German Shepherds seem to come in many types and there are even different standards for the breed.  In 1998, I decided to present some pages that might help people see the many lines or types that the words German Shepherd Dog represent.  The next few pages review West German show and working lines, East German show and working lines, North American lines, Czech lines, UK GSDs, and even the White GSD and long coated GSD.

A Note From The Web Site Owner:

The following pages regarding the comparisons of the German Shepherd are in no way meant to show bias towards any type of GSD or to offend anyone.   The statements in any articles are not necessarily my own personal views, but are meant to be presented to show the different opinions of others regarding the different types of GSDs. 
It is my belief that we can all learn from each other for the sake of our breed, and that we need to be more open minded about the different qualities that each type of German Shepherd possesses. Personally, I have evolved from someone who shunned the idea of owning a coated Shepherd because I was told that they were "wrong" to a person who now owns three and a White Shepherd!
                                                                     --Cassandra

When I first began researching the German Shepherd breed, I started out as I suspect most would with books and attending AKC All Breed Conformation Shows. The books that I often found in libraries and pet stores were unbelievably generic...often written by an author who wrote about several breeds and owned none. At the AKC shows, I saw all of the same type of dog and did not realize that there was any other. Then at one show, I saw a "different" type of GSD and was intrigued. The owner/handler informed me that this dog was of German import lines.

This opened a whole new world of GSDs and I began digging deeper in my research of the breed.   I attended my first Schutzhund trial and then the USA Sieger Show in San Diego, CA.   My reading material consisted of books written by Barwig and Hilliard, W. Strickland, A. Nicholas, the Monks of New Skete, Malcolm B. Willis Ph.D., etc. etc. etc.

What is the difference?  There are many theories and there are extremes in all types.  The extremes are not what the standard calls for.   However, there are many dogs that are not extreme, balanced and great representations of the breed.  I have gone to the "experts" for my information:  the owners, breeders and handlers. 

The German Shepherd Standard Compared

The Illustrated Standard of the German Shepherd

The Great Debate:  Which is better?  German or American lines?

This is an age old question that seems to be constantly be debated over among German Shepherd Dog fanciers.  There are fairly distinct general differences between the two lines, and there are some breeders trying to breed for "the best of both worlds" by crossing American lines with German. Many of us in the breed have our preferences, but I am a firm believer that there are many good specimans on both sides.  Plus, one must remember that there are not just two types of German Shepherds.  There are W. German AND E. German which have their differences.   There are Czech lines and there are differences in the types of dogs shown in the UK as there is here in the USA.  The best thing you can do is determine what you want from your German Shepherd Dog and want to do with him/her, and find a line and breeder that breeds for those traits in a responsible manner.

This is what is said and may or may not be completely true or the rule.  And this does not necessarily represent the views of the webmaster:

*  German Shepherds from American lines are typically longer and leaner than GSDs from German lines. Often GSDs from American bloodlines are taller as well.

*  American GSD lines tend to have sharp angulation in the hind quarters, more so than any other breed. This angulation allows them to move seemingly without touching the ground. American lines tend to be bred for elegance and nobility. A well-bred GSD from American lines is calm, discriminating and intelligent and should not be fearful. They are often less active and less dominant than their German counterparts which can make them better pets for the potential owner looking solely for a good companion, especially novice owners.   However, soundness of temperament must be always be looked at.  Many responsible American line breeders work their dogs in obedience etc. and temperament test their dogs, but there are no rules that say that they must do so with breeding stock.  The AKC does not require breeding dogs be able to work or have any titles.  Therefore, many lines lack working ability or drive. If you're interested in any kind of work or sport activity with your dog, look for a breeder who tests working aptitude in their breeding stock. (Aptitude can be tested separately from actually taking the dog to trials and competing in events.)  

*  Bad examples of American line German Shepherd type may appear spindly and unbalanced when they move. Such poor movers can have trouble with jumps and tight turns required in various sports. Some GSDs of this type are nervous and spooky.

*  German line GSDs are generally stockier (but not necessarily) than their American counterparts and more moderate in both structure and movement without the severe angulation found in American lines. They may not appear as graceful and dignified but instead have an air of muscular agility. German lines typically produce high-energy, high-intensity dogs.  Some feel that the show lines can be much "nervier" than the import working lines and not as "tough".  However, most of my GSDs have always been West German lines and I have found them to be extremely stable, fearless, and not necessarily high energy or high intensity.   (I guess it is all in the eye of the individual.)

*  German breeding stock is required to pass minimum standards for both conformation and working ability, so dogs from German lines rarely lack intelligence and often have very sound temperaments though some *can* be sharp. 

*  A German-line German Shepherd may have a temperament that isn't suitable for any but the most experienced owner. Dominant aggression is more likely to be found in these lines than fear aggression. Some breeders breed for size and aggression rather than a well-rounded, well-tempered dog.  As always,  do your homework!

*  Hip certification in Germany follows different rules and guidelines than that of the OFA. Dogs are x-rayed at one year of age rather than two years, and hips are rated "A-normal", "fast normal" or "noch zugelassen". Hips rated NZ may not pass OFA certification.   Breeding stock must have hip certification per SV regulations.  This is not the case with other clubs/registries in North America outside of the SV.

Good examples of either German or American lines should be highly intelligent, trainable and extremely loyal to their families. All German Shepherds, regardless of their ancestry, should be bred for good health and stable temperaments. Both German and American lines have their passionate advocates, but the decision of what bloodlines to purchase is ultimately a matter of taste, need and expectations.

You will find fans of the American lines who will tell you that all German dogs are ugly and brutally aggressive, and some lovers of German lines would have you believe that American dogs are unsound, stupid, and cowardly. Both of these extremes are exaggerated: Healthy, mentally sound dogs can be found in either bloodline. The most important thing is to find a good breeder whom you trust and whose breeding stock (both the chosen sire and dam) fits your lifestyle, regardless of style or registry.

If you are interested in showing your dog in the AKC conformation ring with the intention of getting a championship, you are probably better off looking at American lines. It will be difficult if not impossible to win with a German Shepherd from German lines. American (AKC) GSDs from responsible breeders are bred with an eye to what the AKC breed standard demands and what AKC conformation judges reward. A German line GSD may be beautiful but still won't be right for the AKC show ring.   If you are interested in showing in the German conformation ring, you are most definitely better looking at European lines.  Working titles and hip certificates are required in many classes of a USA/SV regulated show.

If you are more interested in competing in Schutzhund, training for protection work, herding, or other working discipline, you may be better off getting a GSD from import lines. There are American dogs who have the courage and drive, but their ancestors may not have competed for the last 6 or 8 generations. All of the German dog's ancestors have been selected for working ability as well as proper conformation, so you have a greater chance of finding a suitable puppy without having to test litter after litter.

Any GSD physically and mentally capable of the work should be able to be trained and compete successfully in obedience, agility, tracking, herding and other disciplines, and any well-bred GSD should make an excellent companion.

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West German Lines

The "Three Pillars of the Breed" in Germany:

   1970-71 Italian Sieger VA Mutz v.d. Pelztierfarm SchH3  (Mutz was one of the 3 major lines in the modern GSD and was known for being  avery good sire for hips, overall proportions, high withers, short hard backlines, good movers,  tough character and good attitude.) 

1971 V1 Canto v.d. Wienerau SchH2 - (In his short four year life, Canto proved to be one of the three important sires in modern GSDs.  His success was believed to be through his dam, Liane v.d. Wienerau out of Jalk v. Fohlenbrunnen.  Canto produced 6 VA and 2 American Champion progeny despite only having 459 progeny.)

1972 Italian Sieger VA        Quanto v.d. Wienerau  SchH2 -  (Sire of Lasso di Val Sole, Cliff v. Haus Beck, Dick v.Adeloga, Reza v. Haus Beck, and Gundo v. Klosterbogen and the line carried on through Quando v. Arminius.)

VA 1972 Sieger Marko v. Cellerland SchH3, FH - (Producer of good hips, pigment and balance, toplines and croups, strong character.  Sire was HGH.  Marko gave his own type and was slightly different from the Quanto/Canto/Mutz combination and did not combine well with these lines.)    

V Flora v. Konigsbruch SchH1 - (The Canto v.d. Wienerau  daughter who has had such a great influence on the breed.)

The German line dog is basically regulated by the SV (Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde) which was created by Max von Stephanitz.  The SV strives to protect not only the correct conformation of the German and European line dogs, but to protect the working temperament of the breed, also.  In order for a dog to receive a V or VA rating, an SV judge must verify that the dog's tattoo match it's registration papers, that it have an "a" stamp for sound hips, a Schutzhund 3 working title and breed survey completed.  Then, the dog is displayed in a stack and moved to show front and rear movement.  The dog is moved around the large ring by itself and later with the rest of the class, on and off leash.  The judge looks for a correct ground covering gait and stamina among other things.  Moving off leash, shows that the dog can move correctly without pulling against the lead.  Gun shots are fired to show gun sureness, and the dog must complete a courage test for sound temperament.

The German line dog generally has a "blockier", more chiseled head than the American GSD.  It's back should be strong and sometimes somewhat roached (though the SV is working against this), high whithered and with sufficient croup.  There is less rear angulation as compared to the American line GSD, also.   Some feel that the biggest problem in some GSDs is the loss of overall balance and harmonious construction.  This is what sets the few best apart from the rest and is clearly seen when the dogs are walking.   Judges in Germany spend most of their time judging when the dogs are walking.    Substance and temperament are other areas that sometimes are questioned regarding the quality of certain lines today.  Often, too much emphasis is on the dog's movement and not the overall balance and construction of the dog.

Within the European dogs, there is also a divison between working and show line dog.  The "show line" dogs are bred primarily for competition in the show ring. The working dogs are primarily for the the sport/working ring. However, they are judged by the same standard.  Both "lines" of dogs must have VDH working titles (SchH,HGH, etc) in order to get a Breed Survey.  German working dogs are often shorter coupled than the show line dog, often bi-color or sable, darker in pigment, and have a much higher drive and energy level than the show lines.  According to the SV hip charts, working line dogs are producing better hips and are thought to have less health problems.  These dogs are often preferred for Police work and Schutzhund competition due to their extreme temperaments. 

Today, almost all Police K9s are of European descent due to the SV's diligence at preserving the GSD's working ability and temperament for over 100 years.  Most Schutzhund dogs and Search and Rescue dogs are, also, of European descent.  Police dogs and Schutzhund dogs normally make excellent family and companion dogs due to their extensive training.  However, as with both types of GSDs, there are exceptions!  Sometimes, the European GSD may be a very high drive animal and may not always be suitable for the first time GSD owner or the family.  Speaking to a reputable breeder about your needs and plans with a prospective pup is a must.   Several German line breeders, also, still offer dogs for Guide Dog training and use their dogs in Herding.  Herding was the German Shepherd's original "occupation".  Thus, it is necessary to preserve an enduring ground covering gait through correct conformation.

A Brief History of the German Shepherd

Thank you Bergsteiger Shepherds, GSD-Info, and van Dan Alhedy's Hoeve, and "The German Shepherd Dog - A Genetic History" by Malcolm B. Willis Ph.D

US & Can GV CH Lance of Fran-Jo ROM in 1968.

(Lance is one of the most influential stud dogs in the history of the German Shepherd in North America.)

According to the fanciers, the American bred German Shepherd is an elegant version of the breed in movement while retaining the noble characteristics that all GSDs are known for.  While the AKC has not insisted on a working title, OFA certified hips, Temperament Test or tattoing of the GSD in order for a championship title to be obtained, most breeders follow the GSDCA's strict Code of Ethics.  Furthermore, many American GSD owners go on to compete in AKC obedience competition, Herding, Agility and Tracking to name a few.  Some owners, also, Temperament Test their dogs which is a good practice to help prove stable temperament.  Some American GSD owners also take on the dedication of Schutzhund training and many practice herding.  American GSDs are used as Seeing Eye dogs as well.

Characteristics of the American GSD are substantially different. Their heads are sometimes finer and they have steeper toplines than the German bred dog.  There is much more angulation in the rear and they are often deeper chested.  The American GSD fanciers are proud of their dogs' seemingly effortless free flowing side gait...or the flying trot.   A great moving dog seems to float effortlessly around the ring and is an impressive sight.  The breed was originally developed from Herding dogs and many breeders focus on this aspect of the breed.  Often, the American type GSD is considered to have a calmer temperament than the European GSDs according to American GSD enthusiasts.  However, this is in general, and in no way the absolute.

Pictured Above:   "Tag"

Controversial Links of Interest:

Still Arguing About The Standards?

Balance Problems with the American Show German Shepherd
By Jean Mueller

German Bloodline Dog's vs. American Bloodline Dogs - Why buy Working Bloodlines

Visit These Pages On The Site For
Photos and Info On Some German Shepherd Types:
The German High Lines or Show Lines
Various Working Lines
The DDR/Czech Lines
The North American Show Lines
The Long Haired German Shepherd
The White German Shepherd
German Shepherds Of The United Kingdom

Thank you everyone who e-mailed me information from GSD-L, the Showlist, TGSD-L and other e-mail lists.  The support that I have received has been phenomenal and the people that I have met through the internet while working on these pages have been wonderful and sometimes awe inspiring.   Also, thanks to Jill Dickin,  for her knowledge, photos, creatons and continuous support.

Suggestions and comments are always welcome.