Companion Road
What are the differences between german shepherd lines, ie DDR, West German and Czech?
I am getting a GSD pup this fall. I’ve opted for a DDR line, as I like the look of these the best. I’m working with a breeder. I’d like some opinions and information from other knowledgable owners, breeders and trainers of GSDs on the different types, such as Czech, DDR and West German. What are the qualities of each? I’m looking for a dog to be primarily a companion, with some agility and possibly therapy work down the road. I have plenty of time and space for it, it will be our only dog. I have a lot of dog experience, but this will be my first shepherd. I am not interested at all American lines.
Thanks!
I can’t say that I’m exactly knowledgable or experienced, but I have done some research into the different types/lines of GSDs. I agree with you on the looks of the Czech/DDR lines and if I were to get a puppy from a breeder this would be the type I would be looking for. Czech and DDR lines are very similar, there really isn’t a significant difference between the two that I’ve been able to find. These lines tend to have a lot of drive and often need a very active family if not a working home. They also need an owner who will be firm, fair, and consistent. Working with a breeder who knows what your goals are is your best bet for finding a dog from these lines that will work out with your family. West German lines have sort of split into working and show lines, with working lines having more drive than the show lines. German show lines do not usually show as much exaggeration as American lines and may be more likely to have a temperament well-suited to pet/family life. West German lines tend to be larger and have more substance than East German (Czech/DDR) lines. They also are more likely to have rich deep reds while East German lines are more likely to have nice dark sables.
Regardless of which type you ultimately go with, it is important to work closely with a breeder who not only knows their dogs but is also aware of your goals and aspirations for your dog. Look for a breeder who does the activities you are interested in with their dogs or who has had puppies from their litters who have been successful in the activities you are interested in. This is of course in addition to health and temperament testing.
A Prairie Home Companion: “Deer” script 11/15/2008
