What Are The 5 Types Of German Shepherds
This dog breed originated in Germany and was traditionally used for herding sheep and patrolling during times of war. With changing times, this versatile breed also known as the Alsatian Wolf Dog is commonly found in homes as loving pets.
All varieties of German Shepherds have a huge number of takers because of the wonderful qualities they are imbued with. But depending on your needs and preferences, you must choose one that works for you the best.
Here are 5 types of German Shepherds you must know about.
Training A 1 Year Old German Shepherd
Your year old German Shepherd Dog may look fully grown, but emotionally they are still immature, and their confidence is still under developed. So its important to keep training them, in order to build up a habit of good behavio, and to boost their confidence and minimize nervousness.
There are two important kinds of training for a 1 year old German Shepherd:
1. Reinforcing obedience
Youve probably worked on your GSDs general obedience a lot already. Dont stop now! Keep rewarding good behavior and good decisions, to get more of both in the future and turn them into established habits. These articles will help you train a 1 year old German Shepherd with confidence:
2. Giving them a job to do
The GSDs work ethic is legendary, and now theyre nearly fully grown, youll probably discover they get bored, restless, and even destructive if they arent sufficiently occupied during the day. Training for activities like canicross, joring, agility, advanced obedience, scentwork and herding trials can all give your Shepherd an important sense of purpose.
The Dwarf German Shepherd: Fact Or Myth
There is nothing called a dwarf German Shepherd in its pure form. There is however a condition that affects a few German Shepherds called pituitary dwarfism which can give the otherwise large dogs a distinct appearance.
This is a medical condition caused by a parasite called giardia.
While dwarf German Shepherds, or rangers as they are commonly called, are cute to look at, ultimately they are not completely healthy.
The parasite makes the dog prone to infections, hair loss and flaky skin.
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West German Show Line
The West German Show Line is similar to the American/Canadian lines, but their rear angulation is not as exaggerated. Additionally, this line focuses on both the appearance of the dog as well as their ability to work.
Another difference seen is in color West German lines are preferred red with a black saddle, while AKC and CKC require a tan coat with black saddle.
Further, the West German Show Line followed a hip and health certification system while the American / Canadian Line does not.
Steel Blue German Shepherd
The blue German Shepherd is an astonishing color variation that is extremely rare.
However, like the German Shepherds liver color, this color variation is unable to compete in shows as it is declared a serious fault.
Whilst being classified as a serious fault, this color is still recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The blue pigment of this coat variation is purely an aesthetic difference and is attributed to recessive blue genes.
Breeding blue German Shepherd puppies requires both parents carry this recessive gene.
Finding a blue breed is extremely rare, as they are not bred for working or show lines, and are a fashion choice only.
A significant appearance difference of the blue German Shepherd is their gray nose in place of a black one.
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Shockingly Different Types Of German Shepherds Breeds
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.
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West German Show Lines Types Of German Shepherds
The West German Show lines are known as the handsome ones.
They have astonishingly stunning looks, but that does not mean that they were bred only for beauty and conformation.
This dog is governed by the club for german shepherd dogs inc that is the original German Shepherd Club and registry of the World.
Just like their American and Canadian counterparts, they are bred to have a specific appearance.
Despite all these, they are required to prove that they can also perform as working dogs.
Although many dogs barely pass the obedience and agility tests, there is usually a good number of dogs that are loyal, obedient, and intelligent with the right looks.
West German Show lines are similar to the American Show lines in many ways, but they are preferably red with a black saddle rather than being tan.
Every dog in this line is required to have a working title and a hip and elbow health clearance before being allowed to pass their genes.
If you are looking for an amazingly adorable dog that can be a protector and a family pet then this is the right type of German Shepherd for you.
These are not lazy dogs and they will need a lot of training, exercise, and socialization.
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What Are The Different Types Of German Shepherds Breeds
The German Shepherd, regardless of its type, is a playful, sociable and intelligent dog that has earned the sympathy of most people. Likewise, it has a balanced character, is not dependent on its owner, but it does show him loyalty.
Despite the characteristics that all types of German Shepherd have in common, other qualities cause them to differ greatly from each other. In this section we will explain the singularities of each one of them.
Year Old German Shepherd Diet
Around their first birthday is the milestone lots of GSD parents choose to transition their pup onto an adult diet. German Shepherd puppies need a diet which is specific to their age, and predicted adult weight. This serves to fuel the rapid period of growth before their first birthday, but also make sure they dont grow too quickly, which can increase the risk of orthopedic problems in later life.
Even the biggest male GSDs have achieved over 90% of their adult weight by their first birthday. And the smallest females are likely to be fully grown. So its time to decide what youd like them to eat going forwards, and transition them onto their new diet. Their adult food will be less calorie dense than their puppy food, so that they can still enjoy portion sizes that make them feel full, but they dont become overweight.
This article can help you choose an adult diet for your year-old German Shepherd. If possible, transition your dog onto their new diet gradually over a period of several days. Give them 3 parts old food to 1 part new food on days 1 and 2. Then equal parts old and new food on days 3 and 4. And finally, 1 part old food to 3 parts new food on days 5 and 6, before ditching the old food altogether. Your puppy is now eating like an adult!
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Types Of German Shepherd: Dwarf Or Miniature
Much has been debated in this type of dog. They are known as the mini German Shepherd since their size is small and they are similar to a puppy throughout their life. It is not an animal that reproduces since the reason for its dwarfism is caused by thyroid disorders and other pathologies. Despite this, they are playful, obedient and very loyal animals.
German Shepherd Dog Hair Types
The term stock to classify coat types means that only specific coat types with undercoats are appropriate as breeding stocks. According to the Society for German Shepherds,there are three main types of GSD coat types.
- Stock Hair
In Germany Stock Hair type is also called Stock Haarig or Stockhar Coat. GSDs with stock hair usually have lustrous,fuller hair. It should be short on the face and the body with hair not to close to the skin. They have an undercoat that sheds twice a year.
- Long Stock Hair
Longstock Coat or in Germany Lang Stockhaarig or Lang Stockhaar GSDs tend to have feathery hair and a longer coat than the Stock Coat. GSDs with this coat type are in demand because they have heavily coated neck almost like a lions mane which makes them look glamorous. They have an undercoat similar to Stock Coats that lets them endure harsh weather and changes with the season, usually thinner in summer and thicker in winter.
- Long Hair
Long Hair or also called Lang Haar in Germany are quite rare. Such coat is from a recessive gene and considered as a genetic fault. Long-Haired GSDs may not be great for herding and hunting as they dont have undercoats. Their hair might appear very long and attractive but they have similar traits with the two other types. They have an upbeat personality that makes them ideal around children.
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History Of The German Shepherd Dog Breed
The German Shepherd Dog is the officially recognized name for this purebred breed. The two distinct types we mentioned in the introduction are defined by the length of their coat either medium or long. Both types have a double layered coat, a softer and thicker undercoat and a coarser outer layer of guard hair.
As their name suggests, the German Shepherd began in Germany. While there were different progenitor breeds, the first officially recognized dog was called Horand von Grafrath. In 1899 von Grafrath’s owner started the breed as the epitome of what a working dog should be and it is from this one dog that all modern German Shepherd dogs originate. There has been some discussion over the years whether this dog may have been part wolf.
The working origins of this breed are very important as the standardization was established to promote the dog’s ability. This was something which was becoming lost as industry and urbanization began to reduce the need for working dogs. Thus, the German Shepherd was created to ensure these traits were maintained. While many GSDs are now kept as companion animals, they are still one of the most widely used working dogs in many different areas. Shepherding is not as common a practice as when the breed was established, but use in law enforcement, security and rescue operations is widespread.
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
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Different Breeds Of German Shepherds: A Short History
With a lineage that only dates back just over 100 years, why is it that German Shepherds are the second most popular dog breed in the west today?
It all comes down to personality and versatility. Intelligent, hard working, dependable and obedient, German Shepherds are an exceptional breed that can be used in almost any working role, as well as having the placidity and protective nature that makes them a favorite amongst families. Originally bred as a working dog, shepherds were originally bred with a focus on work ethic and dependability. Its this attitude that carries over today into every variety, and its this reason why so many people adopted the breed across the world.
Types Of German Shepherd Dogs
- American show lines
- DDR / East German working lines
- Czech working lines
- Various mixes of lines
WEST GERMAN SHOW LINESAMERICAN / CANADIAN SHOW LINESWEST GERMAN WORKING LINESDDR / EAST GERMAN WORKINGLINESCZECH WORKING LINES– The following section was written by Christine Kemper of Blackthorn Kennel.
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/west German Shepherd Dog
One of the most revered working lines of the breed is the West German Shepherd dog. It is the most famous Type Of German Shepherd Dogs It is believed to be the line that is closest to the original breed created by Max von Stephanitz this line is bred not just for colour and body shape, but for working drive. The West bloodline focuses strongly on looks and what should be considered the standard of the different types of Shepherds.
As with all working lines, the emphasis is put on the dogs behaviour and personality, rather than on just their body shape and gait, which makes for a much healthier and more active line. While many people choose the West German Shepherdworking line when they are looking for a working dog, these dogs also make great family pets if the family invests enough time in their family member.
West German Shepherd Dog
The West German Shepherd Dogprice
A West German Shepherd starts at $1200 and goes up to the $4000 or $5000 range. If you want the best type of german shepherd dogs for you and for your money you will need to hit the perfect trifecta: choose breeder, bloodline and puppy very wisely.
What Breed Of Dog Goes Well With A German Shepherd
As long as they are properly socialized, theres no reason why an Alsation should have any trouble getting along with another breed. They are easy to train and live to please their owners.
Common breeds that are raised alongside Germans are Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Labrador Retrievers, and Border Collies.
This is because they are quite similar in size and energy levels, which makes them ideal companions.
Not only can they keep up with one another, theres a small chance of injuring each other. Thats not to say that small breeds cannot work, quite the contrary!
There are some GSDs that have been reported adopting kittens! But in general, you want to avoid having prey-like animals in the house that could trigger their hunting instincts.
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East German Ddr Working Lines
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!
Comparison Between Show And Working German Shepherds
You probably havent thought much about different German Shepherd characteristics but it is amazing how many there are.
For a start working German Shepherds have less health problems than show dogs. This is because show dogs are bred to certain standards and this can affect their health.
Working dogs also have less temperament issues and they have more variation in color and coat type. They also have more intense personalities than show dogs.
German Shepherds arent couch potatoes and this goes for all the different lines. If you want to have them as pets, you have to give them plenty of exercise and find things to challenge their minds.
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West Working Line German Shepherds
- The West Working Line German Shepherds have a very stable temperament and got stunning looks. These GSDs have strong drives, excellent working ability, calmer attitude and perfect colors.
- The West Working Lines GSDs have different colors like sable, black, bi-color, and black and tan. The back of West Working Line German Shepherds is bit more sloping than the East Working Line DDR German Shepherds.
- These GSDs could counter more health issues than the East Working Line GSDs.
- West Working Line GSDs often excel at different sports and jobs such as search and rescue operations or guarding protection.
- Though the West Working Line GSDs have a very strong desire, but they have such a cool temperament that they know when to become aggressive and when to sit calm. This fantastic trait make them ideal German Shepherd breed for an enthusiastic family.
Satellite Ears & Head Tilt
German Shepherd owners will agree that although they love their dog unconditionally, theyre especially fond of the normally ultra-erect ears and signature head tilt.
One common question owners have about their German Shepherds ears is how can you tell if they are going to stand up or not? These owners should know genetics and DNA play a large role in whether the ears will stand up.
If your German Shepherds ears arent standing up, you should consider health and grooming routines before you attempt to address floppy ears. Cleaning the ears, for example, is an important part of a German Shepherds overall grooming and health routine.
In regards to head tilting: some people believe that head tilting is a sign of intelligence, while others believe that dogs tilt their heads to the side to see us properlyas their muzzle/nose can block their vision from head on.
Regardless, it never gets old to most owners!
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