5 Different Types of German Shepherds : Which One Is Best?

German Shepherds are usually seen as police and military dogs but, the origin of the breed was to herd sheep. These dogs are classified as working or herding dogs due to their practical use in many types of work. This includes search and rescue, disability assistant, tactical, and acting roles in movies.

The German Shepherd came from Germany and was known as the Alsatian Wolf Dog. Later it changed its name to German Shepherd in the year 1977.

Overview of the types and ideal roles

1. American Show Line

The American Showline is the most common German Shepherd that we see. They are usually massive in size have long bodies, lower gait, and are strongly built. They have shorter heads and muzzles that evolved from the combination of bloodlines.

They are generally black and tan, but they also have other color variations. They are the most popular variant because they are easy to handle than the other types. They are well suited as pets, show dogs, and working dogs for multi-purpose jobs. This variant is not suited for a tactical line of work or criminal apprehension. They work best in detection, search and rescue, and tracking.

2. European Show Line

The West German Showline is a bit shorter and stockier, and their backs are straighter. They have wedge-shaped heads, medium-sized muzzles, and a rich rusty-red and black color. They are the ideal-looking variants because their body is well-structured.

This type of German Shepherd is typically bred for its looks. They tend to be slow-paced dogs and they are ideal as family pets, companion dogs, and actors as we can see in the movies.

They are not much of a laborer but they are also good working dogs that have a well-balanced character. They are quick learners, good-natured, attentive, and at the same time very protective.

3. Czech Working Line

Czech Working Line is the most nimble of the variants. They are leaner and streamlined which led to higher agility and stamina. They mature the slowest because they are more active, prey-driven, and athletic. They are the ideal police and military dogs that are very functional in the field of duty.

Their faces are similar to regular German Shepherds but with stronger jaws, denser heads, pointy ears, and a bundle of muscle. They have sable coats and other light blended combinations. Their shade of black is dominant and sometimes they appear to be all black.

They are calm but are labor-intensive. They are great for herding and hunting but they are also good family dogs. They are fun to be around because they have so much energy. It is important for them to exercise to channel their energies and prevent them from being rowdy

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4. West German Working Line

Image Credit: Three Dogs photography, Shutterstock

The West German Working Line has the best temperament of all the variants. They are a bit smaller but they have high energies intended for work. They are very intelligent, and agile. They can do tasks for a longer period of time because they have a high level of pain tolerance.

They have different coat patterns but they are mostly black or sable. These dogs are very industrious that they become easily bored if there is nothing to do. It is a commitment to exercise them a lot if you don't intend to keep them as working dogs. These dogs are balls of energy and they need to fulfill their physical and mental thirst.

5. East German or Deutsches Demokratische Republik (DDR) Line

East German Working lines have the attributes of the West German lines, with a little bit of temperament. They were bred for their extreme desire to work but at the same time a primal instinct to guard and hunt.

These dogs can be sweet and docile but it is up to a responsible owner to stimulate them for work if they decide to keep them in a household. Owners need to closely monitor them around children and other animals to avoid their primal instincts.

East German Working lines have the best focus and endurance. They are best suited for search and rescue operations, detection, and as a hunting companion.

Conclusion: Which One Is Best?

All types of German Shepherds are highly intelligent, loyal, lovable, and functional. The choice which is best for you depends on its attributes that will fit your lifestyle. Doing research about each type will help you select the best that will establish a bond between you and your family.

Also, balance is the key in selecting between the attribute of the breed and how much you are willing to commit in order to adjust to the bumps that may come along the way.

It is safe to assume that German Shepherds are kind and loving dogs but also think about what they are designed to do. In the end, understanding each trait will lead you to the best type that will complement you and the activities that you do.