German Shepherd Puppies

Travelers Rest SC

Description

Working Line GSD: A Brief Overview Working line German Shepherds are bred for work and have an aesthetic and sometimes intimidating appearance. They possess a strong work ethic, enhanced physical capabilities, better limb-length consistency due to less hind angulation, and improved health. They can be distinguished from show line German Shepherds by their physique and athleticism. These dogs come in 11 registered coat colors (with black and tan, black sable, and solid black being more prominent) and a wolf-like posture. The history of show dogs, in general, goes back to the 1850s when breeds were being standardized in Germany. Breeders at that time had a significant bone of contention; whether dogs should be bred based on appearance or their working capabilities. Max von Stephanitz, a German army captain and former veterinary science student, advocated for standardized breeding of working dogs and dedicated 35 years of his life to developing a breed with excellent herding capabilities. He was inspired by a dog, Hektor Linksrhein’s (known as Horand von Grafrath) qualities and abilities in a dog show. Von Stephanitz purchased the dog, and Horand von Grafrath was considered the first German Shepherd Dog. The breeding of these working Shepherds was greatly improved by Stephanitz’s formulation of methodical breeding programs. Specific GSD working lines like the East/DDR Working Line GSD, West German Working Line GSD, and the Czech Working Line German Shepherd emerged throughout the 1900s, adding to their working pedigree. Working line German Shepherds have an athletic and muscular body with a straight back and less angulated hips that assist them in their duties. They also have erect, pointy ears. They are trained to perform under pressure and have the mindset to desire work. They also have a higher pain endurance and work tolerance and can work even in extreme weather conditions. Working line German Shepherds have enhanced drives of prey, defense, and fight. They are great for police work, military, search and rescue, drug and bomb detection, arson or human detection, personal protection, patrolling, guarding, serving disabled people, therapy, guidance, carrying messages, and of course, herding.