East German Shepherd Dog Breed Information, Images, Characteristics, Health (2024)

History - East German Shepherd for Sale

The East German Shepherd is a line of the German Shepherd Dog breed. The German Shepherd Dog came about when the three types of “continental shepherd dogs” separated into the Dutch Shephers, German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd. In the 1800’s it was local shepherds who bred their dogs and selected the traits they needed in their geography. The result was dogs in various local areas who all could herd and guard flocks; who were intelligent, strong, fast and had a good sense of smell, but their appearance and skills varied from town to town.The changes in Germany from agriculture and sheep to industrial cities rendered the German Sheep Dog obsolete. But was it really? Many felt the dog could be a good working dog in the cities as well but needed some refinement in the breed according to Max von Stephanite. At a dog show in 1899, he found what he wanted – the perfect working dog.Stephanitz bought the dog and founded the Society for the German Shepherd. (Verein fur Deutsch Schaferhunde) Stephanitz is considered the developer of the German Shepherd Dog.

The East German Shepherd is a line of the same breed. There are several different lines of the German Shepherd Dog, with slight difference for the reason they were bred. For instance, the German Shepherd Dog is bred for looks while the East German Shepherd is bred to be a working dog. Often called a DDR German Shepherd, they came about from the Deutsche Democratic Republic or the Republic of East Germany. For about 40 years in East Germany these dogs were bred only within the DDR bloodline.

The East German Shepherd is stronger, heavier boned, leaner, more muscular and solid. During the time of the Berlin Wall, from 1961-1989, there were few German Shepherds for breeding stock on either side of the wall, but especially in the East. There the government controlled the development of the breed. They developed a separate registry for the DDR – East German Shepherd. With such strict standards for a perfect working dog and such little breeding stock, the only dogs allowed to reproduce were the ones that passed a rigorous test and were deemed perfect working dogs.

In West Germany they continued to breed for appearance. The West German Shepherd are the most popular ones and are usually simply called German Shepherds. The show dogs of today and the American line came from the West.

Preserving the East German Shepherd today is important and difficult. It means preserving not improving. The Strength of the East German Shepherd is their body line and style, Today’s breeder must maintain this while making sure there is enough diversity in the gene pool to keep the line healthy without losing its body style and working temperament. It is important that the East German Shepherd have a straight back rather than the sloping one of the German Shepherd Dog or the American lines of the GSD. The working dog is also more aggressive and has a much higher work drive than any of the other German Shepherd Dogs lines.

Description - East German Shepherd for Sale

What are the differences between the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) and the East German Shepherd? The East German Shepherd has a straight back and a larger bone structure. He has a very large and block shaped head with a lean, athletic build. His lips are taunt and dark, and his nose must be black. He has a scissor bite and strong teeth. His eyes are medium sized almonds that are slanted slightly. The eyes are also very dark. His ears are erect and not too big. His legs, haunches and feet must all be coordinated so that he trots rather than runs.

Characteristics - East German Shepherd for Sale

The East German Shepherd is a well- balanced dog. He is sure of himself, friendly, loyal and wants to please his owner. He is intelligent, resilient and attentive. He will make a great family pet. He is aggressive with a high prey drive but that can be tempered with good socialization and training. He is easy to train.

Health Problems - East German Shepherd for Sale

Because the East German Shepherd line has been isolated behind the Berlin Wall, there are not many genetic health issues in the line. Most importantly the East German Shepherd shows no hip dysplasia which plagues most GSD. There are a couple of situations to look out for. They are:

Bloat

A life threatening issue that must be addressed immediately for fear of death. Bloat is caused when a larger dog with a deep chest eats too large a meal before or after strenuous exercise, eats too fast, or drinks too much water. The stomach distends with air or gas and twists. Sometimes it is completely inverted. Get help fast or your dog will die.

Caring The Pet - East German Shepherd for Sale

Feeding

Because these dogs were bred to work you need to feed them a high quality dry food, made for working dogs. It needs to have a good amount of calcium and glucosamine. Feed about 3-4 cups per day divided into 2 feeding times.

Health issues

In addition to bloat as mentioned above, the East German Shepherd can also have both air born, and food born allergies. These are easily treated by your veterinarian.

Exercise and games

The East German Shepherd is a high energy, high activity dog so you have some for him. He is agile and athletic. He needs serious exercise and a job is essential. If you can’t give an East German Shepherd a job, then don’t get this dog. He loves tracking and has a high prey drive. Keep him trained, challenged and working. Try tracking and herding trials, obedience, agility, fly ball and bar hunt.

Basic Information - East German Shepherd for Sale

Group:

Herding dogs

Origin:

Germany

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East German Shepherd Dog Breed Information, Images, Characteristics, Health (2024)

FAQs

What is the health of a German Shepherd? ›

The German Shepherd breed is not considered unhealthy. However, German Shepherds are prone to a variety of medical conditions: Bloat, due to his size and deep chest. Hip dysplasia.

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What are the physical characteristics of a German Shepherd? ›

A strongly built and relatively long-bodied dog, the German Shepherd stands 22 to 26 inches (56 to 66 cm) tall at the withers and weighs 75 to 95 pounds (34 to 43 kg). Its dense coat consists of coarse, medium-long, straight or slightly wavy outer hair and soft short inner hair.

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What are the characteristics of the East European shepherd? ›

Smart and devoted, they will be protective towards owner and family but can be wary and distant from others. They do need to be socialized well when young to understand acceptable behavior with other dogs and people. The European Shepherd is a confident dog and is well suited for colder climates.

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Are East German shepherds good family dogs? ›

We got our first GSD when he was a pup and our kids were 1,2,5. He was great with them. They are very playful so you do need to keep an eye on them around the kids but they are absolutely great family pets.

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Is German Shepherd a healthy breed? ›

Most German Shepherds are healthy dogs. A responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for health conditions such as degenerative myelopathy and elbow and hip dysplasia.

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Do German Shepherds have common health problems? ›

Another disorder that affects mobility—degenerative myelopathy—is one of the most common German Shepherd back problems. This chronic condition degrades the spinal cord nerves, causing decreased limb function and—in worst-case scenarios—eventual paralysis of the legs.

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What are 3 facts about German Shepherds? ›

8 Interesting Facts About the German Shepherd

Fact #1: German Shepherds Are One of The Smartest Dog Breeds.
Fact #2: World War I Made Shepherds Famous.
Fact #3: German Shepherds Aren't Dangerous Dogs.
Fact #4: The First Modern German Shepherds.
Fact #5: German Shepherds Remain Hugely Popular in America.

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What are German Shepherds weaknesses? ›

Since GSDs are prone to hind leg weakness, they are at an increased risk for severe arthritis. Dogs with bad hips and arthritic joints may change their gait and walk lower to the ground, causing German Shepherd legs to appear even more bent.

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What is the rarest German Shepherd color? ›

Isabella. Isabella-colored German Shepherds, also known as lilac German Shepherds, are the rarest of the rare when it comes to GSDs. Their pigment is the result of the recessive combination of blue and liver that comes from their parents.

How big do Eastern German shepherds get? ›

Breed Summary

Weight Males: 85-105 pounds. Females: 75-95 pounds. Height Males: 26-28 inches. Females: 24-26 inches.

What is the difference between a German Shepherd and an East German shepherd? ›

If you're hoping to get a hard-working dog to act as a professional guard dog, you may want to invest in an East German Shepherd. If you want a family dog, A Companion, A family Protector, or you are interested in competing in shows, a West German Shepherd might be more what you are looking for.

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What is the difference between East and West German shepherds? ›

West German shepherds also have a characteristically sloped back, while their East German counterparts have a straighter back — which their proponents claim is less prone to the hip problems that can plague the breed.

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What are the pros and cons of German Shepherds? ›

The pros of owning a German Shepherd are that you have an exceptionally loving and doting companion that is easily trainable and good natured. The cons are that this breed requires a lot of mental stimulation and exercise to keep them happy which can take a big chunk of your time.