Types of German Shepherds

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is the officially recognized name for this purebred breed. The two distinct types we mentioned in the introduction are defined by the length of their coat: either medium or long. Both types have a double-layered coat, with a softer, thicker undercoat and a coarser outer layer of guard hair. This coat helps protect the dog in different weather conditions, but it also means German Shepherds shed regularly and benefit from routine brushing.

As their name suggests, the German Shepherd began in Germany. While there were different progenitor breeds, the first officially recognized dog was called Horand von Grafrath. In 1899, von Grafrath's owner started the breed as the epitome of what a working dog should be, and it is from this one dog that all modern German Shepherd dogs originate. There has been some discussion over the years about whether this dog may have been part wolf.

The working origins of this breed are very important, as the standardization was established to promote the dog's ability. This was something that was becoming lost as industry and urbanization began to reduce the need for working dogs. Thus, the German Shepherd was created to ensure these traits were maintained. While many GSDs are now kept as companion animals, they are still among the most widely used working dogs in many different areas. Shepherding is not as common a practice as it was when the breed was established, but use in law enforcement, security and rescue operations is widespread.

It wasn't just physical ability that made the German Shepherd breed so popular. Their incredible loyalty and desire for engagement mean they are relatively easy to train. For the same reasons, they need to be well-socialized and given sufficient physical and mental stimulation. Without these practices, they can develop behavioral problems. Regular exercise and clear, consistent guidance help give these intelligent dogs a suitable outlet for their energy.

While the medium and longhair varieties are the only recognized coat lengths for purebred German Shepherds, the color of their coat can vary. Not all colors are allowed in competition, with some variations considered faults that affect a dog's score. In terms of coat color, there are the following different types of German Shepherd:

1. Saddle Back German Shepherd Dog
2. Black German Shepherd Dog
3. Sable German Shepherd Dog
4. Panda German Shepherd Dog
5. White German Shepherd Dog

It should be noted that not all types of German Shepherds are accepted by all breed associations, such as the FCI (known as the World Canine Organization in English). Similarly, there are dogs that look very similar to the German Shepherd but are not considered part of the breed. Coat color alone does not determine a dog's health or temperament, and individual dogs can differ greatly. We will discuss these breeds and variations further below.

This is by far the most common of all types of German Shepherd. While they usually have two colors, it is the distinctiveness of their markings that gives them this name. The saddle part refers to a patch of black fur that lies over their back, resembling the shape of a saddle on a horse. Some people refer to this as a ‘blanket’ pattern, interpreting the shape as if a blanket were laid over their back. The size and outline of the dark patch can vary from dog to dog.

The other color of Saddle Back German Shepherds is usually either tan or red. In many dog shows and competitions, the more vibrant the color, the better the score. Liver coloring is not accepted in the show ring and may result in points being deducted. They usually also have a black muzzle that covers their snout and parts of their face. Other areas, such as their tail, may also exhibit black coloration.

The solid-color German Shepherd dog is less common than the Saddle Back, but it should not have any other differentiating characteristics. Its health status and temperament should not be determined by its color. It is possible for a dog's coat to have powder blue colors, but it is unlikely to be solid. While a GSD may be accepted in competition, it will likely be marked down for this color and for liver coloring. For solid colors, however, you tend to see only solid black or solid white German Shepherds.

Solid black German Shepherds are accepted in competition. However, solid white German Shepherds are one of the few color variations that tend to be immediately disqualified. While black GSDs are due to a recessive gene, white GSDs are the result of a dominant gene that exists in some litters. This should not be confused with albinism. Neither should it be confused with the Berger Blanc Suisse, also known as a White Swiss Shepherd. Perhaps partly due to their disqualification from competition, solid white German Shepherds are not very common. A white coat does not, by itself, indicate that a dog is albino or that it belongs to a different breed.

Another type of German Shepherd that is not very common is the Panda German Shepherd. They have a curious and striking appearance that is often confused with that of other dog breeds. They are full German Shepherds, not mixed breeds, and their coloring is due to a genetic mutation. The mutation occurred in a litter in the USA. This type of German Shepherd exhibits a white coat on the abdomen and legs, but has black or tan coloring on other parts, giving them a sort of panda-like appearance. The pattern can differ between individuals, so the markings are not identical in every dog.

Like other German Shepherd Dogs, they are agile, strong and ideal family pets. However, they arouse controversy among some breeders, as white markings are considered a fault. The main controversy appears to be the belief that the dog is from inferior stock, but so far their health seems to be average when compared to other types of GSD. As with any dog, health and temperament should be considered individually rather than judged by coat markings.

Image: perrospastoraleman.org

The technical term for Sable German Shepherds is ‘agouti’. The sable pattern does not appear in patches like the saddle back. Instead, they have various multicolored hairs over their bodies, which give them a variegated, all-over appearance. This color tends to develop as they get older, and some dogs may show it more strongly than others. The color may be a combination of tan, gray, black or gold. However, all Sable German Shepherds start off as tan and then develop darker colors as they age. The resulting shade can therefore change noticeably as a puppy grows into an adult.

The variations among Sable GSDs are wide, but they are due to a dominant gene. Sable coloring is believed to be dominant over other German Shepherd colors and variations.

While there are different accepted and unofficial coat patterns in the German Shepherd, it can be easy to confuse them with some other breeds that closely resemble them. This common confusion is due to their similar body shape and size, as well as their use as working dogs. Some may even derive from similar parts of the world, but they are all considered distinct breeds. Looking at a dog's coat and build together with its breed history can help distinguish them. They include:

Belgian Shepherd

This breed originated in Belgium, with its first breed description being recorded several years before the German Shepherd, although its breed standard was officially established later. They are excellent working dogs, especially in herding, but are also well-known for their even temperament, playfulness and faithful personality. Like German Shepherds, they need regular activity and engagement to stay content.

As with the German Shepherd, there are breed variations within the one breed. The four main types are:

• Malinois
• Groenendael
• Tervuren
• Laekenois

Depending on the location of the breed association, these types may all be considered part of the one Belgian Shepherd breed or they may be considered separate breeds themselves. Part of the confusion with the German Shepherd is the markings, with the Malinois in particular having a similar black mask on its face.

Czechoslovakian Wolfhound

This dog originates from the now-defunct country of Czechoslovakia. It has been used as a working dog, especially as a guard dog in border territories or by the police. The breed comes from crossing the German Shepherd and the Eurasian wolf. Its inception is not necessarily the nicest one, since it was bred for use as an attack dog in special forces initiatives.

Due to their wild heritage, they are keen natural hunters. This personality trait needs to be discouraged when they are young. They can be loving and protective with their families but may show aggression toward strangers. They require experienced guardians who have the time and energy to devote to extensive training and care. Early socialization is particularly important to help them become comfortable around people and other animals.

Dutch Shepherd

This is a dog that shares origins with different breeds, such as the Belgian Shepherd and German Shepherd. This is evident in its physical characteristics, which include an equally muscular body and raised ears. The breed is distinguished by its coat, with the most common variety having a brindle pattern with black, chestnut or yellow coloring distributed over the body. Its coat pattern, along with its build, can make it look similar to a German Shepherd at first glance.

In addition to the length of their coat and its coloring, the German Shepherd is also sometimes categorized by its body type. This body can be more or less stylized and more or less muscular. Dogs with more muscle are generally considered working lines, while those with less muscle are considered show lines. These are not officially different types of German Shepherd dogs, but they do exhibit small differences. The line a dog comes from can also influence its appearance and the kind of work for which it is bred.

Focusing on working dog lines, they tend to have greater muscle mass and a more structured body. This means they are more commonly used by police or security forces. There are differing opinions on whether temperament differs between working and show lines. While both types require training and education, some believe working dog lines can tend to be more aggressive and better suited for security. Conversely, show dogs are thought to have a more docile temperament. However, training, socialization and individual character all play an important role in a dog's behavior.

Whether a working or show dog, German Shepherds are not ideal dogs for first-time owners. These dogs need a lot of attention, proper socialization and careful training. Without it, they are prone to behavioral disorders. They can be wonderful and loving companion animals, but their need for attention and structure does not suit every temperament. Prospective guardians should be prepared to provide daily exercise as well as consistent mental stimulation.

Not all types of German Shepherd are show dogs, but even within this category there are variations. Show dogs can be either:

• Conformation: purebred German Shepherds used in conformation shows are bred to meet a particular physical standard. Unfortunately, these dogs have been bred to the point that deformities and health problems have practically been encouraged. This was brought to international attention with the 2016 Crufts dog show in the UK, where a winning GSD was visibly deformed, causing public outcry^[1].
• Competition: for this type of purebred German Shepherd show dog, the animal needs to carry out certain physical tasks to compete against rival dogs.

Working lines of dogs are now bred all over the world, although some original working lines are more traditional. The categories of German Shepherd working dogs are:

• West German working lines
• East German working lines
• Czech working lines

West German working lines are believed to be the most similar to the original breed standard for purebred German Shepherds. East German working lines are noted for their emphasis on good temperament and practical workability. Czech working lines are thought to be the most wolf-like of the different types of German Shepherds. These descriptions refer to broad line characteristics, and individual dogs may not fit them exactly.

Show lines also have origins in Europe, specifically in West Germany. However, due to their popularity in North America, German Shepherd show lines have also sprung up in the US and Canada. Different breeding priorities can lead to variation in build and movement between show lines.

There is no recognized Dwarf German Shepherd breed. As with humans, German Shepherds can have genetic mutations that lead to conditions such as dwarfism. Unfortunately, dwarfism in German Shepherds negatively affects their health in a very serious way, causing many problems and even resulting in pain. They have a much lower life expectancy and are not believed to live past 5 years. For this reason, breeding these dogs is discouraged and considered cruel. Dogs affected by dwarfism may need ongoing veterinary care to manage related health problems, but care cannot remove the underlying genetic condition.

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