Hello all, I'm new to this forum and to gsd. I've been doing a lot of research on the net and I am going to find a gsd this week. I'm not really sure though what the differences in appearence are between an american and a german shepherd. Does anyone know where there are pictures that I can compare side by side. And any last tips on choosing a german working line shepherd?

Originally posted by sarah@clearweb.biz:<br /> Hello all, I'm new to this forum and to gsd. I've been doing a lot of research on the net and I am going to find a gsd this week. I'm not really sure though what the differences in appearence are between an american and a german shepherd. Does anyone know where there are pictures that I can compare side by side. And any last tips on choosing a german working line shepherd? in American line (AKC Showlines) the males tend to look like bitches and the bitches look frail. At least in most of the one's I've seen, although there are some American line breeders trying to correct this (some that I know).

my best advice is talk to people about the lines, learn as much as you can (some lines carry certain characteristics more-so than others), and don't be in a rush to get one just because it's a GSD. Make sure you know exactly what you're looking for, know what you want to do with the dog ahead of time (and do research on it if it's a sport or whatever), then ask people that know the lines and get their input and try to come to the best decision you can. Also, if it's just going to a pet home, I tend to steer people away from working line dogs as I hate to hear stories of how destructive the dog became, how it doesn't listen, how the dog intimidates the owners/owners' children, etc etc.

Sara,
If you have no idea about that question, you are nowhere near ready to purchase a GSD....like Mike says, do not be in a rush, it's not like computers where the price will go up the better cpu you get. Keep your money in your pocket and hit this site and others for a while, the puppies will still be there.

Research, research, research... we don't want to have to answer your problem questions when you picked the wrong dog later K? Did I mention RESEARCH?

My other advise is Pick by temperment not looks.

Sarah, welcome to the BOARD. What do you want this GSD for?? Protection, Sport, or as a pet.

Both Mike's and Lonny's post bring up very good points. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
A working line GSD is not for everyone, The time you must invest are hours and hours, this dog must have something to do!! This type GSD is not a backyard dog.

If looking for a pet GSD then you have a completely different k-9.
Like Lonny mentioned,
"RESEARCH/RESEARCH/RESEARCH" did I mention RESEARCH!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Do yourself a very big favor and not rush into buying a GSD,(or any dog) this is a comittment for the life of this animal.
Good luck with your decision, we are all here to help each other.

Sara,

Before you make any descision sit down and make a list of what you expect from a dog. Everything that you would consider ideal in a dog. Level of protectiveness, type of training you want to do, how much money you have to spend, size of the dog in relation to your size, shedding, time you have to spend on the dog, and any negatives you want to avoid.

Then research many breeds and talk to people that have the breed and do what you want to do with your dog. Talk to people that have the other breeds you are looking at. Then make a descision. Keep n mind this is a descision you will have to live with for 10-15 years with proper care.

I second that, I've been here since Feburary and learned ALOT. I'm just so glad I didn't go out and get a dog without learning like this. After you get two bad GSDs (which I did), you got to figure on doing it right the next time if you want the real thing.

Sara, there use to be a RealGSD website, I have no clue what happened to it or I'd give the link. It's perfect for seeing and knowing the difference. You will probably also see it in a GSD breed type magazine just a standard one they'll sell in Petsmart, etc.

The realGSD website went offline "due to lack of manpower." Some of it may still be cached in Googles search engine files.

I suggest a working line GSD to EVERYONE even if all you want is a pet. Just find one with less drive. They typically have better health, temperament, bone etc.

I've owned American Pet Lines, German Show, and Working Lines and the working lines are much better on average. IMHO, you are much more likely to find a quality pet in the working lines.

Here, here Dave. The only GSD you should buy is one from the working lines, period.

There are all types of temperaments in the lines and there are plenty of puppies that fit into the backyard pet roll very nicely. The difference in work between owning a working line GSD and a show line GSD really is minimal. Both dogs are large, have an abundance of energy while young. You just have to know a little bit more than the average shit face. You should know more than the average shit face no matter what kind of dog you are getting so why not get a good dog. A working line GSD is what you want. Find a good breeder that can select the right kind of dog for you.

The show lines are garbage, they have so many other problems in my opinion that a working line dog is absolutely worth the extra 15+ minutes a day of exercise and training. That is really all it would amount to. All german shepherds and other protection types/herding types of dogs require time and training. So don't -F- around.

I just want to get that out there.

Here is a site with photos of various GS 'lines'. I rather enjoyed the sly slam at the American Show Shepherd.

NW K-9 German Shepherd Breed Types

I'm making the assumption that you are looking for dog as a pet rather than a working partner. I agree that the working line dogs can make great pets. Mine has a high level working background and he is a blast to have around. A friend has had a similar experience.

Do understand that these are highly intelligent dogs that need to be kept occupied. If that need is not satisfied, they will channel that energy in direction you probably won't appreciate.

You may have your heart set on a puppy, however, an older dog may fit your needs too. Check out the local German Shepherd rescue group. They often have some suprisingly nice dogs that need homes.

In any case, good obedience training is a must. Leerburg's, "Basic Obedience" tape is a good place to start. If you do get a puppy, get the puppy tape. Both are excellent.

If you wish, private mail me and I'll send you the name of a breeder that has a 'pet line' of German-line German Shepherds. They have selected for a bit milder attitude in their pet line.

Does anyone know where there are pictures that I can compare side by side. Try this link as another source with photos to show the different types of GSD...