What Are Straight Back German Shepherds and How Do They Compare

Straight back German Shepherds are a variation of the breed that stands out from the traditional sloping back of the German Shepherd. They have a more upright posture, with a straighter topline from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.

This unique characteristic is due to a genetic variation that affects the development of the spine. The result is a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from other German Shepherds.

Straight back German Shepherds are often referred to as "European-style" or "old-style" German Shepherds, as they are reminiscent of the breed's original appearance in the early 20th century.

Worth a look: Old Style German Shepherd Dogs

The German Shepherd is a breed with a rich history, and one of its original types is the straight back German Shepherd.

This breed type was established by the German grandfather of the breed, who aimed to create a dog that resembled the wolf in appearance.

Their back forms a straight line, which is a distinctive characteristic of this breed type.

They're often referred to as "old fashioned" because of their traditional appearance and breeding lines.

Working lines of German Shepherds have been bred to resemble the original straight back type.

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The German Shepherd breed has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. Max von Stephanitz is often referred to as the father of the German Shepherd breed.

He sought to improve the breed's wolf-like characteristics and work ethic.

In 1923, von Stephanitz wrote a book that described the breed's back as being "straight and powerful." This was a crucial aspect of the breed's standard at the time.

The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908, but it wasn't until 1923 that the breed's standard was formally documented.

For another approach, see: Problems with German Shepherds Back Legs

Max von Stephanitz is often called the father of the German Shepherd breed, and he sought to improve the breed's wolf-like characteristics and work ethic. He created the German Shepherd to herd and protect sheep in Germany.

The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908, a few years before Max von Stephanitz's book on the breed was published.

Max von Stephanitz wrote a book in 1923 that describes the breed's back as being "straight and powerful." He believed that a curving spine would diminish the breed's speed and endurance, handicapping the dogs affected.

The original breed standard supported a straight back, and this was also described in various other books at the time.

Most straight-backed lines of German Shepherds are still used as working dogs today.

The German Shepherd is a breed with a rich history. German Shepherds with straight backs are the original breed type, resembling the wolf in appearance.

They're a classic breed, with a grandfather in Germany establishing the straight-backed type. Working lines have been bred to resemble this original type ever since.

German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and loyalty.

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There are three types of straight back German Shepherds: East European Working Line, West Working Line, and Czech Working Line. These types all originated from the same roots and have distinct physical characteristics shaped by their specific breeding goals.

The East European Working Line German Shepherds have a strong emphasis on working ability and athleticism, which is reflected in their muscular build and agile movement.

The West Working Line German Shepherds, on the other hand, have a more refined and elegant appearance, with a focus on intelligence and trainability.

Czech Working Line German Shepherds are known for their high energy levels and strong prey drive, making them well-suited for active families or hunters.

The AKC breed standard explicitly mentions a "straight back" as a key characteristic of the German Shepherd breed.

Studies have proven the health benefits of a straight back in German Shepherds, making them a preferred choice for many breeders and owners.

The grandfather of the breed, Max von Stephanitz, heavily advocated for a straight back when creating the breed, and many experts still follow his lead today.

Here's a comparison of the three types of straight back German Shepherds:

The differences in conformation between these types can affect the posture and movement of the dog, making a straight back a crucial aspect of the breed.

German Shepherds have been a popular breed for many years, but they're not without controversy. German Shepherds were bred with straight backs to be active, agile, and healthy helpers on farms and for various activities.

The straight back German Shepherd is usually considered superior to the sloped back type as it affects their posture and movement. Studies prove the health benefits of straight backs, making them a better choice for dog owners who want a healthy and long-lived companion.

Animal rescues, dog breed experts, and vets around the world prefer the straight back for just these health reasons. The AKC breed standard explicitly mentions the following in their breed standard: "The back is straight, very strongly developed without sag or roach, and relatively short."

This issue of soundness is not a simple difference of opinion, it is the fundamental issue of the breed's essential conformation and movement. Different conformations affect the posture and movement, making the straight back a more desirable trait.

Here are some common health issues associated with German Shepherds:

These conditions can be caused by genetics, overexercising, or overfeeding, making responsible breeding and care essential for a healthy German Shepherd.

The German Shepherd controversy is a complex issue, but at its core, it's about the health and well-being of these amazing dogs. A sloped or roach back in German Shepherds doesn't always mean they'll suffer from joint issues.

The owner of a German Shepherd that won at Crufts was criticized for the dog's back, but she claimed it wasn't a problem. It's essential to understand that a sloped back doesn't necessarily mean a dog is sick or suffering from joint issues.

Does a sloped back Shepherd always suffer joint diseases? No, definitely not. However, it's a risk factor that responsible breeders should take into consideration.

The risk of joint issues in German Shepherds is real, but it's not a guarantee. Breeding with other healthy breeds, like Huskies, may not necessarily eliminate the risk of bad hips.

German Shepherds are prone to a few health problems, despite their status as a working breed. Inbreeding during the breed's early development has contributed to these issues.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are relatively common conditions that occur when the hip or elbow joint doesn't line up correctly. This problem often starts during puppyhood when the dog is growing, and can lead to arthritis-like symptoms before the dog is 4 years old.

Studies prove that a straight back can provide health benefits for German Shepherds. Max von Stephanitz, the grandfather of the breed, heavily advocated for a straight back when creating the breed.

Overexercising, especially when a puppy is growing, can cause hip dysplasia. Overfeeding puppies can also contribute to this condition, as it can cause the hip to grow faster in some places than others, leading to an improper fit.

German Shepherds may also be prone to bloat, a condition that requires emergency surgery. The bloated stomach can put pressure on surrounding tissue, cutting off blood flow and causing it to die.

Animal rescues, dog breed experts, and vets around the world prefer the straight back for health reasons. The Kennel Club agrees that the lack of soundness in hindquarters is a major threat to the breed's reputation and interest.

Here are some health-related facts to keep in mind:

If you're looking for a straight back German Shepherd puppy, a reputable breeder is your best bet. They will be more likely to breed dogs with the traditional straight back.

In many regions, the sloped back is widespread, but you can still find breeders who want to stay true to the original dog breed. I've heard that in some areas, it might be a tad more difficult to find a breeder with a straight back German Shepherd.

German working lines are not immune to hip issues, so it's essential to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes health testing. Even if you're not looking for a working dog, they've been bred that way for a reason.

A straight back German Shepherd is more likely to have a far higher quality of life compared to one with a sloped back. I agree with the sentiment that a weird stance and gait are not desirable.

Some breeders may prioritize champion titles over a dog's health and well-being, so it's crucial to ask the right questions to find a responsible breeder. I find it questionable that the sloped back is considered superior, especially when it affects a dog's quality of life.

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