Different Types of German Shepherds

Many people in the United States visualize the American Show Line when they think of a German Shepherd, but the breed actually has several different types with German, Czech and Slovak Lines. All of these German Shepherds are similar in their look and personality characteristics, but the dogs were bred for specific purposes that cause some differences in their confirmation.

  1. American Show Line

    • German Shepherds in the American Show Line are the most common type in the United States. There was a previous American Show type that lasted until the 1970s, according to Linda Shaw, author of "The Illustrated Standard of the German Shepherd Dog," but those dogs were replaced by a line based on a popular stud called GV Lance of FranJo. American Show Line German Shepherds are bred more for looks than working abilities, so they are not particularly agile in jumping or fast running. These dogs tend to have good temperaments and are suitable for family pets as well as for showing.

    German Working Line

    • German Shepherd Dogs from the German Working Line are bred specifically to be police, military dogs or service dogs. German Working Line dogs are also used in the sport of Schutzhund, which translates as "protection dog." These dogs must be versatile, as Schutzhund competitions involve tracking, obedience and protection phases. The German Working Line is not meant for dog show competitions based on appearance because its confirmation is aimed at physical performance. Some of these dogs are suitable as household pets, although certain German Working Line canines are too aggressive for family life.

    West German Show Line

    • West Germany Show Line German Shepherds are the most popular type in Germany. These dogs strike a good balance between suitability for the show ring and working or performance competitions, according to Shaw. West German Show Line dogs can be used as pets, herding dogs and service dogs, and they tend to have mild temperaments.

    East German Line

    • The East German Line of German Shepherds comes from the dogs left in the Eastern half of the country after World War II. These dogs are primarily meant for work and have heavy bone structures and large heads. They are versatile dogs, and many are being mixed into other German Shepherd working lines, although Shaw advises that some breeders are trying to maintain pure East German Lines.

    Czech/Slovak Lines

    • German Shepherds in the Czech/Slovak Lines originated in Communist Czechoslovakia, where they were bred as working dogs for the state. These German Shepherds are an offshoot of the East German Line, and like those dogs, they are being bred into other working lines. Some breeders are attempting to preserve pure Czech/Slovak Lines.