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Over the past few days, we've been receiving numerous calls and chats from people who we believe want to get more knowledge about the precious breed called the German Shepherd Dog.
From the calls and chats, we discovered the greatest concern of an average GSD owner is the question "How do I know my GSD is a pure bred dog?"
This question has been bothering a lot of GSD owner for a very long time and we understand that some already made a mistake when getting one and they don't want to make such mistakes again.
On the other hand some prospective owners don't want to make any mistake at all and want to make sure they are not sold the inferior version of the GSD.
You want to know if your GSD is a pure bred dog?
You want to know which is the perfect one for you?
You want to know if your GSD is a pure bred dog?
You want to know which is the perfect one for you?
You want to know those things to look out for when trying to get one?
Please make sure you read everything in this thread.
Is my GSD a pure bred dog?....well that answer depends on two major things. The "pedigree" of your dog (if any) and the "DNA" of your dog.
Please make sure you read everything in this thread.
Is my GSD a pure bred dog?....well that answer depends on two major things. The "pedigree" of your dog (if any) and the "DNA" of your dog.
The basic understanding of the word pedigree is just to tell you a certain breed of dog is said to be a true type of that specific breed which can be proved by the records of his or her ancestors dating back to minimum of "five generations".
If your GSD doesn't have a verifiable pedigree, then a DNA test can be of help. The most common proof we have and which is almost easily to get is the pedigree information of your GSD.
Before you say you have a GSD and before someone like me can believe you have one, your GSD must belong to one of the bloodlines of the German Shepherd Dog.
There are five major bloodlines of the German Shepherd Dog and they are:
There are five major bloodlines of the German Shepherd Dog and they are:
1. The American/Canadian Show Line.
Popular in North America since the 1970's, the American and Canadian show lines dominate the national kennel clubs and are intended to conform strictly to the standards set by each of the governing kennel clubs.
The American line dog is what you see most commonly seen in the US, or a variation of it. Also referred to as the Canadian Shepherd, they have a common ancestor in the original shepherd, however they are really a breed of their own and are much different than shepherds found in..
...the rest of the world.
Typically they are large, heavy, have more angulation, thinner bones and significantly smaller heads. They do not have the required temperament to be a working dog, and most are not capable of protection work.
Typically they are large, heavy, have more angulation, thinner bones and significantly smaller heads. They do not have the required temperament to be a working dog, and most are not capable of protection work.
2. The West German Showline.
The most popular type of GSD in Germany, the West German show lines are bred to conform to the SV standard which also requires the dog to gain health clearances for hips and elbows and a working title (often herding or IPO) along with their show title prior to being bred.
The "look" of this type is very specific and typically very uniform, most commonly presented as a black and red saddle back.
The German Show Line dogs are large, beautiful dogs. Most have deep, rich pigment.
The German Show Line dogs are large, beautiful dogs. Most have deep, rich pigment.
They have an excellent temperament, strong nerves, and are instinctively protective. Females should be in the 22-32Kg weight range (about 48-71lbs), and males should weigh in at 30-40Kg (66-88lbs).
They are meant to be not just a companion but a family member, guardian to their pack, may be used as working, and are very energetic. Socialization and exercise are mandatory. They are bred according the German Shepherd Breed Standard.
3. The West German working lines.
The dogs of West German working blood are often said to be the closest of all types to the original dogs produced under Max von Stephanitz.
Focus is given to correct working structure, solid temperament and especially to correct, strong working drives and ability.
Focus is given to correct working structure, solid temperament and especially to correct, strong working drives and ability.
West German working line German Shepherds excel in many different sports, real working jobs and positions of service. Like every German Shepherd should, they also make phenomenal active family pets.
This GSD is primarily bred to be a working dog. SAR (search and rescue), law enforcement, etc are great positions for these dogs. Many people also use them as family companions; however an experienced handler is a prerequisite.
Physical appearance may be diverse and they come in a variety of colors. They should have a high drive and intensity. Decent breeders typically deliver healthy puppies.
4. Czech Working Line.
Originating in the communist Czechoslovakia and built on a foundation of working dogs used primarily for border patrol work, the Czech bloodlines are dominated by dogs who have a foundation of popular border patrol dogs and Czech military dogs.
Unique to the this type, the original breeding of Czech dogs revolved around the Czechoslovakian Army’s Pohranicni Straze kennel. Some of the czech bloodlines contain phenomenal working drives and tend to be intense, agile working dogs.
5. DDR /East German Working Line.
Developed after World War 2 from the remaining war dogs, the DDR / East German dogs were maintained strictly by the government of East Germany. Rigid control of the original DDR bloodlines resulted in a very distinct look.
Best known for their typically correct working structure, large heads, large bone and dark pigment. The DDR bloodlines are also known for being very sound dogs, though working drives can vary.
Older DDR bloodlines are valued for their phenomenal genetics and temperament.
Older DDR bloodlines are valued for their phenomenal genetics and temperament.
Now you should be familiar with some of these dogs when you see them. One important thing to note is the fact that you can't really say this GSD is a specific bloodline by his/her phenotype except you have a trained eyes and you understand the breed standard in words...
and in pictures.
But an easy way for you to determine the bloodline of a GSD is to ask for the dog's pedigree. There are several informations in the pedigree of a dog, it's not just names and ancestral records alone. We'll talk about that in the future.
But an easy way for you to determine the bloodline of a GSD is to ask for the dog's pedigree. There are several informations in the pedigree of a dog, it's not just names and ancestral records alone. We'll talk about that in the future.
You want to know which is the perfect one for you?.....well the answer to this question depends on what you want a GSD for as a person. More like what you want the dog to do for you.
The first question I ask people checking if I have puppies for a new home is "what do you want a GSD for?"
2. Pet, Family Friend/Companion, and Security; the working line is for you.
3. Security only; The working line is for you.
4. Breeding only; Depending on what you want to achieve as a breeder, you can get any of the lines.
5. All of the above; Just get both lines.
3. Security only; The working line is for you.
4. Breeding only; Depending on what you want to achieve as a breeder, you can get any of the lines.
5. All of the above; Just get both lines.
A showline GSD was not bred to be a security or a guard dog. They do not have the adequate drive to be one. And this is a major concern to owners as they are not being told the truth at the time they want to get a GSD.
A showline GSD will likely fail you if you're getting one for guarding and protection.
A working line was bred to work, guard and protect. They have the needed and accurate drive to get the job done.
A working line was bred to work, guard and protect. They have the needed and accurate drive to get the job done.
If you love size and beauty and will decide to get a showline GSD, that's fine but don't expect him/her to protect you.
What do I need to look out for when trying to get one?....depending on what you want a GSD for, take your time to get up to date informations online before you approach a breeder. When that is done and you've decided to get a specific bloodline,.....
then approach a breeder and ask necessary questions.
Ask how the dog was bred...this question is tricky, if you ask a breeder and all he/she does is show you the parents picture...that is your red flag right there.
Ask how the dog was bred...this question is tricky, if you ask a breeder and all he/she does is show you the parents picture...that is your red flag right there.
That question simply means give me the pedigree information of the puppy I want to get from you.
If he/she is honest enough to tell you they are non pedigree, chances are you are not getting the real thing as the bloodline is not known.
If he/she is honest enough to tell you they are non pedigree, chances are you are not getting the real thing as the bloodline is not known.
Whatever decision you take at this stage is up to you.
Study the breed standard very well so when you see a half baked dog being presented to you as a GSD you'll be able to observe obvious faults and then decide on your next course of action.
Study the breed standard very well so when you see a half baked dog being presented to you as a GSD you'll be able to observe obvious faults and then decide on your next course of action.
Finally we are always here to help you get the very best of the German Shepherd Dog. Use any of our means of contact on our bio and you'll be glad you did....
