What Type Of German Shepherd

How Old German Shepherd To Breed

In females, breeding GSDs should begin no earlier than 2 years old. Though some breeders suggest there being a benefit to waiting until females are 3 years old to help ensure healthy parenting skills. Breeding isnt recommended past the age of 8.

Breeding too early can be detrimental to the dogs parenting ability. In females, breeding GSDs should begin no earlier than 2 years old. Though some breeders suggest there being a benefit to waiting until females are 3 years old to help ensure healthy parenting skills. Breeding isnt recommended past the age of 8.

Taking Care Of Your German Shepherd Dog At Home

Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual . Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Shepherds. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs.

Ddr/east German Working Line

After World War II, the remaining war dogs were developed into what is known as the DDR / East German working line. They were maintained strictly by the government of East Germany. These German Shepherds were bred with a higher priority for athleticism and extraordinary work drive.

These dogs have a very distinct look because of their strict breeding. They have larger heads, darker coats, and a perfect working physique. The DDR is said to have better genetics and fewer health problems than its counterparts.

Read Also: At What Age Do German Shepherds Calm Down

German Shepherd Food And Diet

German shepherds do well on high-quality food formulated especially for large breeds. These dogs tend to have somewhat sensitive stomachs, so they should only eat human food sparingly, if at all. If you do choose to feed your dog table scraps, you should avoid fatty foods and never feed them cooked bones. When dogs eat cooked bones, the bones break into splintery shards that can perforate their stomach or bowels on their way through the digestive system.

Variation Among Given Breeds

In this large study involving more than 80,000 individual dogs, Dr. Serpell points out that theres plenty of variation among any given breed, most especially when it relates toaggression. Whats most interesting is that this study demonstrates how our dogs gather signals from us, even when were not giving our dogs any direct signals. Dr. Serpell also discusses how our personality influences our canines and does affect the way our dogs behave.

Dogs had been used for herding, hunting, and protecting many years ago. Yet, breeders began wanting to breed for aesthetic purposes during the mid-19th century.

The C-BARQ which is an online tool that dog owners use to fill out and rate their dogs behavior, questions pet parents as to how their dogs respond to certain stimuli in their environment. Today with more than 80,000 surveys, Dr. Serpell has gathered one of the largest databases for canine behavioral information.

According to this study, Dr. Serpell says that between 10 to 15 percent of dogs are capable of demonstrating extreme aggression, with another 20 to 30 percent of dogs showing no aggression at all.

The breeds that were used for fighting and for guard dog purposes like the Pit Bull and the Akita tended to demonstrate extreme aggression on the C-BARQ test. Yet, if you think that these are the most aggressive breeds, think again! The tiny Dachshund tests as the most aggressive of all, and shows aggression towards other dogs, new people, and even their own human parents!

Recommended Reading: Rottweiler Vs German Shepherd Fight

Some Notable Achievement The German Shepherd Breed Has Accomplished In The Force

• Jet of IadaJet was a German Shepherd pedigree dog. Jet received the Dickin Medal and RSPCAs medallion of Valor for his brave efforts in rescuing 150 people trapped under a blitzed building.
• Crumstone Irma: was a German Shepherd who served with the Civil Defense Services of London during World War 2. She assisted in the rescue of 191 people trapped under destroyed buildings. She had a great ability to tell if buried victims were dead or alive. Like Jet of Iada, she received the Dickings Medal in 1945.
• Thorn: Was noted by the Peoples Dispensary of sick animals for the Dickin medal. He was awarded the medal in 1945 for his bravery and service during World War 2.
• Rex: Was noted just like Thorn for the same reasons by the Peoples Dispensary. In April 1945 he received the Dickin medal.Rex performed outstanding good work finding casualties in burning buildings. Without fear, he would search in harsh environments for people that were trapped in smoldering buildings.
• Appollo: was a German Shepherd search and rescue dog born in 1992. He became part of New York Police Departments K-9 unit that served during the September 11 attack. He was the first SAR dog on the site.Appollo received the Dickin medal on behalf of all the dogs that assisted in rescue operations on the WTC site and pentagon site after the attacks.

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.

Also Check: Training My German Shepherd Puppy

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.

Black And Tan German Shepherd

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.

Also Check: Do German Shepherds Like Swimming

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

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!

Recommended Reading: Why Does My German Shepherd Follow Me Everywhere

Different Types Of German Shepherds Supersized And Scaled Down

One of the ways breeders have sought to change and adapt the German Shepherd breed is by creating different types of German Shepherds which are larger or smaller.

Within any dog breed there is variation in size, and there are individuals who fall near the top, or the bottom, of the desired weight range.

Some pedigree breeders end up specializing in breeding lines of dogs which are consistently larger or smaller than the average GSD.

But other breeders have gone a step further, and used outcrossing to create new breeds which honor their favorite bits of the German Shepherd whilst changing others.

These dogs arent officially types of German Shepherd, because they are mixed breed dogs, bred to a different standard, and in some cases working towards recognition as a new breed in their own right.

Shiloh Shepherds

One such example is the Shiloh Shepherd.

Shiloh Shepherds were developed in the 1970s and 80s by a breeder named Tina Barber.

Barber wanted to produce a dog which looked like a large German Shepherd, but with lower rates of hip dysplasia, and a more placid temperament.

She sought to achieve this by outcrossing GSDs with Alaskan Malamutes and Canadian White Shepherds, amongst other breeds.

Shiloh Shepherds arent included on any of the major breed registries.

But they are recognized by the American Rare Breed Registry, a low profile organisation which champions lesser well known dog breeds.

King Shepherds

Another example is the King Shepherd.

Miniature German Shepherds

What To Watch For

Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your German Shepherd Dog needs help.

Also Check: German Shepherd Alsatian Difference

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.

Effects Of Breeding A Younger Than Recommended Gsd

2 years is the right age of maturity for both male and female GSD. Apart from reaching the right maturity levels it also helps to conduct the OFA testing and x-rays testing to check for hip and elbow dysplasia.

This is the most prone disease for a German Shepherd. It is important to check for the genetic traits for both for below as well.

• Arthritis
• Degenerative myelopathy

Health testing helps in producing litters who are healthy.

If you breed a GSD female earlier than two years, she may not be physically ready and this may have negative effects like still births or serious issues during whelping as her muscles may not be large or strong enough.

Read Also: Why Do Cops Use German Shepherds

German Shepherd Common Health Issues

Like many purebred dogs, German shepherds are prone to some fairly serious health conditions. One such condition, degenerative myelopathy, is a neurological disease that targets the spinal cord. It tends to come on later in life and leads to reduced mobility.

Bloating is another life-threatening concern for this breed, so owners should establish proper eating routines from an early age. Owners can reduce the occurrence of bloating by feeding smaller meals throughout the day, using a dish that forces a dog to eat slowly, use an elevated feeder and prevent heavy exercise for up to two hours after each meal.

This breed can also develop other serious conditions such as:

• Epilepsy
• Panosteitis

How Did Different Types Of German Shepherds Come To Be

Originally, German Shepherds were bred for different purposes, which led them to be either show dogs or work dogs. Lets begin with German Shepherds that are used in law enforcement, drug detection, search, and rescue. These are working dogs and the reasons are obvious. They use their skills to meet a certain need. In working dogs, abilities are much more important than appearance. Therefore, some of their characteristics are:

• There are many colors and coat types. Also, they have a more compact body and less hind leg angulation
• They have a few health problems
• These dogs have intense temperaments. They are so loyal and protective that they are always willing to perform any task to please their owners
• Smart, brave, and have a high pain tolerance
• Extremely athletic and active

Due to the great fame that this breed had, people also started to breed them as show dogs to expose their amazing skills through striking performances. In contrast to working dogs, these are some of the characteristics of show dogs:

• They must be more perfect in terms of appearance and live up to breed standards. Thats why personality in these dogs comes second, and there isnt much variation of color and coat types
• Their bodies are larger and more stylized
• They can suffer from more health issues than working dogs
• They can be perfect companion dogs since they have calmer temperaments. However, dont be fooled because they are still confident and active

Read Also: When Will My German Shepherd Ears Stand Up

Dog Breeds Similar To German Shepherds

The most popular breeds in the park where I walk my dog Kola are Cavoodles, Labradors, Pitbulls and German Shepherds. But I sometimes wonder when I look at these German Shepherds are they true German Shepherds or breeds similar to German Shepherds?

I have found 19 dog breeds similar to German Shepherds from around the world. Some share the same traits and look similar to a German Shepherd others just share looks and belong to the herding dog category.

What are these 19 dog breeds really like? In this article we explore many facets of each of the 19 dog breeds. So if youre looking for a breed similar to the German Shepherd, just read this article.

Contents

• Other German Shepherd Resources

How Big Does A King Shepherd Get

The King Shepherd is a relatively new hybrid breed. While not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club , they do have breed standards. Females should be 25 to 27 inches in height at the shoulder and weigh 75 to 110 pounds. Males should be 27 to 31 inches in height at the shoulder and weigh 90 to 150 pounds.

Read Also: How To Discipline A German Shepherd

German Shepherds And Children

If you raise your German shepherd with children from the start, they get along famously with all members of the family. That said, they are high-energy dogs who dont always realize how big they are. Owners should take time to teach both dog and child how to safely interact with one another and never leave them unsupervised to avoid accidental injuries.

It is in the nature of a German shepherd to be aloof towards strangers, however, and children are no exception. It is vital for any owner who plans to have their dog around unfamiliar children to socialize them extensively and train them for this task at a young age. At the same time, parents should take care to teach their children the proper way to approach any unknown dog.

A Shared Herding Heritage

Both the Malinois and German Shepherd are members of the Herding Group and can trace their origins to livestock herding dogs. As their names imply, the Belgian Malinois was developed in Belgium and the German Shepherd in Germany.

The Malinois was one of four varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog in use in the late 1800s. It was first recognized by Professor Adolphe Reul. He characterized the variety as a medium-sized square dog with dark brown eyes and triangular ears. Each of the four types of Belgian Shepherd Dog was named for the area around Brussels where it was developed, with the Malinois hailing from the Malines region.

As the agricultural lifestyle declined, the Belgian Shepherd Dog became favored in the development of police dog training, according to Ann MacKay, who has owned Belgian Malinois for 32 years and bred them for 26,

German Shepherd doing a police dog demo.

Belgian Malinois doing a police dog demo.

In fact, as early as 1908, the AKC Gazette mentioned that two Belgian Sheepdogs had been imported into the United States to work as police dogs in New York City. More were imported in 1911, including two specifically identified in the AKC studbook as Malinois. Finally, in 1959 the Belgian Malinois was granted full AKC recognition as a breed of its own, separate from the other Belgian Shepherd Dog varieties.

Read Also: German Shepherd Sketches