The Many Looks of the German Shepherd Dog

After last week's dog show, I became more curious as to why there are so many different looks to the breed. The dogs I saw were all American line. I just felt the way they walked looked painful! It seems back in the 50's, the breed started to diverge in appearance. There are three distinct lines and many feel these should be considered different breeds. The different lines are the American show lines, German show lines and German/East European working lines. Of these three, I really only find the working lines appealing. The American show lines have the long, sloping back and extreme angulation in the hind quarters when stacked. The German show breeders have bred a 'roach back'. Apparently, the pelvis is tilted slightly forward giving more rear drive.

A picture of the original GSD shows a strong looking dog with a straight back.

Here's an American GSD from 1967 

...and from 2003.

Pictures of German show lines dating back to the 19th century...Look at the dog from 1946. There is no way the dog from 2007 can do a better job than the 1946 dog, simply based on structure. Here are more picture comparisons.

And what about temperament? A quality shepherd is loyal, of great stamina, courageous, confident, discerning and highly trainable. They should not be timid, nervous, gun-shy or vicious. A GSD, once bonded to his owner, will bond for life. It has been noted that many American line shepherds have less drive, tend towards nervousness. German show dogs tend to be more laid back. So, not only have we seen such a pronounced divergence in looks, but in temperament as well.

I can only assume that there are many in the fancy that like the looks of the American or German show lines. Most lay people that I've spoken with do not. It is my hope that responsible breeders will move towards (back?) what the founder of the breed originally worked so hard for.

Since Roman's heritage is a mystery, I am going to guess he is from mixed lines. He's of medium build but strong boned and muscled (only 68 pounds!). He has a level topline with minimal rear angulation...and he is fast and agile. He has a hard nerved temperament with high drive, but is also calm and loving to all people (and shows no aggression, even to small animals). He was the easiest dog I've ever trained but has some obsessions (due to his high drive) that must be channeled with work so they don't become behavior problems. Here is another interesting link on the GSD Breed types...including the "Panda shepherd"...which one does Roman look like?