German Shepherds are one of the most popular and sought out breeds.  You may have thought all German Shepherds were the same, but there are actually five distinct types of lines within the breed including Czech German Shepherds.  There are two main categories of German Shepherds – show lines and working lines.  The first breed and breed standards were created around 1899.  Show lines were bred more for their appearance and working lines were bred more for their desire and ability to work.  Here are the five lines:

  • North American and Canadian show lines
  • West Germany show lines
  • East Germany/DDR working lines
  • West Germany working lines
  • Czech working lines

 

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History of the Czech German Shepherd

The Czech German Shepherd was first bred in a single kennel starting in 1955.  The kennel was operated by the Border Control arm of the Czechoslovakian army.  These dogs were mostly used as working dogs and protected the national borders.  The border patrol agents and their dogs would apprehend 20-30 people a day during the communist regime.  The dogs were bred from the East German/DDR line and some Czechoslovakian dogs.  They were bred specifically for their hard working ability, agility, protection, strong nerves, and dark coloration.
Czech German Shepherds: Everything You Need to Know

How to Obtain a Czech German Shepherd

The best way to find a high quality Czech German Shepherd is to find a reliable breeder.  There are seasoned breeders in the United States and in European countries like Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovokia.  Do your research to locate a or breeder.  This is imperative if you want a healthy dog with working ability and a balanced temperament. An ethical breeder will be knowledgeable about the breed and be able to provide health certificates  for the parent dogs and bloodline.  Plan to spend around $500 to $1500 or more for a normal puppy, although you might luck up and find one at an animal shelter or rescue center.
Czech German Shepherds: Everything You Need to Know
Image source: CC BY-SA 3.0  via Wikimedia Commons

Physical Appearance

Czech German Shepherds are normally large in size.  A grown male is around 24-26 inches in height and weigh 66-88 pounds.  A grown female is around 22-24 inches in height and weigh 49-71 pounds.  Czech German Shepherds are bred to have thick chests and paws, a large head, a straight back, dense thick bones, and strong muscles.  Most dogs will have a short/median length coat and are known for having a darker pigmentation.  They usually have a more uniform color of black, dark brown, or grey.
Czech German Shepherds: Everything You Need to Know

Temperament

Because Czech Shepherds were originally bred for demanding border patrol work, the breed is hard working, brave, loyal, dedicated and intelligent.  They are athletic, agile, and have great stamina and endurance.  Although they are highly energetic dogs, some modern Czechs are more laid back and very friendly.
Czech German Shepherds: Everything You Need to Know

Caring for your Czech German Shepherd

Your dog is extremely intelligent, and you should start training them as soon as you bring your puppy home.  Be consistent, patient, and firm when training your puppy.  Proper training and proper socialization will make for a happy dog.  As working dogs, they also need lots of exercise.  They do best with a yard to play around in and an active owner who enjoys taking them for walks.
You should always have clean water available for your dog to drink and feed him two to four cups of dog food broken up into two or three meals.  In addition, your German Shepherd will need to be groomed.  They should be brushed twice a week and more often when they are shedding.  You should also keep up with their annual veterinarian visits.  Czech German Shepherds are generally a healthy breed; however, they are prone to getting ear infections, eye problems, bloating, and hip dysplasia.
As long as you provide lots of love, attention, exercise, and take care of your dog, you should expect to have a wonderful 12 to 15 years together!
Guest post by Patrick Rice
 
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Czech German Shepherds - Everything You Need to Know - #German #Shepherds are one of the most popular and sought out #breeds.  You may have thought all German Shepherds were the same, but there are actually five distinct types of lines within the breed including Czech German Shepherds.  #CzechGermanShepherds    #GermanShepherds  #dogs  #dogbreeds  #pets #buyingadog