German Shepherd breed of dog is known to be very intelligent, loyal and very hard working based in Germany. These dogs were developed as herding dogs in Germany in the late 19th century.
Nevertheless, their aggressive skills have suited them for different functions such as police dogs, searching dogs or for serving functions. In the course of breeding, different varieties of this dog have been produced to fit into some specific tasks, and thus, various lines and subtypes of GSDs have been bred.
It is therefore important for those who intend to take a German Shepherd to understand various types of this dog to enable one to choose the right one that will fit his or her lifestyle. If you want a black brown German Shepherd or a white German Shepherd it will be helpful to know the variances in these dogs.
Different Types of German Shepherds
There are several different German Shepherd breeds, each with unique traits. The different types of German Shepherds can be broadly categorized into show lines and working lines. Let’s explore these in detail.
1. American Show Line German Shepherds
The kennel of American Show Line German Shepherds dogs are, of course, beautiful and are bred mainly for conformation. These dogs have a specific back that is slopping in nature, and this makes then have a peculiar look.
They are, however, slightly taller and slenderer than most other GSD types. American Show Line German Shepherds are common in black and tan but are also available in black brown German Shepherd and sometimes even simply brown German Shepherd.
These dogs are technically less active than the working line breeds and do not contain the same vigor. They are very friendly, gentle, and affectionate, and thus, they make nice pets for families. However, they may not be very suitable for strenuous employment opportunities such as those in the police or the military.
2. West German Show Line German Shepherds
West German Show Line German Shepherds are even believed to be much closer to the breed standard as set in Germany.
They are favorite among the enthusiast and are often used in competitions. Such dogs possess rather moderate temperament, on the one hand they are working breeds, on the other hand, they are appealing to the eye as well.
These dogs can be of any coat color, but they are common in black brown German Shepherd and brown German Shepherd types.
West German Show Line German Shepherds are known to be intelligent, loyal dogs who are very protective of their families and homes hence can be good family dogs and protectors. They are also sufficiently classified to compete in various dog sports and challenges.
3. Working Line German Shepherds
The Working Line German Shepherds as are selected to work hard and have been bred to not only ensure they are healthy, but are muscular and have the strength to work without much fuss. It is used by police, in the military and for search and rescue missions.
The working line German Shepherds is a sub-group of this breed, and within this group, there are variations that are ideal for different roles.
4. DDR (East German) German Shepherds
DDR German Shepherds, also called East German Shepherds, were bred during the Cold War in East Germany. The dogs are known to be muscular ones with strong bones that can work for long hours without getting exhausted. Border patrol and other tasks requiring sturdy and powerful dogs were what they were bred for, in the beginning.
As we have earlier noted, most of the DDR German Shepherds were of the dark shaded variety, and most could be described as either black brown German Shepherds or sable coated ones.
These dogs are also mentally very strong, eager, and effectively used guard dogs. They are pet species that need an experienced master who will supply them with essential motor and mental activity. They are not good for first-time pet owners for various reasons, primarily because the DDR German Shepherds are highly driven dogs with a lot of energy.
5. Czech Working Line German Shepherds
These dogs are mostly associated with high energy, increased agility and a strong working ethic. These dogs are often lighter built than other working lines, but they are very muscular and agile. The coat colours which are varied from sable to the black brown German Shepherd shades.
These are suitable for various activities, so that they may serve in police force, search and rescue operations and dog sports. They have to be given the opportunity to exercise and play, to be given puzzles and riddles to solve.
These dogs are, therefore, ideal for families or people who will have enough time to feed and train them and take them out for exercises.
6. White German Shepherds
The white German Shepherd is an infrequent and visually distinguishable type of the breed dog. Some people might be forgiven for thinking that a white German Shepherd is a breed that is totally different from the other dogs, but indeed, it is just a color variation of the German Shepherd breed.
Although the white fur is the result of a single gene variant, they are one of the most impressive looking of all the German Shepherds. Overall, they are similar to all other German Shepherds with intelligence, loyalty and versatility being some of the issues they share.
White German Shepherds can be popularly observed in show rings or can be good family pets. They are very passive and polite, thus can easily fit the families with children. Nevertheless, they still should be exercised and ‘challenged’ daily in any way in order to stay healthy and happy.
In order to get a better understanding check out How to Take Care of a German Shepherd Puppy Guide .
Which German Shepherd Breed Is Best?
Selecting the right German Shepherd breed is determined by the kind of breed you intend to develop for a particular purpose. Here are some considerations to help you decide:
• Family Pet: If you are in need of a family dog, then you are better off with the American Show Line or the West German Show Line German Shepherd. They are however docile, friendly and very good with children. The other breed that is ideal for families is the white German Shepherd because the dog is rarely aggressive.
• Working Dog: If one is looking for a working dog, then the DDR German Shepherd or the Czech Working Line German Shepherd is the best. These dogs have the desire, the mind, and the body that is capable of intense operations that would include police duties, search and rescue or guard duties.
• Show Dog: If you are a fan of the dogs participating in shows and competitions, then the West German Show Line of the German Shepherd is very close to the breed standard, and it excels in shows.
In the end, the best German Shepherd breed for you is going to be determined by the kind of dog you want to have. No matter whether it is a black brown German Shepherd that loves to work, or a white German Shepherd which is very calm, every type of GSD has its or her benefits.
There is no good or bad dog. its just which matches your lifestyle. know more about your dog read What are the skills of a German Shepherd?
What Is a Rare German Shepherd?
There are various German Shepherds’ breeds, some of which are rare maybe because of some features or because few of them exist. One of such rare Coats is the White German Shepherd. Although they are increasingly frequent, they are not as common as traditional black brown German sheepherder or the brown German sheepherder variation.
The other rare German Shepherd type is the panda German Shepherd. The coat of this breed is piebald, and the patterns are black, white, and tan. It is one of the few German Shepherd varieties due to the uniqueness of its full coat of Panda black and white.
Also, long-haired German Shepherds are also bred, which are not very common. Commonly, they have medium to long hair and the layer of the hair on the outside is short, but sometimes German Shephard’s have lengthy, ling-like coats. They shed more often need more care and attention but because of this they are favourite choices for many.
What Is the Largest Type of German Shepherd?
The size of the different types of dogs may differ but the largest among them is the King Shepherd.
However, the King Shepherd is a recent breed, recognised as a result of breeding German Shepherd Dogs with other big breeds such as the Alaskan Malamute and the Great Pyrenees. Male King Shepherds are quite large, with weight ranging from 100-150 pounds, and height of up to 29 inches at the shoulder.
King Shepherds are small in stature but they are as smart, obedient and versatile as any German Shepherd. It is therefore a great family companion especially for those who have spacious houses and compounds. They are friendly animals and are best suited to kid’s and other pets as they are a bit on the protective side.
The largest type of the Shepherd is the King Shepherd and what has to be mentioned is that these dogs are not officially accepted as a breed by a number of kennel associations. But they are still in demand by those who want to get a massive dog similar to a German Shepherd but with equally praiseworthy qualities.
Conclusion
Altogether it is possible to conclude that there are several distinct varieties of a German Shepherd, and each of them has its benefits and advantages.
Whether the choice is made based on the breed’s beauty, as is in the case of the American Show Line, or because of its adaptability, like in the West German Show Line, or because of its actual utilitarian capacity, as in the German Democratic Republic (DDR) German Shepherd or the Czech Working Line there exists the breed of choice.
In case one wants to stand out, then perhaps the white German Shepherd or even rarer the Panda German Shepherd are the right choice.
Which German Shepherd breed you decide on depends on your lifestyle, and of course, experience level as well as the purpose you want your dog for.
And if one is interested in getting a black brown German Shepherd that has a strong work ethic or a white German Shepherd that has a calm temperament, then there is no limitation because the variation of this breed is impressive and any kind of owner will get the kind of dog they want.
FAQs
1. What is the most popular German Shepherd colour?
The most common coat colour for German Shepherds is sable and tan but black brown German Shepherd coats are also common.
2. Is white SSC aggressive than other SSC’s or just as aggressive?
No, white German Shepherds are not more aggressive than other kinds of German Shepherds out there in the market. As with other colours, they have the same temperaments and characteristics as the rest of them.
3. Is this breed a heavy shedder?
Yes, it is indeed common to see most of the German Shepherds shedding at some point and especially when they are on their seasonal shedding period. Shedding can be reduced through grooming and this will need to be done regularly.
4. How long do German Shepherd live?
The life expectancy of German Shepherd is between 9 and 13 years of course depending on such factors as genetics, feeding routine and health care.
5. Can a German Shepherd be reasonable as an apartment dog?
Although, German Shepherds can adapt well in an apartment lifestyle, this breed needs a lot of exercises and is intellectual. A house may not be suitable for highly energetic breeds such as the working lines of German Shepherds.
