DogExpress
If you were looking to adopt an intelligent and cute puppy that you could play with, go on walks together, and who would also protect you & your home by being the most vigilant guard, then you must look no further than the German Shepherd.
German Shepherd is perhaps the most widely recognized and loved dog breed worldwide. They are one of the best guard dogs that are so good at it that almost all of the police dogs in the USA are German Shepherds.
German Shepherd Dog Price: German Shepherd dogs cost around Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 30,000 in India. On average, the cost of a German Shepherd ranges from $500-$1,500 in the USA.
About German Shepherd Dog Breed:
The German Shepherd is a breed of working dog originally from Germany. It was originally named Alsatian Wolf Dog in the UK but changed to German Shepherd in 1977.
The German shepherd is a working dog developed for herding sheep. But in modern days, it is used for many types of work, including disability assistance, search-and-rescue, police and military roles, and acting.
The German Shepherd is the second-most registered breed by the American Kennel Club and the seventh-most registered breed by The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom.
They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility and are often used as police, service, and search and rescue dogs. They have a strong and athletic build, with a medium to long coat that can be either straight or wavy.
German Shepherds are generally active and energetic and require regular exercise and training to maintain physical and mental health.
They can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, but proper care and breeding can help mitigate these risks. The German Shepherd is a loyal and devoted companion well-suited for various roles.
How Many Types of German Shepherd Dogs are there?
These cute yet ferocious little bodyguards are categorized into two breeding types, the “working line” and “Show Line.” You would be surprised to know that there are 5 different types of “show line” German Shepherd dogs that you can find. The most popular distinction that separates them among their different types is the color of their coats.
German Shepherd is also sometimes differentiated by the length of their hair and coat, but that is generally done only for purebred German Shepherds.
Apart from being characterized based on their looks, they are also differentiated based on their personality and health, known as “working lines.”
5 Types of German Shepherds Dog Breed (With Pictures)
1. Saddle Coat German Shepherd
German Shepherd dogs of this type are also called Saddle Back Shepherds. They are the most recognized German Shepherds of all time.
There are two colors on their coat, as with all other German shepherd types apart from the solid black shepherd. Their distinct pattern and markings set them apart from the other types.
Read More: German Shepherd vs. Labrador Retriever
The ‘saddle’ in the name “Saddle Coat German Shepherd” refers to the black fur patch on the back of the dog, which resembles the shape of a saddle on a horse.
Many people call this type of fur pattern a ‘blanket’ pattern, which is also appropriate because the black fur represents a blanket on top of them. The fur color other than the saddle part is usually tan and sometimes red.
2. Black German Shepherd
Black German Shepherd dogs are called ‘Solid Color German Shepherds.’ They are much less common as compared to the saddleback German Shepherds.
You would also sometimes find accents of powdered blue color on their coats, but this is rare, and these types are not considered solid by various dog breeding competitions.
If a German Shepherd has this blue pigment on his or her coat, your puppy would surely be accepted in the competition, but it would lose points because of its color.
Read More: Tips To Make Healthy Dog Food For German Shepherds
3. Panda German Shepherd
Panda German Shepherds have a striking appearance of white, black, and hints of tan. They are called “Pandas” because of the similarities in the appearance of their coat with pandas.
Their belly, chest, and mouth are mostly white, their back is dark, and their legs tan. This type of fur pattern is not considered to be very common.
The Panda-like appearance of these dogs is due to a genetic mutation. This pigmentation on their fur does not mean that they are a mixed breed, as many might think.
This type of fur color might make some breeders skeptical about the dogs’ health, but they are as agile, healthy, and strong as any other German Shepherd.
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4. Sable German Shepherd
The Sable German Shepherds are one of the most beautiful and unique dogs in their appearance. They are technically referred to as ‘agouti’ in many regions.
This pattern, known as Sable or Agouti, does not manifest as patchy as it does with the saddleback or the panda German Shepherds.
This unique color pattern of fur develops all over their body. The agouti shepherds are not born looking like this; the color of their coats develops gradually and becomes stronger as they age. Some colors may be more dominant than others due to their genetic predisposition.
Usually, the color of their coat is an amalgam of black, grey, tan, or gold. At the time of their birth, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are generally tan, and their coats begin to develop stronger colors as they age.
Read More: How to Raise a German Shepherd in a Modern Setting
5. White German Shepherd
The white German shepherd is also a part of the Solid German Shepherd type. The only difference is that the dominant color of their fur is white instead of black, which makes them genetically predisposed to develop beautiful and luscious white fur.
The only genetic difference between the two Solid German Shepherds is that the Black Shepherds have their color due to a recessive gene, whereas the White Shepherds have their color due to a dominant gene.
It would be best not to confuse white German shepherds with albinism because that is a different genetic factor. These white German shepherd breeds are very rare; this could be due to their disqualification from competitors.
Best Working Lines of German Shepherds?
1. The West German Working Lines
The West German Shepherd working lines are considered the original German Shepherds bred by Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the German Shepherd dog breed.
These dogs were bred with a focus on their ability to work, learn, and listen rather than their appearance. They are considered to be of the highest quality.
2. Czech Working Lines
The Czech German Shepherds have a lot of similar characteristics to wolves compared to all of the other German Shepherd breeds. These Czech German Shepherds were bred to guard and patrol the country’s border.
They make exceptional family pets and guard dogs. These dogs are often recruited by police departments, search, and rescue teams, and other organizations requiring an intelligent and capable working dog.
3. American Show Line
The American Show Line is a type of German Shepherd that has been selectively bred for its appearance in dog shows. These dogs tend to have a sloping back, a more angled hind leg, a thicker coat, and a more defined stop between the forehead and the muzzle.
They are known for their good temperament and are often considered good family dogs. However, due to their conformation, they may be more prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia. It’s important to do thorough research and work with a reputable breeder if considering an American Show Line German Shepherd as a pet.
4. West German Show Line
The West German Show Line is a type of German Shepherd that has been selectively bred for its appearance in dog shows in Germany. These dogs tend to have a more sloping back, a more angled hind leg, and a more defined stop between the forehead and the muzzle.
They are often bred for their stable temperament and trainability, making them popular family dogs. However, like all purebred dogs, they may be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia. Doing thorough research and working with a reputable breeder is important if considering a West German Show Line German Shepherd as a pet.
5. East German DDR Line
The East German DDR Line is a type of German Shepherd bred in East Germany during the Cold War. These dogs were bred for their working ability, specifically for use as police and military dogs. They tend to have a more straight back and a more solid, muscular build than other German Shepherds.
They are known for their high energy, strong work drive, and protective nature. DDR German Shepherds are still used today in various working roles, including search and rescue, police and military work, and as service dogs for people with disabilities.
Pros and Cons of German Shepherds
German Shepherds are a popular breed of dog known for their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. They are often used as police and military dogs, as well as therapy and service dogs. However, there are also some potential downsides to owning a German Shepherd. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
Intelligence:
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and ability to learn quickly. They can be trained to perform various tasks and are often used as service dogs due to their intelligence and trainability.
Loyalty:
German Shepherds are known for their loyalty to their owners and their families. They are protective and will often guard their family members against potential threats.
Adaptability:
German Shepherds are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments. They can succeed in city or rural settings and live in apartments or houses.
Cons:
Size:
German Shepherds are a large breed and may not be suitable for people living in small apartments or houses. They need plenty of space to move around and may not be a good fit for those with limited space.
Energy level:
German Shepherds are high-energy and need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They may not be suitable for people with a sedentary lifestyle or limited time for exercise.
Training:
German Shepherds can be strong-willed and may require consistent, firm training to prevent them from becoming stubborn or dominant. They may not be suitable for first-time dog owners or those unwilling to invest time and effort into training.
Conclusion
German Shepherds are a versatile breed that comes in a variety of types. There is a German Shepherd for every lifestyle, from the show lines to the working lines. Researching and understanding the differences between the types is important before choosing the right one.
Whether you are looking for a show dog or a working dog, a German Shepherd can be a great companion and addition to your family.
in Chandigarh, India. 
