There are many different types of German Shepherds. They are mainly categorized into two groups, show line & working line. Within these you have a few different types. Working lines are just like it sounds, they are bred to work and have high energetic drives. They tend to come in the colors black and sable. Show lines are bred more for looks with your classic saddleback pattern and colors ranging from cream to tan, to a beautiful red. Show lines are more mellow and therefore more suited as a family dogs.
Main Types Of Shepherds
Working Lines
West German Working Lines: As is typical with all working lines, these dogs are bred to be athletic, and driven to perform jobs in police work, search and rescue, military, and protection work. Which means looks are less important to breeders. If you want to own one of these you’ll want to match their energy level with lots of jobs. Fun activities can include bite work, agility, etc.
East German DDR Working Lines: DDR simply stands for where the dog originated from (Deutsche Demokratische Republik) or in English (German Democratic Republic). These dogs are also bred to be physically fit with straight backs and are slightly smaller than the show line. Strict breeding practices have made for very healthy dogs, strong dogs, with high physical demands.
Czech Working Lines: These dogs are very similar to the DDR dogs in health and physical appearance though they can run a little lighter and be a little more attractive looking. Training needs to be done in order to teach this dog the difference between a day to day event and a real threat. Just like any other working line, they are hard wired for work and require a lot to keep their brains busy and body well exercised.
Show Lines
West German Show Lines: The most attractive of the show lines (in my opinion) the West German show lines are beautiful dogs. These dogs were not only bred for their good looks of red and black coloring, but also for functionality. They are bred to the breed standard with less severe slopes in their back. Breeding animals must have excellent hips, elbows, and test negative for DM.
European Show Lines: European slow lines are much like the West German show lines in that they breed for both looks and health and are great dogs to own.
American Show Lines: The American show line shepherd can run a bit larger than the other show lines. They were mostly bred for looks which meant their overall health is often overlooked. They tend to have the most exaggerated slope to their backs and can have touchy temperaments. Looking into a proper breeder can prevent these issues.
Other/Pet Line Shepherds
Backyard Bred Dogs
Roughly 90-95% of the German Shepherds you come across on Craigslist or classified ads are likely backyard bred dogs. There’s not generally standards and they can only be sold as pets. You’ll want to be careful in this instance. Some dogs may be perfectly fine and make great dogs. Others may have severe behavioral issues or health problems and can be a challenge to raise.
White Swiss Shepherd/Berger Blanc Suisse: This is essentially just a white German Shepherd. This color is not recognized by many clubs. So, in Switzerland, they decided to make it its own breed. Besides the color, the only other notable differences are that the Swiss shepherd has a calmer demeanor. This makes it very well suited as a family dog. They also have a straighter backs.
Blue Bay Shepherds: So, these are not technically German Shepherds, but they are worth noting if you love shepherds. They are being developed by a breeder in Palm Bay, Florida and are a mix between blue colored shepherds and blue wolves. They are being bred for their beautiful blue coats, family loving personality, and great health.
Which is best for you?
This is up to what you plan on doing with the dog. If your just after an active family pet then a show line shepherd should be more than enough for you. The Swiss and Blue Bays would also be a good option. If your looking to do something more intense and want a competition dog, then consider one of the working line dogs. Either way, be sure to do your own research and maybe even get in touch with some breeders to meet their dogs and see if they have the companion your after.
