Types of German Shepherd Dogs
by Sue on August 6, 2009
in Articles About German Shepherd Dogs
If you’re not a big German Shepherd breed expert, you may think a German Shepherd is a German Shepherd. But there are actually three breed lines of German Shepherd.
In speaking of “German Shepherd” dogs, we’re talking about the black and tan, short-coated dogs with short coats and pointed ears, that are commonly used in the police and military, as well as by people needing a good service dog for guiding or other assistance. Within that main breed of German Shepherds, you will find the international working lines, international show lines, and North American show lines.
International working lines of German Shepherds are not bred for showing, which means that they are not bred so much for appearance, as for their ability to work and perform tasks. These lines are bred for intelligence, obedience and temperament, which are the three most important traits in a working dog. These are the dogs that commonly work in military or police units or as service dogs.
International show lines are bred for appearance, and are bred to meet show standards. These standards can be very strict, and German Shepherds have been bred to these standards for many years. Thus, dogs bred for the international show lines all tend to look very similar to each other, though their markings and appearance do vary by dog, of course.
North American show lines are also bred for appearance, and also bred for shows, but they have a different appearance than the international show dogs, because the standards are different. North American show German Shepherds are bred for sloped backs and sharp angulation of the hock joint, which are very different from the international standards.
Obviously, if you are planning to buy a puppy for showing, you will want to work with a breeder who breeds German Shepherds in the show line in your region, either international or North American. You will want to talk with the breeder about your show experience and plans, so that they can help you choose the best pup for your needs, and the most likely to be a good show dog.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a companion animal or a working dog, your best choice would be to work with a breeder who breeds the international working line, because these dogs are more likely to have the temperament, intelligence and willingness to obey that you want in a pet. While show dogs have all these qualities, working dogs are bred more for these qualities than for appearance, so they are more suited to working and companion situations.
If you have a pet German Shepherd, you may be able to find out from a local breed club which line he probably belongs to. The important thing about your pet, though, is that he’s your companion and you love him and he loves you, so it doesn’t matter so much what “type” of German Shepherd he is. This is more important in choosing a puppy for a particular role in your life.
Where can I find a German Shepherd puppy for a reasonable price?
by Sue on July 4, 2009
in Questions About German Shepherd Dogs
I am doing a favor for my cousin's girlfriend. How I got roped into this, I have no clue, but now she is relying on me to get him a puppy for Valentines day. He either wants a German Shepherd or a Husky puppy.
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Where can I find German Shepherd breeders in southern Mississippi?
by Sue on July 4, 2009
in Questions About German Shepherd Dogs
We're new to southern Miss and we've been looking for a German Shepherd. Obviously, the cheaper, the better. Thanks.
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Chocolate Labrador Puppy chasing 2 German Shepherds
by Sue on July 3, 2009
in Videos About German Shepherd Dogs
A Chocolate Lab puppy with my 2 German Shepherds. She was just visiting. ... Chocolate Lab Labrador German Shepherd
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How do you teach a German Shepherd puppy, the “German Shepherd stance”?
by Sue on July 3, 2009
in Questions About German Shepherd Dogs
I have a German Shepherd pup(who by the way does great in her crate now, thanks to all that helped), and I was wondering if the notorious GSD stance could be taught or is it something that just comes naturally to them? I see pictures of pups that are weeks old already doing that stance. How can I have my pup stand like that sometimes? If they are taught, how can I teach mine?
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Can a German Shepherd live outside in the backyard?
by Sue on July 3, 2009
in Questions About German Shepherd Dogs
Well, i really want a German Shepherd and my father wants one too. My mother is afraid of dogs so it can't ever go inside. So, it has to stay outside in the backyard. I'm planning on getting an adult one. Also, i'm going to have to go to school for 8hrs. So it also has to stay by itself at home until i come back. My father also wants a dog that can protect the house from any unwanted intruders.
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What fruits and vegetables should you feed German Shepherd?
by Sue on July 3, 2009
in Questions About German Shepherd Dogs
I am planning to get a German Shepherd soon, and this is part of my research. I would like to have him on a vegetarian diet.(eggs are okay).
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How do you get rid of german shepherd odor?
by Sue on July 3, 2009
in Questions About German Shepherd Dogs
Our one year old german shepherd has a really bad odor. It smells like he's been rolling around in **** all day. It's coming from his coat. It stays on your hands after you pet him too. Is there anything we can do to get him smelling better??? Correction: he's 2 years old now.
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How long does a German Shepherd dog teethe?
by Sue on July 3, 2009
in Questions About German Shepherd Dogs
i have a female German Shepherd dog about 18 months old, I would like to know if she should have all her teeth by now.
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how old does the average German Shepherd live to?
by Sue on July 3, 2009
in Questions About German Shepherd Dogs
Someone told me the average life span is 9 years old, i wanted to know because i have a German Shepherd, she just turned 9. So does anyone have a German Shepherd that is older than that and if so how old?
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