Hi All,

I was hoping someone could explain the differences in types of GSD e.g. DDR, Czech, West German etc. and what can be expected from each "type" in the way of drives and how this fits in with different requirements for the dogs either in sport or actual working ability?

Being new to all this I've looked around and there is a wealth of information but I'm looking for a breakdown/rundown before researching the type of dog best suited to me.

I'm looking to get involved in Sch or french ring in the next couple of years (availability of clubs permitting and my progession as a handler/trainer being satisfactory) but need to do more work on finding out how much time and effort goes into each, so I don't waste my time or anyone elses.

Cheers

John

Hi John, I'm not the best person to answer your question but I have owned West bred, East bred and even DDR/CZECH bred dogs and they all have their good and bad points but I think it all comes right down to one thing. your pup will become the adult you make of it with proper training.

Hi June,

I know that does play a part but I've heard so many times about dogs not having the right drives or the right temperament or the nerves because of bad breeding, bad lines or poor socialisation etc. with the main emphasis on the drives a dog posseses.

John

Good question. In my novice opinion, I believe there are too many variables to even begin to state clearly that the various GSD's are or will be the best dog for this sport, this type of training, etc, etc...

I also believe, however, that the generalizations about a particular "brand" of GSD indicating it will perhaps be more suited to a particular endeavor can be helpful in your decision making process. The more experienced members can make a better judgement, share more educated opinions about the generalizations.

However, I will tell you...my shepherd--PUREBRED--yeah, get THIS---Mother's import from Germany, all working titled SchH (III, IPO, etc) dogs. Father's Father's side all Ch. Covy Tucker Hill American Show dogs. Father's mother's side all *white* Hoofprint shepherds 5 generations back where there are some blk/tans. There was a black bred to a white 6 generations back too.

Very interesting pedigree in my dog (of course subject to personal opinion) But there are a couple of dogs in the white line linked into the RinTinTin legacy dogs/pedigree line. (Hoofprint Pancho and Hoofprint Mona) My dog shares the same gr.gr.gr.gr. grandparents of a dog in the Rin Tin line.

What type of GSD was the original Rin Tin Tin? I read that he could jump 11'6", now if that was up or across, I don't know, but pretty impressive jump! And what a superstar to boot!

SO. To answer your question in a very round about way, I have a purebred german shepherd dog. (And that is even what the breeder told me <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> The dog is a great pet, smart with incredible drive. I believe we could have pursued SchH and done fairly well, at least enjoyed our work together.

It boils down to what you want from the dog, what you want as far as looks/asthetics of the dog, and what time, money and effort you are willing to provide to have the type of dog you want for the purpose you want it for (top champion super competitive "honors" or to compete for fun and have a good/great dog to do it with) ...all IMO.

Here are some websites you can visit. Includes Ed Frawley's views on his site as well.

Ed's site
Ed's site
Ed's site
written by Linda Shaw
This last site lists various "types" of GSDs, with pictures, interesting.

Hi John. Please don't discount what June says about training. Yes, genetic drive levels are whatever they are. Those drives can be preserved and empahasized through the right training early on, and beyond. They can also be diminished with the wrong training, especially early on. And the "right" or "wrong" training AND the optimum drive level IMO has MUCH to do with your goals for you and your dog.

When you say you are interested in a dog/puppy, and might decide in a couple of years to pursue Schutzhund or ring sport, depending on how you are doing as a handler - what does that mean? Maybe that means you plan to purchase a pup or dog in two years once you decide. But if what you mean is that you will start out with a pup and see where things lead - that's a different story IMO.

While I'm a relative newcomer to the SchH sport, I have already seen great disappointment where people buy a pup of whatever lines, then spend the first 12 months raising that pup according to the pet guideline pamplets from the vet, or the Petsmart puppy obedience program. Then they decide they want to do Schutzhund (I know nothing about ring sport). Low and behold, the WRONG puppy training will be noted as a prominent factor when the dog shows no inclination for the work.

Believe you me, my husband and I learned this the hard way through our "ready, fire, aim" approach with our first GSD. And we've seen plenty of other people go through it.

If your primary goal is to bring a dog into your home that will be capable of participating in a working sport, here is my advice. Go learn a WHOLE lot about the working sports that interest you. Talk to a lot of people. Consider proximity and access to good training if you are new to whatever sports you consider. Once you decide what you want to do, seek the advice of the experts you have met to help you choose a pup/dog.

I just think it's best to have a goal in mind before you buy a pup, and get the right foundation from the beginning.

My 2 cents plus some change....best wishes!

Beth

Hi Beth,

Not trying to discount what June says at all, simply stating that training is not the only consideration.

I know from personal experience what the wrong kind of training does to drives as I've made some boo boos with my current GSD and took some of the drive out of him with too much OB.

I'll probably get a hip scored partially trained 2 year old, maybe a SchH 1 to get me started, as I couldn't cope with the pain of raising a pup with problems again, well not right now anyway!


Michelle,

I don't really care what my dog looks like now. I did care when I didn't know anything about dogs and thought the showline GSD's looked great, which they do, but now as long as it's a good dog and can I can work it (which is what I need to learn to do) I don't care what it looks like.

Time and money as always are variable :-) but I'd be willing to spend a decent amount of both for the right dog.

I kinda feel as though I'm cheating on my current dog cos he's my first and a VERY good pet. :-(

John

Hi John! Sounds like we've traveled a similar road. Your questions make more sense now with your additional clarification. Best wishes in your search!!

LOL - Gary and I were determined to "do it right" (or do our best anyway) with our second GSD. We're a one way street for the animals that come into our house, and we didn't want to end up with 9 GSD pets to finally figure out how to have 1 SchH candidate! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Beth