an experienced handler.

    Check out this infographic and learn some fun facts about the German Shepherd Breed!

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    What Type Of Dog Is A German Shepherd

    As their name suggests, the German Shepherd is a breed of sheepdog from Germany. Their origin dates back to 1899, when it was developed by Maximilian von Stephanitz . The objective was to give life to an animal that would accompany the workers dedicated to the work of the field, especially in the task of protecting and guiding the flocks of sheep.

    Likewise, it is a breed that is characterized by having a flexible, muscular and strong body. For this reason, it is considered an excellent guard dog, which is why it is also trained today as a police dog.

    The German Shepherd has a life expectancy of 15 years and is usually identified by their black coat with brown areas. Still, it is not a generic characteristic as there are different types of German Shepherd. This is because the breed has been developed in different parts of the world over the years. If you want to know each of the particularities of this dog, you just have to keep reading.

    Difference Between Working Line And Show Line Types

    Dogs that were bred to work, rather than to show, usually have fewer health problems, fewer temperament issues, and more variation in color and coat type. German Shepherd dogs that are bred for show are bred to conform to a very specific set of standards and the dogs in a litter that do not adhere to those standards are generally not used for further breeding. This is not true of working stock, who can look exactly the same as a show dog, with the typical black saddle and tan body, or can be completely black or even completely tan. Sable is the most common color for working stock German Shepherds since sable is the dominant color gene in this breed.

    When it comes to temperament, these dogs often have more intense personalities than their show counterparts. This often because breeders of these types focused on energy and loyalty when selecting individuals to breed. They love working and some owners might find that if they do not find some sort of job for their dog, that they will start acting out. Not every working dog will demand to be a drug sniffer or a security guard, but they will often demand to be near their owners almost constantly. These dogs will love to learn tricks and even some more advanced tasks like fetching specific items or opening doors.

    If you choose a working line dog, give them something to do.

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    About German Shepherd Dog Breed:

    The German Shepherd is a breed of working dog originally from Germany. Originally named Alsatian Wolf Dog in the UK, its name changes to German Shepherd in 1977.

    The German shepherd is a working dog developed for herding sheep. But in modern days it is used for many types of work, including disability assistance, search-and-rescue, police and military roles, and acting.

    The German Shepherd is the second-most registered breed by the American Kennel Club and the seventh-most registered breed by The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom.

    How Many Types Of German Shepherds Are There

    The 5 Types of German Shepherds!

    OK, now were ready to take a look at the types of German Shepherds! As noted earlier, the breed was split between German and American breeders. However, the dogs were also bred in other parts of Europe, including then Czechoslovakia and other countries.

    There are basically five types of German Shepherds, which well cover in the following sections.

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    Different Types Of Shepherd Dog Breeds And Their Characteristics

    You might find the terms shepherd and herding group dogs being used interchangeably in this article. And yes, as you might infer, these words are synonymous.

    The breeds discussed in this section are all known for helping shepherds herd animals on their farms.

    So without further ado, lets dive into this extensive list of the different types of shepherd dog breeds!

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    Have Any Questions About Health In Your Breed

    If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email

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    Are German Shepherds Easy To Train

    Some are easy to train, while others are more moderate.

    As weve seen, different lines have different temperaments. German Shepherds from working lines are typically more assertive and stronger-willed. A tougher German Shepherd will be more challenging to train unless you pay closer attention to building the right Leader-Follower relationship with the dog.

    That doesnt mean softer German Shepherds are automatically easy to train. Some dogs with soft temperaments are skittish or shy, making them just as challenging as a strong-tempered dog.

    In general, though, a sound-tempered German Shepherd who is a good fit for family life should be easy to train. Just establish the right Leader-Follower relationship and the dog will be happy to work with you.

    This is taught in my puppy training book, Respect Training For Puppies .

    Or see my advice on dog training

    List Of Types Of Shepherd Dogs

    9 Different Colors of the German Shepherd Dog

    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!

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    Common Triggers To A Poor German Shepherd Temperament

    A German shepherds temperament makes them great family dogs. We already know this.

    Regardless, you need to make sure that you are careful with their behavior. Otherwise, you might promote bad behavior, as if its normal for them to act like that.

    So here we look at some situations that trigger a German shepherds poor behavior and how you can avoid them.

    • Teasing between dogs and children will encourage rough treatment. It is therefore recommended that you consult your children, if you have any, to be gentle when handling a dog.
    • Mealtime is a sacred time, at least for a German shepherd. Thats why interfering with a dogs mealtime often leads to aggression. So dont fall into the temptations of teasing, or even hugging, your dog while hes eating.
    • Its only natural to punish your dog for poor behavior. Still, remember that severe punishment can lead to a dogs aggression to the owner. Make sure you hold back in punishing your German shepherd.

    If your dog shows signs of poor behavior, make sure you take them to a professional trainer. An expert may have an answer to how you can revert your dog to its normal personality.

    Also, remember that this should be done as soon as possible. Getting used to bad behavior will only lead to further problems for you and your German shepherd.

    German shepherds are courageous, energetic, and protective. Im sure we all know about this. However, we never considered if there is more into it.

    West German Working Lines

    These dogs are considered to be true to the dogs bred when Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the German Shepherd breed, was alive. Von Stephanitz believed deeply that the best dogs would have the right personality and temperament first, and the right looks second. This means that his dogs , are bred for their ability to work, learn, and listen, rather than for a specific coloring or color pattern.

    These dogs are considered very high quality, with a drive to work and a desire to please their owners, which makes them unparalleled working animals and family pets. They usually have a uniform black body, with brown legs, though specific colors and patterns can vary wildly from dog to dog.

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    East German Ddr Working Line

    This is the last working line. The reason why there are west and east German lines is because of the Berlin Wall. This separation made possible the preservation of each lineage without external influences. In comparison to Western German Shepherds:

    • They are smaller
    • Their color coat is darker, usually black or sable mottled with brown. Also, their back legs are longer and have a more stereotypical dog gait
    • They have strong bones, large heads, and broad shoulders
    • They have fewer health issues

    The East German DDR working line was bred for military purposes. Thats why they are not only strong, loyal, and skilled but they can also endure extreme weather conditions and long working days.

    They undergo difficult physical tests to belong to this line, which talks a lot about their quality. However, they can be also aloof and destructive if they dont receive constant training and physical activity.

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    East German Shepherd / Ddr German Shepherd

    Different Types German Shepherd Breeds

    East German Shepherds hail from East Germany, which once used to be a separate country called Deutsche Demokratische Republik, shortened as DDR. While you dont have to figure out how to pronounce Demokratische or Deutsche, you need to learn how to handle these high-energy dogs.

    Read More:DDR German Shepherd: Rarity, Guarding, Protection, & More!

    With cappuccino and tan swapped with sable or sober grey, East German Shepherds have a darker appearance with prominent black fur across their backs. They are smaller than Show Line GSDs but not by too much. At least height-wise, the bigger DDR Shepherds match smaller show line shepherds.

    Their backs alongside their fur color give away the difference, though. There will be no arch or slope in an East German Shepherds back because they were literally bred for patrol, and asymmetry between front and back limbs would be disadvantageous for such work.

    Though working line German Shepherds are relatively cheaper than show line shepherds, East German GSDs might be an exception as their prices can come pretty close to the top tier show variety.

    Thats because pure DDRs are hard to find and live healthier due to genetic predisposition to the illness being ruthlessly bred out at the stud-selection stage back in the days of Deutsche Demokratische Republik.

    Aside from living longer, these dogs work better due to discipline and work readiness being factored in by the DDRs breeding program that led to the breeds creation.

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