Table of Contents
Introduction
German Shepherds are some of the most popular dogs in the world, and they come in a few different varieties. I had no idea when I started researching types of German shepherd dogs that was even a thing! It is, however, and people can be quite vehement about it!
While genetics, in my opinion, is not the whole story, they do play a role in character and temperament and certainly in health. There are 4 main types/lines of German Shepherd dogs. Each has been bred for different purposes. You might ask yourself, well I just want a pet so what does it matter? It matters! Some lines are very high drive and may not be content to just hang out.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure there is a German shepherd “couch potato out there somewhere! On the whole, though, this is a breed, whatever line, that will need exercise, time and training and you are asking for trouble if you don’t go into your search understanding that.
Your, oh so cute, 15 to 20-pound puppy will quickly become a 60 to 80-pound very strong adult with impressive teeth and a booming bark that will make any musical instruments you have lying around echo and vibrate. I have experience with that! Some lines are more appropriate for family pets than others.
Here is a breakdown of the various types of German Shepherd Dogs that you may encounter:
Show Line German Shepherds
The original type of German Shepherd was bred for herding livestock. They have an alert and loyal personality and are very intelligent. Over the years American show lines have been bred primarily for their looks. These are the German Shepherds with the slanting back that is so prized in American show lines. They tend to be a bit calmer, though still in need of exercise and training.
The main issue in American Show lines is they tend to have more health issues particularly hip and elbow problems which are genetic. To be fair, genetic testing is a fairly recent thing and many breeders may not have realized their breeding pair had an issue genetically. With any line of German Shepherd because of their breed’s fairly limited gene pool history make sure your breeder test for and can show you proof of genetic testing.
West German Show Lines
These German Shepherds are similar to American show lines but they generally are not as slanted or angulated in their backs and have fewer health issues than American show lines. They also have a stockier build and more square heads compared to the thinner heads of the American Show lines. They tend to have the saddle-back coloration most people associate with the German Shepherd.
East German and Czech Working Lines
Working line German Shepherds were bred for police and military work, these dogs have a higher energy level than show lines and need more exercise to keep them happy. They also tend to be more alert and focused on their task at hand. The Czech lines have darker more uniform coloration tending toward black, brown and grey, and smaller ears. They are quite athletic and high-energy and have straight backs
The East German working line is genetically very similar to the Czech line but they tend to have some angulation in their backs and more red in their coats. They are also generally not quite as high a drive as the Czech line but still higher than the American and German show dog lines. Both these lines have bred the characteristic that would allow them to do long shifts on border patrol and catch people trying to escape what was then the iron curtain.
Other Breeding Goals for German Shepherds
A newer variety of German shepherds is being bred for agility, obedience, and other canine sports. They are usually more athletic and energetic than the other lines of German Shepherds and are bred for the traits that make them excel in obedience, tracking and bite dog sports.
Pet line German Shepherds dogs are bred to be companion animals rather than working dogs. They tend to have a calmer demeanor which the breeder attempts to expand in their breeding program and may not require as much exercise or stimulation as the other types of German Shepherd Dogs. Not as much does not mean none, however.
No matter which type of German Shepherd Dog you choose, all of them are loyal and loving companions that will form a strong bond with their owners. With the right training and care, any variety of German Shepherd can make an excellent pet or working dog. But a high-drive dog will require more commitment to meeting their needs for exercise, training, socialization, and a job to do. If you don’t give a high drive dog a job to do they will make up one for themselves and it will likely involve destroying something you wish they wouldn’t.
Choosing A German Shepherd Puppy
When selecting a German Shepherd puppy, it is important to research the various lines and decide which one is the best fit for your lifestyle. Doing so will ensure that you get the most out of your relationship with your new pup and that they live a happy and healthy life!
In addition to researching different types of German Shepherds, potential owners should also research local breeders to make sure their puppy is coming from a responsible source. Responsible breeders should know the breed and be able to provide important information about their puppy’s parents, such as health test results. They can also direct you toward the puppy that better fits your needs as they have watched their characters develop with their littermates and dam.
Rescue organizations have 100’s if not thousands of purebred German Shepherds whose owners surrendered them because they were not prepared for the job it can be to have one of these intelligent, loyal, and courageous animals. Be sure you have considered carefully the commitment they take and are willing to provide for their needs for exercise and mental stimulation.
Jasper the GSD
Most of Jasper’s heritage is East German and Czech with a bit of West German thrown in. He is smart as a whip and can be stubborn as a mule but I am more stubborn! He’s not happy lying around, he loves to train, and he has made a wreck of my yard which is fine. It wasn’t that great, to begin with. He’s verbal to the point I think he is trying to talk to me sometimes! He is immensely loving and devoted and never met a person he didn’t like. He also has dog reactivity which we are working on and it’s only in those times because he is so loving with people, that I see the history of his line. I would not have wanted to be someone he was sent in the night to catch.
Conclusion
The best owner for a German Shepherd is someone fairly strong of will with some experience in dealing with large dogs who is active. I have the will but will admit at 65 keeping Jasper exercised is a challenge! It helps to have a 4-wheeler!
With proper research and care, a German Shepherd can make a wonderful addition to any family. Whether you want a loyal protector or an athletic agility dog, these beautiful animals can bring you joy for years to come! Just go into it with your eyes open. 🐶🐾
For Pros and Cons of German Shepherd dogs check my article here.
Resource: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog/
