Before the revolution began in the Czech Republic during the year 1989, the breeding of German Shepherds focused on producing dogs that would be used for border patrol purposes. Breeding programs revolved around one kennel, which is owned by the Czechoslovakian Army and is known as the Kennel z Pohranicni Straze. This kennel was started in 1955 for the purpose of creating dogs to protect the borders of the Czechoslovakian People’s Republic. Later, these same dogs were used to protect the borders of the Czechoslovakian Socialist Republic. Most of the dogs used in these programs were acquired from areas in East Germany and Czechoslovakia. All of these dogs were taken care of by military service conscripts, were trained for about one year and relocated to Border Patrol training facilities. Today, they are kept at Czech police training facilities. Breeding programs focused on those dogs that were larger of bone and more powerful than traditional GSDs.
The German Shepherd is a large dog with long, strong legs and typically weigh anywhere from 44 to 88 pounds. This dog breed can run fast and is very agile. Their hair is medium-length and can be solid black, grey with a black saddle and mask or black with brown, tan or grey markings. It has a double coat with a thick, dense outer coat and a dense undercoat. It sheds a lot and needs to be brushed regularly. They have large triangular ears, large heads, long bushy tails and an extremely muscular body. The Czech Shepherd is actually a German Shepherd Dog that was selectively bred in the Czech Republic for certain desired qualities. As such, these dogs may be known by various names including Czech Shepherds, German Shepherds, German Shepherd Dogs, GSDs, Alsatians, Deutsche Schaferhunds and Deutsher Schaferhunds.
Personality
This is a very smart dog breed that needs daily physical and mental exercise. If can get bored and destructive if it doesn’t get the sufficient exercise. The German Shepherd is very loyal and protective of its family. It can be domineering and is stubborn.<br><br> Czech Shepherds are calm dogs that are highly intelligent and easy to train. They are also extremely self-confident, courageous and loyal. While Czech Shepherds can be quite distrustful with strangers, they are very gentle with their human family members. As such, they make terrific companions and family pets. Czech Shepherds are German Shepherd Dogs that were selectively bred to create a dog that is stronger and more courageous than traditional GSDs. While these dogs were originally used as border patrol canines, they perform in many arenas today including protection, search and rescue, obedience, agility, tracking, herding, and all-around family dogs.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Herders |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Herding |
| Life Span: | 10-13 Years |
| Nicknames: | Czech Shepherds, German Shepherds, German Shepherd Dogs, GSDs, Alsatians, Deutsche Schaferhunds, Deutsher Schaferhunds |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
German Shepherd Build Information
The German Shepherd is a large dog with long, strong legs and typically weigh anywhere from 44 to 88 pounds. This dog breed can run fast and is very agile. Their hair is medium-length and can be solid black, grey with a black saddle and mask or black with brown, tan or grey markings. He has a double coat with a thick, dense outer coat and a dense undercoat. He sheds a lot and needs to be brushed regularly. They have large triangular ears, large heads, long bushy tails and an extremely muscular body. The Czech Shepherd is actually a German Shepherd Dog that was selectively bred in the Czech Republic for certain desired qualities. As such, these dogs may be known by various names including Czech Shepherds, German Shepherds, German Shepherd Dogs, GSDs, Alsatians, Deutsche Schaferhunds and Deutsher Schaferhunds.
| Size: | Large |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
This is a very smart dog breed that needs daily physical and mental exercise. If can get bored and destructive if he doesn’t get the sufficient exercise. The German Shepherd is very loyal and protective of his family. He can be domineering and is stubborn.<br><br> Czech Shepherds are calm dogs that are highly intelligent and easy to train. They are also extremely self-confident, courageous and loyal. While Czech Shepherds can be quite distrustful with strangers, they are very gentle with their human family members. As such, they make terrific companions and family pets. Czech Shepherds are German Shepherd Dogs that were selectively bred to create a dog that is stronger and more courageous than traditional GSDs. While these dogs were originally used as border patrol canines, they perform in many arenas today including protection, search and rescue, obedience, agility, tracking, herding, and all-around family dogs.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
The Czech Shepherd, also called the German “Shedding” Dog, has a double-coat, which requires regular brushing, especially during shedding season. These dogs will shed their coats twice per year. Bathing your dog about once a month should be fine unless he becomes excessively dirty. However, be sure to check his ears regularly for any wax buildup and clip his nails when they become overly long.
| Colors: | Black, Black & Tan, Sable |
| Shedding: | Constant |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
German Shepherd Common Health Conditions
A healthy Czech Shepherd can live as long as 13 years if he receives proper care. However, there are several health issues that these dogs are prone to developing including bloat, epilepsy, hip and elbow dysplasia, keratitis, eczema, blood disorders, and digestive disorders. Some of these dogs have also been known to develop flea allergies, dwarfism, splenic tumors, Von Willebrand’s disease and perianal fistulas.
German Shepherd Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
German Shepherds are some of the most popular dogs in the world ranking second in the US and fourth in the UK. Czech Shepherds (German Shepherds) excel in many different arenas including protection, obedience, herding, tracking, search and rescue, and agility. German Shepherds have been featured in several movies and TV shows including Rin Tin Tin, Strongheart and The Littlest Hobo. He is aloof towards strangers and can be aggressive towards other dogs.
| Training: | Very easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | Yes |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | Yes |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | Yes |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | Yes |
| Dog Sledding: | Yes |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | Yes |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
