German Shepherd dogs were originally bred to be working dogs with handsome features. They would do the tasks of herding sheep, or other livestock and were popular because of their drive and temperament. However, during WW2, the breed was divided into two separate categories. West Germany continued to breed German Shepherds but breeders were more interested in the dogs appearance rather than work e
thic. That is why today, West German Shepherds are more commonly known for being show dogs. During the war, because West Germany was allowed contact with the outside world, closed breeding was not enforced and therefore, these German Shepherds were allowed to mate with dogs of different breeds, which changed the German Shepherds characteristics. These dogs now tend to have a more sloped back than East German Shepherds which means the dog can be more likely to suffer from hip dysplasia. East German Shepherds or DDR dogs were bred under strict conditions. Unlike the West German Shepherds, these dogs were bred more for their working abilities. As East Germany was under communist rule, the people of this country were not allowed contact with the outside world and the same rule applied for the East German Shepherds. Closed breeding was enforced in order to keep the dogs at their standard without having any outside influence. East Germans would breed only the strongest German Shepherds, any weaknesses shown by the dogs would not be tolerated, and these dogs would not reproduce. That is why today, DDR dogs are less likely to suffer from hip dysplasia. Because of the tough breeding conditions, these dogs came to have a bigger bone structure, larger head and a strong build. Today, East German Shepherds are mostly used as working dogs because they are well known not only for their physical characteristics but also they are loyal yet hard working companions who are easy to train and are extremely dedicated to their owner. DDR dogs are extremely high drive, high energy dogs and they are always wanting to please their owners so it is important they get the right amount of exercise. There are very few DDR breeders left today and we are very lucky to have these DDR dogs. Our aim is to keep the DDR bloodlines pure and pass on these great genes for generations to come.
