You Asked, We Answered.
1. What is the difference between the main GSD lines?
Across the world, there are several different 'types' of German Shepherd Dogs. The most common and recognizable lines come the American (includes Canadian) Show Lines, the West German Show Lines, and the European Working Lines (East German/DDR, Czech, Dutch and Belgian). Each 'type' has its own distinct look and temperament. It is imperative to understand these differences when looking for a German Shepherd for your family or use as a working partner to select the appropriate dog for your situation.
The American Show Lines are, as the name suggests, built for the show ring. Breeder and Judge preferences in the United States diverged off from the standard set-forth by the German SV, the funding organization and steward of the German Shepherd Dog. The increasing differences in the (still very similar) written breed standard interpretation of the German Shepherd between America and Germany have led many German GSD fanciers to refer to this new version as the "American Shepherd" due to the significant differences in physical characteristics and temperament. Some non-reputable American show line breeders do not test their dogs temperaments, nerve, intelligence, or their ability to work and most disdain the idea of protection work. Thus, after generations of this selective breeding, the original working ability and predictable temperament of the German Shepherd has been nearly eradicated from the line. Universally, the American line is a dog of softer temperament with 'skinny and long' being the most distinguishing physical type, being taller than some German lines and with thinner bone. From responsible breeders, these dogs can make very nice family pets and some can do well in obedience, tracking, agility and AKC style herding. During World War II, Germany's famous livestock herding dog became divided into two separate categories; the West and the East. Also called "High Lines" and "Seiger Lines", the West German type are the original GSD Show Dogs. Germany sets itself apart from the American Lines the greatest by careful regulation. In order for puppies to be registered as German Shepherds, both parents must have passed health testing and performance evaluations in addition to conformation evaluations. Through this screening, these lines still posses some of their working ability. Truth be told, however, this trait is still not a priority. There are some German show line dogs that can work very well, and make excellent schutzhund dogs and working dogs, more so than will be found in the American lines, but it’s far from the norm. Many German show line dogs barely squeak by their titles, often getting them on weak helpers, in familiar surroundings and with extremely lenient judging. The west German Shepherds have a more sloped body than the east German shepherd, but not as much slope as American German Shepherds. These dogs tend to be very striking in beauty and almost exclusively of the rich saddle color, gentler in temperament than the East German Shepherd, overall healthier than American lines, and are very capable of competing in many genres of shows. East German shepherd dogs, also called DDR German shepherds (Deutshe Demokratishe Republik), tend to have darker pigmentation, huge heads, and a larger bone structure than their Western cousins. Their backs do not slope like the international show lines of German shepherds, but have a straight appearance. East German shepherds were bred more for their working abilities, causing them to have a high drive, enhanced bravery and aggression, an inborn ability to endure battlefield conditions and solve problems independently from their handler if required, and have few health problems. Not all dogs conform to either of these two German strains. This is just a basic overview of the typical physical and psychological tendencies of the two. Every dog is an individual in both conformation and temperament. |
2. What are the genetic defects of the breed?
Over the years, indiscriminate breeding practices have lead to many hereditary diseases in the German Shepherd Dog, as more than 50 hereditary diseases have been identified. These are among the most common genetic health disorders found in the breed.
Aortic Stenosis - A narrowing of the outflow channel between the left ventricle and the aorta. A murmur can be detected and symptoms can vary from no signs to sudden death. The cause of Aortic Stenosis is believed to be genetically inherited. Bloat - Bloat is a condition where a dog's stomach produces excessive gas and enlarges severely enough to cause death without immediate treatment. The stomach can also twist as much as 360 degrees or more. Large dogs are predisposed to this condition. Degenerative Myelopathy - Triggered by the body's auto-immune system, a progressive degeneration of the spinal cord occurs. Beginning with the hind limbs this disease progressively weakens the entire body. Usually occurs in middle-aged dogs. Epilepsy - Epilepsy is a hereditary seizure disorder. This disease cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with medication. The dog with epilepsy can live a fairly normal life, but cannot be placed in stressful situations, and certainly should not be bred. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency - This disorder of the digestive system is potentially life threatening but often responds well to treatment. Unfortunately, it is frequently seen in German Shepherd Dogs. Hip & Elbow Dysplasia - Hip & Elbow Dysplasia is the result of the malformation of the hip and or elbow joint. This disease is generally accepted as genetic in nature but environmentally influenced, and can occur in multiple levels of severity. Panosteitis - This disease presents itself as spontaneous lameness, affecting dogs between the ages of 5 to 14 months and can be detected and diagnosed by x-ray. Puppies almost always grow out of it, though it is painful. Pano has limited heritability. Progressive/Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy - These are among the most common eye problems in German Shepherd Dogs and involve the gradual deterioration of the retina. They are progressive in their degeneration. Both conditions are hereditary. von Willerbrand's Disease - vWD is a blood disorder, and is commonly inherited in German Shepherds. Dogs affected by the disease do not effectively utilize their platelets for blood clotting and are more likely to have excessive bleeding upon injury. Our Course of Action We are consciously aware of and actively combat these genetic disorders through a strict health and hereditary screening process. All of our dogs as well as all dogs accepted to breed with ours have undergone the Sims German Shepherd Dog Club Hip & Elbow Dysplasia Control Scheme and received 1:1 or 0:0 scores on both their Hips and Elbows. |
3. What should I know about GSD coat color genetics?
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http://www.4gsd.net/colours.html http://www.jmadesign.com/Frankenhaus/colorgen01.shtml http://www.ehretgsd.com/genetics.htm |