It's my understanding that dog aggression is not that unusual in some of the Czech and DDR lines. I have been told that some European breeders of Czech and DDR lines actually select for animal aggression in their breeding partners, with the hope of producing dogs with a higher level of raw aggression. This animal aggression supposedly then manifests itself as aggression toward the helper as the dog matures. The thinking is that this type of aggression is what is needed if you want to produce serious, hard, strong dogs. I am familiar with Ed's theories on dog aggression, but have not heard much on this notion of dog aggression and am wondering what others' opinions are on this matter.

Hi,I own two Czech GSD imports from z Pohranicni Straze. I think dog on dog aggression is mostly dominance related. In my limited experience, I have not heard of selecting dog aggressive animals for breeding. I do know that Czech lines are usually high dominance dogs and that breeders of these lines do select dominate dogs with strong civil drives. Get a couple of these very dominate males together then you see dog aggression. These dogs also can show handler aggression in some situations. Dogs that show an abnormal aggression level to other dogs are a pain in the butt, I can't see anyone breeding a working GSD for this reason. I could be wrong though?

Van Camp,
Thanks for your reply. When I first heard about this practice I was surprised also, as I don't see dog aggression as an asset at all. The person who told me handles/breeds serious Czech/DDR dogs and is involved with police service dogs. He said that a breeder in Europe who supplies him with many of his Czech and DDR dogs, said they like to see animal aggression in their breeding stock so as to increase the likelihood of producing dogs with strong aggression. I'd be interested in hearing other comments.

I believe that's BS. I had this same thing told to me by a breeder who specializes in Czech lines (wonder if its the same guy?). I suspect it was an excuse for his own breedings. I also have a z Pohranicni Straze male that shows little dog aggression. He does want to be the boss but doesn't do it in a way I would call dog aggressive. Years ago I had an American show line male that had true do aggression--what a royal pain.

I agree John, I won't breed to a true dog aggressive dog. I think it is at least in part 'hereditary'.

I don't see any benefit in intentionally producing dog-aggressive dogs. It is a huge pain in the butt.

To re-visit this topic let me offer my humble opinion. Selecting dog aggressive animals for breeding will produce dog aggressive animals. Selecting dogs with strong working drives and intrepid character gives you a better chance of producing "serious" human aggressive animals (capable of service work). If your friend is really training "serious" police service dogs then I doubt that it has anything to do with his breeder selecting dog aggression as one of their breeding characteristics. I don't think dog aggression = human aggression. I hope that more directly addresses your post.

I new to the board so first I’ll say HELLO..

I have a German bloodline GSD that is dog aggressive. I have socialized her but regardless she really just is not happy with other dogs. When she was young she really did even want to play with other dogs and would rather try to control them. THIS IS A BIG PAIN IN THE BUTT. She will chase them down and grab them by the back until I scream and call her back. AS you can guess we do not interact with many other dogs now. It’s has happen more than once. A 10 pound fluff ball of a dog must look like a rabbit to her. Sometimes I wonder if it’s her prey drive or dog aggression. Well I think it’s maybe both.
People she just loves. She loves strangers that come into the house. The mailmen get a big kiss. A friend of our family that visited for the first time she acted like she knew all her life.
We almost joined an Schutzhund club but my hubby backed out .Now we play lots of Frisbees and she get’s to beat up laundry baskets in her spare time.
My Male Doberman was not dog aggressive at all but would stand guard of me as if I fell a sleep on the sofa and would not allow family friends in the living room or anyone in my bedroom if was sleeping. He was more people aggressive in a sound projective way with less dog aggressive. He never hurt anyone over me just warned them to get away. I don’t breed as I guess you can tell but I would not think that Dog Aggression would be a good thing to breed for since I do know it’s a royal PAIN in the butt..

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Lucia

I am closing this thread. The only people who breed for dog aggression are the ass holes that breed pitt bulls to fight in a ring.

There is no place for dog aggression in GSD's or working dogs.

This is a foolish thing to even discuss. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />