There are no actual different types of GSDs, but different breeding lines that eventually lead to some physical differences. There is also a difference in their mental/social traits, especially depending on whether it’s a show line or a working line GSD.
These differences might be hard to spot for someone who is not too familiar with the German Shepherd dog, but to a keen eye, there is a distinction between a West German Working line and an East German Working line, as well as other lines.
What Does ‘GSD Type’ Mean?
Even though the German Shepherd dog is not a very old dog breed (around 100 years old), people quickly realized these dogs are excellent in all kinds of sports and jobs, as well as at home as family pets. Their popularity started to grow and soon a lot of people wanted one of the German Shepherd puppies at home.
But, not everyone wanted the same “looks” for the dog. So, different breeders started linebreeding, crossbreeding and even inbreeding their dogs to “get” the type of GSD they wanted. Some breeders thought they would be better if they had more territorial aggression, more stamina, and conformation to allow them long days of work.
Others wanted something they considered beautiful and unique to show to the world – Show line dogs. And, some thought the GSD should be friendlier and more affectionate toward the youngest family members.
Hence, the 5 different German Shepherd dog types (or lines) were developed. Today, it still matters which GSD you bring home. It’s not the same as having an American Show line and an East German Working line GSD.
- West German Working Line
Like all working lines, West German Working line dogs are active and eager to work and please their owners. They are very intelligent and trainable, making them great police dogs, search and rescue, or guard dogs.
Their back is not as slopped as show line dogs. And, because of the aim to produce healthier dogs rather than for the looks, this is a generally speaking, healthier line of German Shepherd dogs.
However, they need lots of mental and physical stimulation every day! You can’t have any GSD and just let it be alone with nothing to do.
The West German working line is also one of the most popular types. They can be good as pets and family dogs as well, but they need proper socialization and early introduction to children. This way they learn early on that children are to be protected. Just remember that you need to teach a child how to behave with a dog as well.
- East German Working Line
When the Berlin Wall was made in 1961, Germany was divided into two stances in many ways, not just the politics. One of the differences was what a proper working line German Shepherd should look like.
That’s why we have West and East (or DDR) GSD lines. The East working line dogs have a bit more territorial aggression. They often aren’t the best choice for families with young children or those who cannot spend time with the dog to properly socialize them.
However, once again, if you don’t have time to socialize or be with your dog, it doesn’t matter what line it belongs to – choose another dog.
The same thing goes for the East working line as for the West when it comes to their health and activity levels, intelligence, and trainability. Very trainable, loyal, and active.
As for the physical characteristics, they also don’t have a sloped back like the show lines, especially the American show line.
- Czech working line
The smallest of all GSD lines, the Czech working line was, as the name suggests, developed in Czech to patrol the board. This was the reason all working lines were developed – to protect the borders.
This means the Czech GSD is like other working lines active and needs constant mental and physical stimulation. They were bred to work and they need something to do. This makes them very trainable and great guard dogs!
The back is the least sloped in this line. They have compact bodies and deep chests and are generally healthy dogs. However, like all GSDs Hip dysplasia is a problem that can be found in some bloodlines, so pay attention to it or talk to your breeder.
- American Show line
Because they have the sloppiest back and because breeders work on the ‘looks’ of the breed and not the work efficiency, these dogs have the most controversy around them.
Of course, it all depends on the breeder and how they follow the AKC standards. The thing is that, yes, they do have the sloppiest back but that doesn’t mean they have to be the unhealthiest.
In my opinion, they did venture far away from the original looks of the breed. Working lines are the closest to what a German Shepherd should look like. However, the show lines are all about the extremes because they win the medals, hence the short hind legs and sloped back.
The American show line should be a less-territorial version of the working line GSD, but that doesn’t have to be the case with each show line GSD. Once again, it’s a lot on the breeder what they “tried to make”.
If we are talking about a well-bred American show line German Shepherd, they are great family dogs and great with children as well.
- European Show line
The European or German Show line German Shepherd dogs are usually smaller than the American show line GSDs. They also have smaller angulation or sloped back but are still quite prominent compared to working lines.
They also usually come in more bright colors, such as red and tan or black and red. Of course, other colors are possible and accepted too.
European show line GSDs should have less prey drive and should have less territorial aggression than working lines, just like the American show line GSDs. These dogs are good as protectors and family dogs. They do require mental and physical stimulation but they are not as demanding as the working lines.
Which One Is For You?
The first thing you need to do is ask yourself can you take care of these dogs? They are not toys, but medium to large dogs that will need food, home, health checks, vaccinations, deworming medicine, anti-flea medicine, and time to spend with them.
No matter which one you choose, they will need all of these things. And, no matter the line they all need mental and physical stimulation! Not just once in a blue moon, but every day! If not, they will turn their boredom into aggressive or destructive behavior.
Every working type needs at least 2 hours (but owners go even 4 hours) of work or physical/mental activity. That is your free time spent on a dog. If you can’t do that, you better skip the German Shepherd dog.
The working lines are considered to be healthier but more territorial, while show lines are prone to health issues but have a calmer nature. Well, this is if you know the breeder and you know their dogs are like this.
A lot is on the breeder and how they choose to breed their dogs. Don’t fall for the backyard breeders. Be very careful with any breeder. Don’t go blindly without checking their credibility and without talking to them about what kind of dogs they are breeding.
Show line GSD can have a high prey drive just like some working lines are laid back and without lots of drive.
Final Word
These are beautiful dogs, period. German Shepherd dogs won the hearts of people all around the world for a lot of reasons. They are smart, trainable, and excellent guard dogs that with proper training and socialization go great with children as well.
But, overbreeding and non-ethical breeding caused a lot of problems. These “breeders” made GSDs look bad in the eyes of the world, and quite unhealthy with bad temperaments.
So, look for good breeders. Ask around, ask your vet. Go online and see the reviews. And, very importantly – meet the breeders and see their dogs in real life in real-time. After all, you are buying a puppy from the dog they have at home. Is that what you want for yourself too? Then, go for it.
Feature photo by: liaoxh1981; karina Hansen; Duerken
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