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Family German Shepherds

TrueloveGSD
Metro Atlanta, GA
United States
admin@truelovegsd.com

American versus German lines

First of all the name of the breed is the German Shepherd Dog. Not the German Working Dog, German Police Dog, etc. The dog was bred to be a herding dog first and foremost. Watch a dog show the German Shepherd Dog is placed in the herding group, not in the working group.

As you may have discovered by now there are two main types of German Shepherds, American and German (European) lines. These are also called show and working lines. Breeders of each type are very passionate about their dogs and are more than happy to offer opinions, however opinions are not fact. Most breeders of working line dogs hate show lines, and vice versa.

I have owned both lines. I have only had one German dog...one. Very few German breeders have ever been to Germany. I have actually lived in Germany for a considerable time period. Unlike most breeders, I have participated in both Schutzhund training with my German dog, and our Major competed (and did quite well) in many dog shows.

I believe each line has it's place. An American line dog will never be able to do police work as it lacks the intensive drive required. It is also my sincere belief that the "average" family does not need a high drive/ intense working dog.

American line dogs are still protective, as they see the family as their flock.

Descriptions

American/Show lines

American lines are bred for the herding aspect of the breed. All herding dogs are protective as it is their job to protect the flock, the German Shepherd is no exception. Protection does not equal agression.

German (European)/Working lines

The word working says it all. A working line dog is bred for prey drive and overall drive. They need this type of drive to perform police or military duties. These dogs are bred to work and MUST have a job. Working line dogs are no couch potatoes. If you are considering this type of dog you must be able to commit to working the dog a few hours each day. The vast majority of families lead very busy lives and cannot make this commitment.

You hear the term German lines a lot. In use European since most working line dogs originate from other European countries besides Germany. Some of the more popular dog exporting countries are: Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovekia, etc. Bear in mnd these are former Soviet states where most dogs were bred for border and security work. Many of these breeding programs focus on a higher drive more agressive dog. I have some knowledge of these areas as I have visited all three.

Differences

American lines differ from German (European) lines in the following ways:

Size- On average the American lines are slightly smaller in weight , but many have equivalent structure.
Appearance- American line dogs tend to be "prettier" than their European counterparts.
- The head and nose on American lines are more narrow and slightly longer. German lines have "blockier" heads and the snout is shorter.
- Both lines tend to have various coat lenghts. There is a big difference between show and long coats. It is rare to find a true long coat in warmer climates.
Structure-
- American - The rear of the dog is lower than the front. This "angulation" allows the dog to cover more ground with every stride. This "angulation" does not equal bad hips...period.
- European - Referred to as "bannana backs", since the back is arched.
Coat types -Both lines can have short or long coats. There are very few true long coats, especially in warmer climates. American lines will also have a plush or show coat. This is between a short and long coat.

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<title>TrueLove GSD German Shepherds</title>

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TrueloveGSD
Metro Atlanta, GA
United States
admin@truelovegsd.com