Although I know it varies from dog to dog, I have heard so often that Czech lines are often slower to mature. What have you observed with your Czech line dogs as far as physical and mental development/maturity? When did they finally come out of the teenager stage?

What did you notice as they matured on the training field? What did you notice in the home-- regarding interactions with people, self-control, manners (wow, I hear you laughing from here.. :grin, behaving around guests, and around meeting other dogs on walks or at events?

My 21 month old Xero PS grandson/Congo Vikar son is just recently begining to show some improved self control, some new muscle development in hindquarters and shoulders. His head is getting wider in the last few months. But yup.. we're clearly still in wacky teenager land.

Thanks for any input about what you have noticed with your Czech dogs maturity.

Its kinda funny actually.

I hear this all the time.

"Czech lines are slow to mature."

"East/DDR lines are slow to mature."

"This line of WG dogs is slow to mature."

Basically: GSD's ARE SLOW TO MATURE :p

General rule of thumb for "slow to mature GSD's" is that at around 3 years old they start to "come out." You will notice less puppyish behavior, more seriousness in the way the dog is around the house, reacts to strangers, and their general demeanor. If you are doing bitework, you will see it there too. As well as how the dog performs obedience. Physically you will see them bulking up and be less gangly.

My girl is both Czech and DDR, but at 2.5 years she has finally learned to lay down (calmly and not attentively) in the house instead of getting into everything. Normally she would just stand waiting for something to check out.

Kimberly

Thanks for the input Mike. This is my first puppy, my other GSDs were adult when I got them. Thank you for helping me have a general idea of what to expect when.

Kimberly, Sonya is adorable LOL! What a sweet face-- she looks ready for trouble. Thank God she can relax indoors with you now. Yea!

Patti, from what I have always heard from owners of Czech dogs out of Congo is that they do not start to mature until about 2 years old. Congo seemed to produce late maturing dogs in a consistent manner in his breedings here with VDHK9 and when he was in CZ. I have never seen any Congo progeny in person, so I cannot really say what I think.

Brian Clingan and Daryl Ehret know for sure as they live close to Congo and have sons/daughters at their clubs.

This is to be expected from him. It's just the way it is, but Czech lines are line any other lines: some are known to be very slow to mature and some are faster to mature just go with what you got and enjoy it along the way.

-And dont listen to that Schoonbrood guy, he only likes Malinois!!

I have a Congo daughter, she is the greatest. She actually matured early. She is almost 6 now though and still loves to work and play. All 3 of my shepherds come from the owner of Congo and they all are fantastic.

My 4 1/2 yr old W German/Czech dog out of Lens Vikar(dam) was always a mature thinker even as a 6-7 month old pup. He still came into his own big time at 2 21/2 yrs old. Just always very clear headed.
My 16 month old W German/Czech (different lines) is still a wild and crazy puppy. Serious on the sleeve but a frickin clown all other times.
They mature when they mature! It doesn't matter!!

Art, that helps to hear what others have seen from Congo re maturity.. thank you very much!

Bob, I have an intuitive dog, too.. clear-headed, but still goofy-silly at this age... but starting to get a bit more mature (slowly).

Claire, Congo's owner has been supremely supportive, patient with me, and wonderful! This dog was a bit more tough than I expected, a bit more of a strong dog, strong-minded, pushy, etc. but such a kind, intuitive heart. It will be interesting to see what he is like when he comes into adulthood. At 21 months old, I guess it will be a wait.

Patti: Who is your dogs mother?
My last pup I got from her is out of Orry. He is also a very intellegent pup. Of course to young to comment on maturity. What I like about these dogs is that I have not found anything or anybody that scares them at all.
I have talked to a couple people that have actually met Congo and said that he is a wonderful dog. I also liked the fact that they fed raw to all their dogs for years. So I was and still am impressed what I see.
All mine of course is Czech line. My male (Faro Policia pup) is still very puppy like when he plays with my husband, but, not when I am training or working with him. However, I almost have to send my husband in the house, if I am going to groom or do something with him, because he is certainly my husbands best buddy and gets so anxious to be with him. When my husband is at work, he will run down to where he parks his car and watch for him when it is time for him to get home, very dedicated dog. He's over 5 years old and a real sweetheart. I think he will always be a puppy at heart.
So, I think yours will be fine...