Types of German Shepherd Dogs Breeds: A Comprehensive Guide

German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in the world, and for good reason - they're intelligent, loyal, and loving companions. With their striking coats and athletic builds, it's no wonder why many people fall in love with this breed.

There are several types of German Shepherd dogs breeds, each with its own unique characteristics and traits. These include the German Shepherd, the East German Shepherd, the West German Shepherd, and the Czech German Shepherd.

The German Shepherd breed is known for its high intelligence and trainability, making them a popular choice for police and military work. They're also highly versatile, exceling in roles such as search and rescue, guiding the blind, and assisting people with disabilities.

One of the most striking differences between the various types of German Shepherds is their coat color and texture. The East German Shepherd, for example, has a distinctive black and tan coat with a thick undercoat, while the West German Shepherd has a more varied coat color and texture.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Bernese Mountain Dog Coat

There are several types of German Shepherd breeds, each with its unique characteristics. The West German Show Line German Shepherd is one of the most common types, with females averaging 23 to 25 inches in height and weighing 55 to 75 pounds.

The King Shepherd, often mistaken for a German Shepherd breed, is actually a cross between a German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and/or Great Pyrenees. They are significantly larger, with females averaging 25 to 27 inches in height and weighing 75 to 110 pounds.

Here are some key characteristics of the Czech German Shepherd dog:

The East German Shepherd is a high-energy breed that requires a lot of exercise and attention. They need at least 2 hours of daily exercise, not including walk time, which can be a challenge for some owners.

Their biting power is impressive, reaching up to 230 PSI, but it's essential to remember that this can sometimes cause serious damage. With proper training and care, however, they can be a loyal and loving companion.

Intriguing read: How Much Exercise Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Need

East German Shepherds are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye disorders. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify these issues early on.

If you're considering bringing an East German Shepherd into your family, be prepared for a significant investment – they can cost between $4,000 and $7,500. But for those who are willing to put in the time and effort, they can be a wonderful addition to any family.

Here are some key characteristics of the East German Shepherd breed:

The West German Shepherd is a medium to large-sized breed that originated in West Germany.

They typically weigh between 75-95 pounds and stand between 24-26 inches tall at the shoulder.

West German Shepherds are known for their high intelligence and trainability, making them a popular choice for police and military work.

Their coats are usually black and tan, although they can also come in other colors like black, white, and black and red.

West German Shepherds are generally loyal and protective of their families, but can be wary of strangers.

Take a look at this: West Highland White Terrier

The Czech German Shepherd is a highly driven breed that originated in the Czech Republic. They were bred to perform physically demanding tasks and have a straighter back and more athletic build than other German Shepherds.

Their breeding started in 1955 at a kennel run by the Czechoslovakian Army's Pohranicni Straze division. They were predominantly bred from DDR German Shepherds, which is why they share similarities in looks and temperament.

One of the most notable characteristics of the Czech German Shepherd is their high energy level, requiring at least 2-4 hours of exercise per day. They thrive on physical and mental stimulation, making them a great choice for active families or individuals who enjoy dog training and sports.

Here are some key characteristics of the Czech German Shepherd:

Despite their robust health, Czech German Shepherds can be susceptible to certain congenital diseases, including cataracts, skin allergies, food allergies, corneal dystrophy, bloat, hip dysplasia, aortic stenosis, cardiomyopathy, and osteochondrosis.

The American German Shepherd is a breed that's been shaped by its history and purpose.

Developed in the 1960s, this breed was created by breeding German Shepherds with other dogs to create a more robust and versatile working dog.

They were bred to be larger and more powerful than their European counterparts, with males weighing up to 95 pounds.

American German Shepherds are often used as police and military dogs due to their intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism.

The Canadian German Shepherd is a unique breed that originated in Canada. They are known for their intelligence and athleticism.

Their thick double coat is well-suited for the cold Canadian climate, with a coarse outer coat and a soft undercoat. This breed requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Canadian German Shepherds are often used as search and rescue dogs, thanks to their strong sense of smell and agility. They are highly trainable and thrive on mental and physical stimulation.

Their average weight is around 75-95 pounds, making them a medium to large-sized breed.

If this caught your attention, see: Yorkshire Terrier Coat Type

The German Shepherd breed has a rich history that dates back to 1889 when Captain Max von Stephanitz founded the breed by standardizing it. He was inspired by a dog named Hektor Linksrhein, a medium-sized yellow-and-gray wolflike dog that he purchased and renamed Horand von Grafrath.

This dog was a working sheepherder that required minimal training and possessed endurance, steadiness, and intelligence. Its primal canine type and supple power made it an ideal breed for von Stephanitz's vision.

The breed was first exhibited in America in 1907, with Mira von Offingen being shown by H. Dalrymple in the open class at Newcastle and Philadelphia. This marked the beginning of the breed's presence in the United States.

The first championships awarded to German Shepherd Dogs were in 1913, a significant milestone in the breed's history.

Discover more: Are German Shepherds Good for First Time Owners

German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, known for their ability to learn quickly and easily. They are often considered one of the top three most intelligent breeds.

German Shepherds are naturally protective of their families, making them excellent watchdogs. They are loyal and loving companions.

German Shepherds are high-energy dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or run is a must for this breed.

German Shepherds are renowned for their intelligence, a trait that has been bred into the breed. They ranked third for intelligence in Stanley Coren's book The Intelligence of Dogs.

They can learn simple tasks after just five repetitions, which is impressive. Their ability to obey the first command given 95% of the time makes them highly trainable.

Their intelligence, combined with their strength, makes them desirable for roles such as police, guard, and search and rescue dogs. They can quickly learn various tasks and interpret instructions better than other large breeds.

German Shepherds are highly active dogs, and described in breed standards as self-assured. They are naturally inclined to be curious, which makes them excellent guard dogs and suitable for search missions.

Their intelligence and eagerness to learn also make them highly trainable. They are not inclined to become immediate friends with strangers, especially if not socialised correctly.

German Shepherds can become over-protective of their family and territory, which is a trait that needs to be managed with proper socialization.

German Shepherds are highly versatile dogs, and their use in various roles is a testament to their incredible abilities. They're often chosen for police work, tracking criminals, patrolling troubled areas, and detection and holding of suspects.

Their keen sense of smell makes them perfect for scent-work roles, including search and rescue, cadaver searching, and narcotics detection. They can work regardless of distractions, making them invaluable in these situations.

German Shepherds have also been trained by military groups to parachute from aircraft, demonstrating their bravery and agility. They're suited for scout duty, warning soldiers to the presence of enemies or hazards.

In addition to their police and military work, German Shepherds are also used as guide dogs for the visually impaired, thanks to their strong sense of duty, mental abilities, and fearlessness. However, Labradors and Golden Retrievers have become more widely used for this work in recent years.

Their herding abilities are also impressive, with German Shepherds patrolling boundaries to keep sheep from trespassing and damaging crops. They excel in utility dog trials, known as HGH herding utility dog trials, where their skills are put to the test.

A different take: Black and White Herding Dog

The German Shepherd Dog's popularity has had its ups and downs over the years. It first gained international recognition at the decline of World War I, and by 1926, over 8,000 dogs were registered with the UK Kennel Club.

Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart, two famous animal actors, helped popularize the breed further. However, the breed's popularity declined in the late 1920s due to poor breeding practices, which led to defects in the offspring.

The breed's popularity increased again after the 1937 and 1938 Grand Victor, Sieger Pfeffer von Bern, became the top dog in American Kennel Club dog shows. However, it suffered another decline at the conclusion of World War II due to anti-German sentiment.

Today, the German Shepherd Dog is a beloved breed, and its popularity has increased steadily over the years. As of 2009, it was the second most popular breed in the US, and it's commonly used in athletic competitions like agility trials.

Despite its popularity, the breed has faced controversy regarding soundness in the show-strain breed. The Kennel Club has been embroiled in a dispute with German Shepherd breed clubs about the issue of soundness, with some critics describing the breed as "half dog, half frog".

On a similar theme: Bull Terrier Old vs New

The German Shepherd Dog's popularity has been a rollercoaster ride. The breed first gained international recognition after World War I, thanks to returning soldiers who spoke highly of the breed.

Fifty-four dogs were registered with the UK Kennel Club in 1919, but by 1926, this number had grown to over 8,000. The breed's popularity soared after the war, with animal actors Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart helping to popularize it further.

However, the breed suffered a decline in popularity in the late 1920s due to poor breeding practices. The first German Shepherd Dog registered in the United States, Queen of Switzerland, had offspring that suffered from defects, leading to a decline in popularity.

The breed's popularity increased again in the 1930s, thanks to the success of Sieger Pfeffer von Bern, who became the 1937 and 1938 Grand Victor in American Kennel club dog shows. However, the breed suffered another decline at the conclusion of World War II, due to anti-German sentiment.

By 1993, the German Shepherd Dog had become the third most popular breed in the United States, and by 2009, it had become the second most popular breed in the US. The breed's popularity has continued to grow, and it is now one of the most popular breeds in many registries.

The controversy surrounding the German Shepherd breed is quite heated. The Kennel Club has been at odds with German Shepherd breed clubs over the issue of soundness in the show-strain breed.

The main point of contention is the extremely sloping topline, or back, of the show-strain breed, which causes poor gait in the hind legs. This is in stark contrast to the traditional straight back of the breed found in working-pedigree lines.

Critics of the breed describe it as “half dog, half frog” due to its poor movement. An orthopedic vet even went on record saying that dogs in a show ring were “not normal”.

The Kennel Club is taking steps to address this issue by retraining judges to penalize dogs suffering from these problems. They're also pushing for more testing for hemophilia and hip dysplasia, other common problems with the breed.