Breeding Differences
Due to the wide range of German shepherds that are offered for sale, it is important to know your options. It is also wise to know what qualities are desirable in the breed to find quality, well-bred dogs. Even within the world of reputable breeders, there are different ideals for the perfect shepherd.
Some breeders focus on conformation, movement, and a proper coat. Some focus primarily on conformation and a specific coat color, such as black or white. (A white dog can be registered, but white is a disqualifying fault in AKC conformation shows; however, whites may be shown in UKC conformation shows.) Other breeders are more interested in the dog's working abilities (such as drives, innate abilities, and temperament) and “functional” conformation — things like head shape and angulation are not as important as the dog's soundness, athleticism, and agility. Still other breeders strive to have it all: beautiful, functional conformation in a dog that has the proper drive to be a working dog and a treasured companion.
Finding a reputable, ethical, and conscientious breeder is a critical step toward finding a healthy shepherd with a wonderful temperament. Unfortunately, many breeders are not as reputable as one would like, and they often breed German shepherds like a cash crop with little regard for the dogs themselves.
Work, Performance, and Show
The German shepherd is bred for several different reasons: for work (as a police or military K-9); as a “working” sport dog (i.e., VPG) or to compete in all-breed performance events (herding, obedience, agility, and/or other performance events); and for show, where conformation reigns supreme. There can be such distinct differences between working, sport, performance, and conformation dogs that the breeder you choose may directly affect your ability to raise the dog.
Working Dogs
“Driven,” “relentless,” and “fearless” are just a few of the adjectives that could be used to describe the German shepherds working as K-9s. These shepherds are bred for their intelligence, nerves, endurance, courage, and boldness.
The working dog requires constant interaction with the handler — even more so than the “normal” shepherd. The dog requires regular mental stimulation as well. If you don't show the dog that you are the leader in the relationship, she will recognize your timidity and will take over for you. She will tell you where you can and can't sit or what you can and can't touch by pushing, growling, snarling, or biting.
A dog from working lines is a gorgeous, highly trainable dog; however, the working dog is not a good choice for anyone who is strictly looking for a family pet. There's simply too much horse-power here for the novice owner — and perhaps even for some experienced owners.
Performance Dogs and Working Sport Dogs
German shepherds that are bred for VPG, or all-breed performance events, such as herding, agility, obedience, tracking, and other dog sports, are very similar to working dogs. Many times a shepherd from performance VPG or Schutzhund lines (particularly one bred from titled Schutzhund competitors) can become a working dog if he has the correct mixture of drives. These dogs tend to be very confident and intense. They have a high play drive and need lots of interaction with their handlers.
Performance dogs are bred to be sound and intelligent and to have good temperaments. Depending on the type of performance events the breeder breeds for and participates in, the performance dog has the potential to be either very calm and attentive or too challenging for a novice owner.
At the very least, a breeder whose greatest interests lie in working dog sport or all-breed performance events is a “hands-on” breeder — one who knows the temperaments and abilities of his dogs very, very well. This breeder (as is true of the working breeders, too) will be very good at placing the right puppy with the right owner. He will know not to recommend a puppy or dog that will be too much for a novice to handle.
Conformation Dogs
Dogs bred for the show ring have excellent conformation. Their movement is outstanding, and they generally have the proper coat and coloring. These dogs are bred for excellent temperaments and health, and a reputable breeder will proudly show you generations of dogs certified with good hips and histories of long life spans. Conformation breeders sell the majority of their puppies to people who are looking for a companion or family pet. In even the very best bred litters, only 20 percent of pups are considered show quality; the rest of the litter is sold to pet homes.
Breeders of performance dogs are often keenly interested in conformation. In fact, you may find their dogs excel in performance events and possess conformation championship titles.
German shepherds from show lines are intelligent and beautiful and can become wonderful family pets. They can also be awesome performance dogs — or even working K-9s — if the correct drives are present in a particular puppy. However, since most conformation bred puppies are sold to pet homes, conformation breeders are very in tune with what the prospective pet owner is seeking: generally a calm, well-adjusted dog with good health.
