German Shepherd Dachshund Mix
This German Shepherd and Daschund mix is more suitable for apartment owners.
On average, this Shepherd mix can grow up to 15-22inches/38-56cm and weigh between 25-45lbs/11-21lbs. Many people mention that tkhe Dachshund Shepherd looks like a mini German Shepherd, just with a longer body.
Like its Dachshund parent, it can be prone to health issues due to its short physique. Also, this mix tends to be quite rare.
Because of this, its difficult to detect what health problems and personality traits it will inherit exactly. Its predicted that this dog will most likely be a lap dog but have some energetic nature of the German Shepherd.
East German Working Line Dogs
If the Czech German Shepherds were the result of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia, then the East German Shepherds came about as a result of World War II right after West Germany was separated from East Germany because of the Berlin Wall. As trade outside East Germany ceased, the East German working line was preserved.East German dogs were bred for strength and athleticism, with straight top lines and large, strong heads. If the dog is completely free of hip dysplasia, it can be bred. The government has incredibly high standards when it comes to breeding these dogs. It has taken full control of this dog breed and prevents the gene pool from being altered by outside influences to ensure that all dogs are free of health problems. East German Working Line Sheepdogs are incredibly strong and powerful. Physical tests require them to jump up to six feet, balance on a narrow beam pass tracking tests, and search blinds. In addition, each puppy is tested before being sold to ensure there are no health issues. They can endure very bad weather for a long period of time. Because of their breeding history, GDR dogs were used to actively guard the 850-mile East German border and the 100-mile Berlin Wall. These dogs served as guard dogs, sniffer dogs, and attack dogs.
Sheprador: German Shepherd And Labrador Mix
The Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd mix is also known as the Sheprador and is quite the active hybrid.
Due to both parents energetic nature, a one-hour walk a day wont suffice instead, they will need an intense run. As both parents were bred to be working dogs and retrieve waterfowl, this breed will likely love water, so make sure they have playtimes in a lake or the sea, if possible.
The appearance of the hybrid tends to be similar to its Labrador Retriever parent, having either golden, black, or brown hues.
Similarly, as both parents tend to be moderate to heavy shedders, this German Shepherd mix is not suitable to own if you suffer from a lot of allergies. Finally, this breed tends to be medium to large, weighing up to 90lbs/41kg and growing up to 26inches/66cm.
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West German Show Line German Shepherd Dog
The West German Shepherd is the opposite of the East German Shepherd and is said to be the most closely related breed line to Max von Stephanitz’s original dog.
West German Shepherds are available in both show and working lines, but show lines are the most popular because their appearance is regarded the breed standard. Their backs are more slanted than an East German Shepherd’s, and they aren’t as physically robust, yet they can still hold their own in comparison.
Photo source: Vom Ragnar
If you compare a West German Show Line German Shepherd, to the American Show Line, you will notice that West German Line are not lazy as their American peers. They are better house protectors, and they are more excited about training and hard work.
As American Show Line, the West German Show Line is also a great choice for first-time German Shepherd or dog owners. This GSD type is an excellent family dog.
They are loyal, very protective, and love to be always in good company. No matter how big and scary they look, they are friendly, especially with the children, but you should never leave alone your kids with your German Shepherd until they are big enough to understand whats dog really is.
The recommended activity time for West German Shepherd is around 60 minutes per day . If you dont treat them properly, they can become destroying machines and depressed. Make sure that you every day tire your German Shepherd. A tired dog is a healthy and good dog.
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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Getting A German Shepherd
Getting a German Shepherd is simple, but its important to be prepared. If youre buying a German Shepherd puppy, youll spend plenty of time discouraging biting and barking, socializing the puppy to other people and dogs, and teaching important skills like sleeping through the night and going to the bathroom outside.
Finding a German Shepherd puppy or adult dog can be as easy as an internet search, but be careful of puppy mills and internet scams. Do your research and ask around for a reputable breeder, visit before committing to payment, and trust your gut.
East German Ddr Working Line German Shepherds
East German DDR Working lines share many common characteristics with the West German lines. They share much of the same history as well. They were bred and tailored particularly for their extremely heightened desire to work, along with their quick ability to guard.
Because of their prey drive instinct, monitoring them around other animals and small children can help to avoid primal triggers. That doesnt mean that every dog in the line is as prey-driven. Some are incredibly docile and sweet, never hurting a fly. However, because of their working roots, it is something to watch for as a responsible owner.
They have incredible focus and endurance, suiting them perfectly for physically and mentally stimulating roles. Like their West brothers and sisters, East German DDRs have sable coloring, though most are darker and sometimes even black.
- German Shepherd puppies have a different diet get them what they need!
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West German Working Lines
This German Shepherd type is the closest representation of the dogs produced by Max von Stephanitz.
Their main focus is on strong working drives, stable temperament, and excellent working ability.
They will excel at a variety of different sports and also real working jobs like search and rescue, guarding, or protecting.
Although this type has a strong work drive, it knows how to settle down when needed and will make a fantastic pet for an active family.
/european Show Line German Shepherds
The last types of german shepherds are European Showline Shepherds or as others know it as the west german show line are shorter and stockier than their American counterparts. These types of shepherds also have more masculine heads and richer colouring. Red and black is the most common colouring. Black, sable, and others are allowed in the standard, but not white.
Contrary to American lines, the European Shepherd has a stronger emphasis on temperament and ability when it comes to showing and breeding. The goal of the SV is To create a very high level of serviceability. Thus, there are high standards and regulations regarding health, conformation, and temperament in Europe that a German ShepherdDog must meet in order to be allowed to breed. Those three categories all work together in contributing toward a dogs serviceability each is thus of equal importance and a dog is inhibited if lacking in any.
Because of these high standards, the average European Showline shepherd is superior to the average American Showline shepherd in all regards. To learn about what a European Showline Shepherds temperament is like, go to our FAQ HERE and read our answer to the question, What is the temperament of your European German Shepherd dogs?
European Show Line German Shepherds
European Show Line German Shepherds price
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Working And Show Lines Of German Shepherds
In addition to the length of their coat and its coloring, the German Shepherd is also sometimes categorized by its body type. This body can be more or less stylized, tending to be more or less muscular. The more muscular the dogs are considered to be working lines and the less muscular are show lines. They are not officially different types of German Shepherd dogs, but they do exhibit small differences.
Focusing on working dog lines, they tend to have larger muscle mass and a more structured body. This means they are more commonly used by police or security forces. There are differing opinions on whether temperament differs between working and show breeds. While both types will require training and education, some believe working dog lines can tend to be more aggressive and better suited for security. Conversely, show dogs are thought to have a more docile temperament.
Whether a working or show dog, German Shepherds are not ideal dogs for first-time owners. These dogs need a lot of attention, proper socialization and careful training. Without it, they are prone to behavioral disorders. They can be wonderful and loving companion animals, but their need for attention and structure does not suit every temperament.
Not all types of German Shepherd are show dogs, but even within this category there are variations. Show dogs can be either:
- West German working lines
- East German working lines
- Czech working lines
The American Show Line German
The American Show Line German Shepherd or the Canadian Shepherds comes in caramel and tan colors with a black area around their back. At first glance, you will notice that it is an American GSD not just from its color but also because of its size.
As adults, males can grow to a maximum of 26-inches at their shoulders, while females can reach up to 24-inches.
They have a larger build. Their muzzles and heads are shorter. They have a more sloping gait. They have thicker chests and underbellies. The American German Shepherds are the most common among all types of German Shepherds. They are also the most altered mainly due to backyard breeding. This type comes in many combinations of bloodlines.
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German Shepherd Breed Types: Which Is Right For You
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All 5 of the German Shepherd breed types are sought after across the globe depending on the needs of future owners.
It’s essential to research each breed type thoroughly before making your final choice.
It wasnt by chance that the German Shepherd has become one of the most sought after breeds in the world.
But tracing its roots back to 1899 how is it possible that such a young breed dating back just over 100 years has become the second most popular breed worldwide?
The answer to this lies in the versatility of the breed. Highly intelligent, devoted, dependable, and a work ethic second to none.
These are just some of the traits that have catapulted this breed to virtual stardom.
Their loyalty, guardian instinct, sound nerves, and easy-going nature make German Shepherds great companions.
Over the years distinct types of German Shepherds have developed.
Each with their own unique traits, each suitable for its specific purpose and each one a German Shepherd in its own right.
Meet the 5 German Shepherd Breed Types
West German Show Lines
This line of German Shepherd has a reputation for being handsome! They have the kind of look that requires a second take!
Although also bred for their beauty, this German Shepherd type is not just a pretty face.
SV rules govern this breed. This requires a working title and health clearance for hips and elbows before passing on their genes.
They make outstanding protectors and family pets. And they are by no means lazy, they need plenty of exercise, training, and socialization.
Learn from an expert breeder about German Shepherd show lines, bloodlines, and breeding.
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The Pastoral Breed Group
The Pastoral Group consists of herding dogs that are associated with working cattle, sheep, reindeer and other cloven footed animals.
Usually this type of dog has a weatherproof double coat to protect it from the elements when working in severe conditions. Breeds such as the Collie family, Old English Sheepdogs and Samoyeds who have been herding reindeer for centuries are but a few included in this group.
Breed Divergence In German Shepherd Dogs
The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They have been bred since the 19th century and have had a significant impact on the development of domestic dogs worldwide.
German Shepherds , as the name implies, were initially bred to be work dogs. Farmers in Germany needed extra hands to help manage their animals, and they quickly realized that the dogs were fantastic at doing this. Its part of their natural duty. As a result, German Shepherds were bred to be strong, smart, loyal, and intelligent.
As time went on, the breed began to spread. People began to notice how stunningly attractive these dogs were, in addition to the fantastic amount of strength they carried and their impressive loyalty and intelligence. People wanted to start breeding them to expand upon the more appealing traits for those who enjoy keeping domestic animals.
Over the next century and a half, the breed diverged. As they spread out of Germany, across Europe, and into other countries, breeders were not always able to exclusively mate German Shepherds with other German Shepherds. This led to the creation of lots of other new dog breeds.
Nowadays, you can find German Shepherds that are bred to be pets, those that are bred to be working dogs, and even those that are meant to be a hybrid of both. For example, some people keep pets that also protect them as guard dogs or help them as service animals.
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What Are The Other Names Of Shepherd Dogs
Due to their skills, the most common name for a shepherd dog is herding dog. Other names include stock dog or working dog. As these terms suggest, shepherd dogs are trained to control the movement of livestock.
They are trained not to see these animals as prey and, at the same time, maintain their hunting skills.
West German Working Line Dogs
These dogs are often what people think of when they hear about police dogs or serious working dogs, as theyre often used in movies depicting dogs of a similar nature. They are closest to the original breed that was bred and developed by Max von Stephanitz, who is acknowledged as the first breeder of Shepherds. He set the standards for the Club for German Shepherd Dogs Inc. and was the president of it for quite a while.
These dogs are fantastic workers. They are bred to be highly capable and to be able to handle stressful situations for extended periods of time. They must be extremely intelligent so they can handle the immense learning processes that are involved in the lines of work that dogs are used for, especially for police and detective work where people’s lives might be at stake.
The guidelines in place for West German Shepherds are not as strict in terms of health, so these dogs might be a bit more prone to developing health problems.
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/american Show Line German Shepherds
The most interesting types of german shepherds are The American German Shepherds This type is the most seen Shepherds in the U.S. and Canada. These types of shepherd dogs are the most different of all the Shepherd variations. Since they are a combination of many bloodlines, you may notice that an American Shepherd is more substantial in build and their heads and muzzles are shorter.
American show line German Shepherds are most generally black and tan than the other german shepherd breed types, though, with specific breeding, they can be a variety of colours. They are generally lighter and have more of a sloping gait and longer hocks than their European relatives. Their underbellies are thicker, as are their chest portions.
Because of the backyard breeding problem among Shepherds in America, many of these German Shepherd Breed Types are passed off as champions but are muddied down. So, if you want a show-quality Shepherd, be sure to do your homework. Proven bloodlines are a must to ensure good temperament and quality.
Backyard breeding has led to these guys getting quite a bad rap. You may see people selling shepherds claiming strong champion bloodlines, but these may not be authentic. While people may not breed these dogs to be irresponsible, it leads to many undesirable traits, such as nervousness, aggression, and various health issues.
American Show Line German Shepherds
American Show Line German Shepherds Price
Types Of German Shepherds: A Guide To Dog Breed Variations
Sam Shephard is an experienced German Shepherd owner and has learned throughout the years how to optimize the breed’s health and wellness.
This article will take a look at the many different breed variations of German Shepherds, particularly along show and working lines.
You have probably noticed during your research about this breed that there are many different types of German Shepherd dogs . Unlike some breeds that seem to have a very homogeneous body style, coloration, and personality amongst their purebred set, purebred German Shepherds come in many different sizes, colors, coloration patterns, and body styles.
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