10 Most Different Types of German Shepherd Breeds

Introduction:

German Shepherds are one of the finest breeds due to their intellect, devotion, and diversity. They are also seen as one of the most desired dog breeds in the world. While most people may only picture the general German shepherd, in truth, there, are actually subtypes of shepherd breeds, within the general German shepherd label, which differ in various aspects and features. In this practical guide, ‘10 Best Different Types of German Shepherd Breeds,’ we will look at the ‘10 best,’ explain their history, external characteristics, behavior and where each of them fits in. Whether you are intending to be an owner, a lover of the breed or simply interested in the Article on these great canines, this Web will offer you a glimpse of German shepherd breeds.

1. Standard German Shepherd

History and Origin

Among the different types one can talk of, the Standard German Shepherd is also referred to simply as the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) with” above the rest. Also, this type of German shepherd breed developed from the German Shepherds in the 19th century. It would also lie that this type was developed from a working dog mix styled by captain max Von itsten whom initially have it a knack of owning a strong working canine.

Appearance

German shepherds are medium to large dogs with muscular bodies. In an average household, one can expect them to be:

• Height: 22 to 26 inches (56 to 66 cm) at the shoulder
• Weight: 50 to 90 pounds (23 to 41 kg)
• Double coat: Outer coat is harsh while the undercoat is soft
• Colors: Black and tan, sable, and all black

Temperament and Personality

Standard German shepherds are loyal and intelligent breeds. They are known to be:

• Easier to train
• Family guardians
• Very self assured and brave
• Active, which means they need sufficient physical activity

Suitability

Standard German Shepherds can perform the most varied functions, among which are:

• work in the police and armed forces
• rescue services
• assistance for poor eyesight
• pets

2. East German Shepherd Dog (DDR)

History & Origin

The alsatian east german shepherd aka DDR german shepherd, originated in East Germany after World War II. These types of dogs were designed for military and border security purposes and therefore fitness and power were the most sought after.

Overview and Appearance

East German Shepherds are characterized with stout and unique features:

• The shoulder absence
• Weight 60 to 95 pounds
• Larger heads and thicker bones than standard GSDs
• They have more dark pigmentation and are usually black in color

Behavioral Characteristics

East German Shepherds can be described as:

• Work-oriented and highly concentrating
• Reserved and straightforward
• Very active and alert
• Excellent power and endurance.

Suitability

These German shepherd breeds are effective in:

• Law enforcement agency and army
• Bodyguarding
• Schutzhund & other sports/activities
• People who have the time and the ability to exercise and stimulate other German Shepherd lines

3. West German Show Line

History and Origin

The West German Show Line German Shepherd is another type that appeared in the West Germany post WWII but this time, there was more concentration about adherence to canine breed uniform for the dog shows while keeping the work ability.

Physical Characteristics

It is worth mentioning that West German Show line German Shepherd exhibits the typical feature:

• Height: 56-66 cm (22-26 inches) in the shoulder
• Weight: 23-41 kg (50-90 pounds)
• Show almost always angulated rear legs than working ones
• Black-red. yes, that’s rich red.

Temperament and personality

These German Shepherd breed(s) are most often characterized by the following:

• Reasonable in behavioral stability
• Good with families and children
• Will work occasionally
• Potential is present for learning and I.Q.

Suitability

West german show line german shepherds can be posed for:

• Conformation shows
• Family acceptance
• Obedience and agility
• Therapeutic activities

4. West German Working Line

History and Origin

The West German Working Line German Shepherd is an ameliorated version of a German shepherd bred for work rather than appearance.

Physical Characteristics

These particular lines of German Shepherds tend to be more utilitarian in structure:

• Shoulder height measures 22 to 26 inches (56 to 66 cm) ð
• Weight varies here too from 25 to 43 kg (55 to 95 pounds)
• Straight backed with moderate angulation
• Sable, black and tan, solid black, and other variants.

Temperament and Personality

West German Working Line German Shepherds are characterized by:

• Great amounts of energy
• A strong drive to work
• High trainability
• Brave and expressive courage

Suitability

These dogs have skills in:

• Police and military service
• Rescue operations
• Dog sports (Schutzhund, IPO)
• Families with active lifestyle who is able to make sure plenty of physical and brain activities are provided

5. Czech German Shepherd

History and Origin

Sometimes referred to as a Czechoslovakian Shepherd Breed, Czech German Shepherds were bred in Czechoslovakia for the purpose of undertaking border security duties during the time of Communism

Physical Characteristics

The Czech German Shepherd has an athletic body structure. One common feature:

• Height: 56–66 cm (22–26 in) at the withers.
• Weight: 25-41 kg (55-90 pounds).
• Has straight back and strong bones.
• Many of the dogs are solid black or sable and usually have darker pigmentation.

Temperament and Personality

This German Shepherd breeds can be found to have:

• High prey drive
• ncredible work values
• Strong-willed and assertive
• Drives the focus to achieve the desired goals against all odds.

Suitability

This type of shepherd is suitable for service in:

• law enforcement or military structures
• guarding individuals
• skilled athletes in competitions involving dogs
• Dog owners capable of providing the dog with an adequate amount of physical exercise and obedience training regularly.

6. American Show Line

History and Origin

The American Show Line German Shepherd has its origin in the USA with some alteration to its external show ring to focus on the dogs’ appearance that really did not have such working abilities.

Physical Characteristics

American Show Line German Shepherds possess an entirely different presence as regards their:

• Height: 55-66 cm (22-26 inches)
• Weight: range 23-41 kg (50-90lbs)
• Ms. slope back and very pronounced rear angulation
• Most of the time, they are black and tan or black and red colors

Temperament and Personality

These German Shepherd breeds typically have:

• Other breeding lines show more activity than these animals have Calmness
• Family oriented, good with children
• Sensible and standard energy levels
• Intelligence levels and ability to be taught skills

Suitability

American Show Line German Shepherds are quite ideal for:

• Conformation shows held in the United States
• Family dogs
• Participating competitively in obedience as well as agility events
• Less active work positions

7. King Shepherd

History and Origin

King shepherd is a new breed in the US that emerged in the 1990s and actively registered in American Kennel Club in November 2003. For this breed, especially, German shepherds were used due to their sociable temperament other giant breeds Malamute and Great Pyrenees were crossed with gs to improve diversity.

Physical Characteristics

Unlike standard German Shepherds, King Shepherds are bigger:

• The height of King shepherd: 63 to 74cm to the shoulder
• The King Shepherd Weight: 34-68 Kg
• The fur is thicker and longer in length
• Also comes in various colors such as sable, black and tan or brown, black other solid colors

Temperament and Personality

Characteristics of King shepherds also include:

• Gentle and patient nature
• Protective
• Intelligent and easy to train
• Gentle with kids and pets

Suitability

These types of German Shepherds can be utilized as:

• Family dogs
• Assistive or therapy dogs
• Dogs used for basic protection
• People who rather own a more delicate giant version of a German shepherd

8. Shiloh shepherd

History and origin

The creation of the Shiloh Shepherd took place in the 1970s under the guidance of Tina Barber who wanted to make a big and a kind German Shepherd which has less health problems.

Physical Characteristics

Shiloh shepherds, apart from the yorkshire terrier, standard german shepherds are of a larger size.

• Height: from 26 to 30 inches63-76 cm in the shoulder
• Weight: 80 to 130 pounds 36-59 kg.
• Plush or smooth double coated
• Different colors sable, black and tan, and solid black.

Temperament and Personality

The shiloh shepherds are a breed described by:

• Quite and gentle behavior
• Devotion to the family
• Average hounds breed and training capability
• Very child friendly and great with other pets

Suitability

Owing to their parentage, these German shepherd breeds are ideal for:

• Companion to families
• Therapy and service work
• Light guarding and watchdog duties
• Those searching for a relatively still, closer to a german shepherd type, noisy dog

9. White German Shepherd

History and Origin

The white german shepard (also termed as white shepherd or berger blanc suisse) is also related to the white shepherd in that the early develop was from one of the hereditary threat the standard germab subspecies.

Physical characteristics

The White German Shepherd is more or less of the same stature as the ordinary German shepherds:

• Height: 22-26 inches (56-66 cm) at the withers
• Weight: 50-90 pounds (23-41 kg)
• Pure white double coat
• Less pronounced stop region and overall head structure as compared to an average German Shepherd.

Temperament and Personality

Though these German Shepherd breeds relate to distinct individuals, generally they display the following:

• Calm and affectionate temperament
• High intellect and ability to be trained
• Close attachment to their family relations
• Nice with kids and other animals

Suitability

There are a number of choices where White German Shepherds can be considered:

• Pets
• Assistance or help animals
• Participation in obedience and other activities
• Owners wishing a less aggressive and more friendly type of a German Shepherd

10. Sable German Shepherd

History and Origin

The Sable colored German Shepherd is not a different breed but a genetically persistent coloration of a General American breed. Sable is one of the original colors of the breed at the time it was developed.

Physical Characteristics

The sable German shepherd is physically similar to any standard German shepherd:

• Height: 22-26 inches (56-66 cm) at withers
• Weight: 50-90 pounds (23-41 kg)
• Unique sable coat with individual hair patterns that are multi-colored
• It can vary from sable to dark sable

Temperament and Personality

Sable German shepherds possess the same characteristics as a standard German shepherd dog:

• Quick learners and ability to learn new tasks
• Faithful and good protectors
• Self-assured and brave
• Very active dogs

Suitability

These breeds of German shepherds can serve in various positions such as:

• In military and police forces
• For search and rescue missions
• As family pets
• In active sports with dogs

FAQ Section

Q1: Are German Shepherd breeds from this article recognized when registered by the kennel club?

No, not all the german shepherd breeds in this article are registered in major kennel clubs. Standard german shepherds, west german show line and american show line have been widely accepted. Such breeds that include king shepherd and shiloh shepherds are accepted in the minor associations.

Q2: In your opinion which German shepherd breed is best for kids?

West German Show Line, American Show Line, King Shepherd and Shiloh Shepherd are said to be some of the best breeds in populations with children as they are generally more calm.

Q3: Are there health differences in this different types of German shepherd breeds?

Yes, such health differences may exist. Working lines of shepherds appear to suffer from lesser conditions dealing with hips and joints than the show lines do. Breeds such as the King Shepherd and Shiloh Shepherd, have been created to mitigate those health challenges that are usually experienced.

Q4: Wise While Choosing a Right Type of German shepherd for first time owner which type is best?

West German Show Line or American Show Line German Shepherds are generally the type of Dog saddled with first time owners recommendations as they tend to have more stable natures with moderate activity levels.

Q5: Do all types of German shepherds shed a lot?

Yes, all the breeds of German shepherds are prone to shedding. The Dogs usually have a double coat that typically sheds all year round, but more shed during two specific heavy shedding seasons in a year.

Conclusion

In the realm of the German Shepherd breeds, it is rich and broad, offering the best to satisfy every individual’s lifestyle, preferences, or needs. From the subjective classic styles such as the Standard German Shepherd and other ‘newer’ developments like the King Shepherd & Shiloh shepherds among others each type adds his unique flavour to the family. No matter whether you need a working or a show dog or just another member for the family then it is highly probable that there will be an ideal type of the German Shepherd to match these needs.

It is imperative to note that even if one prefers a German Shepherd of a particular breed, it will not change the fact that every one of them needs training, socialization and physical exercises. Consideration of ones lifestyle and the requirement of each breed should be done and at the right time to avoid making decisions out of impulse. These German Shepherd breeds will fit well and prove to be incredibly sweet pets and companions in the right hands.

In our case, by looking at “10 Best Different Types of German Shepherd Breeds,” we understand how the fanfare around the periodic book has not diminished, and how the fundamental aspects of the Shepherd maintain intact, translates from one generation to another even as new forms get adopted.

External Resources

American Kennel Club – Informationen zur Rasse Deutscher Schäferhund: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog/

United Schutzhund Clubs of America – German Shepherds Working Line: 

The White Shepherd Dog Club of America:

The King Shepherd Club of America:

International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club: 

I would like to reinstate that the above-cited links are for informational purposes as I cannot be able to fetch information on their current validity. When looking for information related to dog breeds, it is advisable that the material used should come from multiple sources.