Breed Information

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There are several differences in working line vs show line shepherds and your American lines. My kennel is purely Working line dogs. These dogs are primarily of Czech or West German decent. You will find most are Sables with darker pigmentation, Bicolors, and Blacks. Working line dogs should still have proper angulation of the hindquarters and topline although most are not as drastic as the showline dogs. The terms "straight back" and "old fashioned" are often used by backyard breeders and those who are uneducated on the breed's standard and structure. Proper angulation is essential for athleticism, power, and orthopedic health. Working line dogs tend to have medium to high drives, medium to high energy, and excel in sport and working venues as well as active family dogs.

Males should weigh between 65-90 lbs and females between 50-70 lbs. This is the breed average and correct size. Dogs who are in excess of 100 lbs are often referred to as "King Shepherds" which again is another backyard breeder gimmick to market the dogs. These dogs are not bred within the standard and are much higher risk for Hip Dysplasia and orthopedic problems.