Posted by Dog Trainer College
There is probably more variety among the various bloodlines of the German Shepherd Dog than any other breed. There are obvious differences in body structure and aesthetics. But the largest difference is the temperament.
Some will disagree with the following statements and that’s ok. The article is an attempt to give insight for those who are seriously interested in the German Shepherd. It is written by a 30-year student of the breed who has bred and trained GSDs for nearly that long as well. As with most any breed, breeding is everything. The dog’s pedigree shapes the dog. So here’s a frank look at some bloodlines within the breed. Yes, there are good breeders and good dogs within each bloodline.
AmericanLine
Shepherds from Americanbreeding are typically taller and longer than those from Germany. Although there is a breed standard from theparent club, there is little-to-no oversight as what dogs can be bred. As long as they are fully registered, theycan breed. Few American GSDs meet theAmerican standard, especially the temperament section. As a result, the almighty dollar and the showring has created a “German Shepherd” that is different from those in the restof the world (British breeding being the closest). Health problems plaque these bloodlines aswell, more so than quality European lines.The American shepherd is not required to pass a temperament test, anykind of endurance testing, and is not required to be free of dysplasia.
The biggest difference inthe American line is the temperament.Most American GSDs have no job, mainly due to their lack of workingability. They are not required to usethe brain and the emphasis is more on a pretty trot in the show ring. Because of this softness, they cannot workand but are generally easier to control.
American shepherds still have the desire of protectiveness but without the clear head that keeps them from being fear-biters, nervous, or aggressive. Most of them do not have the courage to do true protection work (or police work) and are easily defensive and almost always skiddish.
The differences among theAmerican bloodline is considered by many around the world to be a separate, inferiorbreed. As a general rule, AmericanShepherds are a far cry from the real deal.Unfortunately, many people in the USA only know of this kind ofdumbed-down version of the true Shepherd dog and consider it as normal. We assure you, it is not.
WestGerman Show Line
These dogs are known for their black/tan or black/red saddle pattern. They are usually darker in color than American dogs and their back is roached (i.e, forming an elongated inverted “u”, for lack of a better way of saying it). Their temperament is not as strong as von Stephanitz (the father of the breed) originally idealized. They are easier to control than true working line dogs.
The SV (German registry)requires breeding dogs to have clearances for hips and elbows and a workingtitle along with their show title. As aresult, this line is generally healthier than American lines, but usually notas solid as the bloodlines we have yet to talk about. West German lines have little-to-no realemphasis on working. Their Schutzhundtrials are limited to themselves with few/no outside lines. To allow a true shepherd to compete in thesetrials would reveal the deficiencies within this line. Some within this line do make good workersbut it is much harder to find true, consistent working dogs in this line.
WestGerman Working Line
These dogs are theclosest to those bred by Max von Stephanitz.They are true workers which are used in protection/police/military needsaround the world. They have the brainsand nerves to do a real job. This line,as a general rule, has less health issues than the others.
Breeders within this lineaim for working ability, not show-ring quality.They have nice body structure suitable to perform a workingfunction. Generally, they possess balanceddrives and good nerve. They also makeawesome family pets, without aggression, shyness, or fear. They tend to be energetic and therefore dobest in an active home. Their colors areusually bi-color or sable.
These working lines areusually smaller, more agile, and can put in a full day’s work. They tend to mature faster which gives them alonger working life. They usually have ahigh pain tolerance. They are able towithstand pressure from a “bad guy” and stay in the fight until the suspect issubdued. They are stronger in thisaspect but are also trainable, if bred according to Stephanitz’ standards.
These dogs have a lovefor work, have high energy, are loyal and confident. They are more environmentally sound, i.e. notstressed out with environmental situations such as gunfire, loud noises,traffic and more. However, it is alsotrue that this line produces dogs that are smarter than many dog owners andtherefore can be, at times, harder to control.
When people envision a loyal,confident, awesome GSD, this is the bloodline they dream of, whether they knowit or not – color probably being the only exception.
EastGerman – DDR
During and after WorldWar II, East Germany was called Deutsche Demokratische Republik, hence the nameDDR.
DDR dogs were strictly regulatedby the government of East Germany. Thiskind of stringent control of breeding specimen produced a very unique look inthe breed. DDR dogs typically havelarger heads, large bones, and dark pigment, and many are bi-color.
DDR dogs were bred forborder patrol work. These dogs havefilled capacities in police, military, and security work around the world. They are usually stable dogs with low tomedium prey drive. However, theirdefense drive is typically higher and they are generally wary of strangers. Some can be harder for most people tocontrol.
After the fall of theBerlin Wall in 1989, breeding standards in this area of the world were softenedand breeders were given more freedom. Manybreeders within this line tend be to moving away from working ability with a greateremphasis on beauty. Poor breeding withinthis line has caused low drive and poor nerves, although many still make goodfamily dogs.
Czech/SlovakWorking Line
This line was alsoproduced for border patrol work in communist Czechoslovakia. Some of the dogs within these bloodlines havesolid working drives that are intense and agile. They are usually more slender and more streamlinedthan DDR dogs. They range in color frombi-color to sable.
Czech dogs became more commonin America in the late 1990s. At thattime, many of these dogs had bad hips and poor temperaments. They were definitely harder to control. However, within the last 20 years theirdrives have improved, they are more social, and have a greater trainabilitythan previous years. Their hips haveimproved as well. A good, contemporaryCzech shepherd possesses a nice balance in prey and defense.
Be informed about whatline of German Shepherd will best meet your needs. If you want a laid-back dog, do not get aworking-line Shepherd. Probably anAmerican line or West German line would be best for you. If you’re wanting a working dog for policework, Schutzhund, security, or personal protection, you’ll definitely need topurchase from a working line. If youwant a stable temperament, the German and/or Czech working line is your bestbet. If you are concerned about overallhealth, stay away from show lines.
Admittedly, there will bethose who disagree with this article.Our attempt is not to be offensive but rather to help sort through themalaise of misinformation and ignorance concerning the German Shepherd Dog.
Also, we have very soliddogs available. We pride ourselves onbreeding stable temperaments, neither shy nor aggressive. We have dogs for family pets and others tofulfill working capacities – law enforcement, sport, security, SAR, HRD, andmore. Check our For Sale page to seeavailability.
