| GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG STANDARD
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General Appearance
The first impression of a good German Shepherd Dog is that of a strong, agile, well muscled animal, alert and full of life. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. The dog is longer than tall, deep-bodied, and presents an outline of smooth curves rather than angles. It looks substantial and not spindly, giving the impression, both at rest and in motion, of muscular fitness and nimbleness without any look of clumsiness or soft living. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility--difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Secondary sex characteristics are strongly marked, and every animal gives a definite impression of masculinity or femininity, according to its sex.
Temperament
A sound temperament is of the utmost importance in a good companion. Temperament is inherited, and therefore is a direct result of the dog's breeding.
The character of the German Shepherd Dog is one of self-confidence and nobility. Although a mature German Shepherd will not wear his heart on his sleeve, he should be approachable and outgoing. Strangers may be regarded with some suspicion, but the dog should be neither overly sharp and aggressive nor cringe with fear.
A sound German Shepherd makes an excellent companion. An unsound one is a disaster waiting to happen.
The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand. The dog must not be timid, shrinking behind its master or handler; it should not be nervous, looking about or upward with anxious expression or showing nervous reactions, such as tucking of tail, to strange sounds or sights. Lack of confidence under any surroundings is not typical of good character. Any of the above deficiencies in character which indicate shyness must be penalized as very serious faults and any dog exhibiting pronounced indications of these must be excused from the ring. It must be possible for the judge to observe the teeth and to determine that both testicles are descended. Any dog that attempts to bite the judge must be disqualified. The ideal dog is a working animal with an incorruptible character combined with body and gait suitable for the arduous work that constitutes its primary purpose.
Size, Proportion, Substance
The desired height for males at the top of the highest point of the shoulder blade is 24 to 26 inches; and for bitches, 22 to 24 inches.
The German Shepherd Dog is longer than tall, with the most desirable proportion as 10 to 8½. The length is measured from the point of the pro sternum or breastbone to the rear edge of the pelvis, the ischial tuberosity. The desirable long proportion is not derived from a long back, but from overall length with relation to height, which is achieved by length of forequarter and length of withers and hindquarter, viewed from the side.
Head
The head is noble, cleanly chiseled, strong without coarseness, but above all not fine, and in proportion to the body. The head of the male is distinctly masculine, and that of the bitch distinctly feminine.
The expression keen, intelligent and composed. Eyes of medium size, almond shaped, set a little obliquely and not protruding. The color is as dark as possible. Ears are moderately pointed, in proportion to the skull, open toward the front, and carried erect when at attention, the ideal carriage being one in which the center lines of the ears, viewed from the front, are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. A dog with cropped or hanging ears must be disqualified.
Seen from the front the forehead is only moderately arched, and the skull slopes into the long, wedge-shaped muzzle without abrupt stop. The muzzle is long and strong, and its topline is parallel to the topline of the skull. Nose black. A dog with a nose that is not predominantly black must be disqualified. The lips are firmly fitted. Jaws are strongly developed. Teeth --42 in number--20 upper and 22 lower--are strongly developed and meet in a scissors bite in which part of the inner surface of the upper incisors meet and engage part of the outer surface of the lower incisors. An overshot jaw or a level bite is undesirable. An undershot jaw is a disqualifying fault. Complete dentition is to be preferred. Any missing teeth other than first premolars is a serious fault.
Neck, Topline and Body
The neck is strong and muscular, clean-cut and relatively long, proportionate in size to the head and without loose folds of skin. When the dog is at attention or excited, the head is raised and the neck carried high; otherwise typical carriage of the head is forward rather than up and but little higher than the top of the shoulders, particularly in motion.
Topline-- The withers are higher than and sloping into the level back. The back is straight, very strongly developed without sag or roach, and relatively short.
The whole structure of the body gives an impression of depth and solidity without bulkiness.
Chest-- Commencing at the prosternum, it is well filled and carried well down between the legs. It is deep and capacious, never shallow, with ample room for lungs and heart, carried well forward, with the prosternum showing ahead of the shoulder in profile. Ribs well sprung and long, neither barrel-shaped nor too flat, and carried down to a sternum which reaches to the elbows. Correct ribbing allows the elbows to move back freely when the dog is at a trot. Too round causes interference and throws the elbows out; too flat or short causes pinched elbows. Ribbing is carried well back so that the loin is relatively short. Abdomen firmly held and not paunchy. The bottom line is only moderately tucked up in the loin.
Loin Viewed from the top, broad and strong. Undue length between the last rib and the thigh, when viewed from the side, is undesirable. Croup long and gradually sloping.
Tail bushy, with the last vertebra extended at least to the hock joint. It is set smoothly into the croup and low rather than high. At rest, the tail hangs in a slight curve like a saber. A slight hook- sometimes carried to one side-is faulty only to the extent that it mars general appearance. When the dog is excited or in motion, the curve is accentuated and the tail raised, but it should never be curled forward beyond a vertical line. Tails too short, or with clumpy ends due to ankylosis, are serious faults. A dog with a docked tail must be disqualified.
Forequarters
The shoulder blades are long and obliquely angled, laid on flat and not placed forward. The upper arm joins the shoulder blade at about a right angle. Both the upper arm and the shoulder blade are well muscled. The forelegs, viewed from all sides, are straight and the bone oval rather than round. The pasterns are strong and springy and angulated at approximately a 25-degree angle from the vertical. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed, but are normally left on. The feet are short, compact with toes well arched, pads thick and firm, nails short and dark.
Hindquarters
The whole assembly of the thigh, viewed from the side, is broad, with both upper and lower thigh well muscled, forming as nearly as possible a right angle. The upper thigh bone parallels the shoulder blade while the lower thigh bone parallels the upper arm. The metatarsus (the unit between the hock joint and the foot) is short, strong and tightly articulated. The dewclaws, if any, should be removed from the hind legs. Feet as in front.
Coat and Color
The ideal dog has a double coat of medium length. The outer coat should be as dense as possible, hair straight, harsh and lying close to the body. A slightly wavy outer coat, often of wiry texture, is permissible. The head, including the inner ear and foreface, and the legs and paws are covered with short hair, and the neck with longer and thicker hair. The rear of the forelegs and hind legs has somewhat longer hair extending to the pastern and hock, respectively. Faults in coat include soft, silky, too long outer coat, woolly, curly, and open coat.
No good dog is a bad color!There is a wide variety of colors in the German Shepherd Dog. More commonly : Black/Red, Black/Tan, Bi-color, Black, Sable, White. And less commonly and considered serious faults: Liver, Blue, Panda.
Fendi dell' alto Pino
Black and Red Black and Red German Shepherds have a richer pigmentation than black and tans. It is common to see them in German Showlines.
Cassandra vom Haus Brezel
Black and Tan Black and Tan German Shepherds have lighter pigmentation than black and reds.
Miro vom Wallerhorst
Blanket Black and Tan/Red have extended saddle markings that go roughly to the area of their elbows, and give the appearance of a "blanket" rather than a "saddle" on their backs. They are often mistaken for bi colors, however they each have distinct differences that set each other apart.
Bomber vom Wolfsheim
Black The solid pattern is a recessive gene, meaning it is only expressed when the dog has 2 copies of the gene. Dogs that are sable, black and tan, etc, can carry this gene. Two solid patterned dogs bred together can only produce solid patterned pups. There can be slight bleeding of color such as tan or silver hairs between the toes or on the legs.This is due to black being a masking gene and the tan is coming through. It is not due to lack of pigmentation.
Eliot von Prevent
Bi Color A bi-color requires that majority of the dog is solid black leaving the legs tan, with black penciling on the legs or toes. There should be no tan on the face or behind the ears. Tan "eyebrows" are permisable. "Tar Heels" is another term often associated with this color.
Easy von der Hundshart
Sable The term "Sable" (or Agouti) itself refers to the banding of color on the dogs individual hairs. The hairs on a sable dog are 'tipped' with varying amounts of black on the ends, with the rest of the hair being any shade of tan, red, gray, etc - which accounts for the large array of shades of sable.These dogs may appear in many shades of silver, gray, gold or mahogany colors. Most fall somewhere in between these extremes. Often times they also have the dark mask as well. Agouti German Shepherds can also go through many stages of coat development, both lightening and darkening, before they reach maturity.
It is easy to say, that as a general rule of thumb, a sable keeps developing his final color up until the dog reaches the age of three (or so) - so you'll never really know what the final color of sable German Shepherds will really be until the dog is completely mature. It is also important to note that this type of coat coloration is dominant over all the others. Another name for this type of coloration is called agouti or wolf gray, and it can vary a great deal from dog to dog.
Regalwise Terrific
Silver Sable A silver sable is a lighter variation of sable. Many call it "wolf sable" as well.
Josemite Karnos-Duabo
Black Sable While there is no real genetic difference in Sable vs Black or Red sable, they are simple terms used to define the shade and pigment of the dog. Black Sables are extremely dark in color.
AceofNike
Red Sable Red Sables tend to have more red in their coats.
Eclipse's JoKay Miakoda Moon
White "A white german shepherd must be disqualified" in AKC shows, however there is nothing wrong with owning a white shepherd. With a wide area of critisism for the white shepherd has lead them to break into their own "type". White German Shepherds are not albino and there are no health concerns regarding the color of their coat. But because they have been bred mainly for color they are typically family pets, Though there are of course exceptions.Many people think that a White GSD must be PURE white to be called white.
If the dog is not pure white they make up other names for them such as "buff", "biscuit", "blonde", etc. Dogs that
are any of these off "colors" on them are still genetically WHITE (not some "rare color") and they are COMPLETELY acceptable at WS/WGSD shows,
but not preffered. However, correct temperament, movement, and structure are far more important than being pure white.
White is a 'masking' gene and covers up the dog's true color. That is why 'white' dogs often have cream, or blonde tint to their coats.
Unknown Solid Liver German Shepherd
Liver
There are no "rare" or especially desirable colours in the correct GSD. Blue and liver are disqualifications world wide. Silver, fawn, cream and solid red dogs are examples of extremely faded pigmentation. Breeders who promote odd colors are not breeding to the GSD Breed Standard, although their animals may be perfectly sound and make fine companions. Interbreeding animals with insufficient pigmentation can result in dogs with skin problems, and lightly pigmented exposed skin which is not well protected from UV radiation.
Unknown Solid Blue German Shepherd
Blue:The blue gene is a recessive color gene. Both parents of a dog must carry this gene for a pup to be blue. At birth, dogs who are blue will be 'grey' or 'silver' in colouration, not the usual black. The blue gene is a Dilute gene, meaning it dilutes all the black pigment of a dog. This means Blue dogs have grey nose leather, and a grey 'dusted' appearance to their coats. The blue colouration can very from a very light 'powder' blue to a very dark, almost indistinguishable 'steel' blue. Blue dogs will also have very light eyes, often being very blue at a young age, and as the dog grows, going through varying shades of green and yellow, often ending up yellow or a light shade of brown.
Kerstone's La Vida Loca Phenom
PandaOne of the newest colors to show up in the German Shepherd breed is Panda, or more correctly Piebald. Many people suggest that it is a crossbreed, however Many of these dogs have been DNA tested and AKC Registered.
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The popularity of this remarkable breed has led to the creation of many bloodlines and "types" in several countries. As well, there are several offshoot breeds, all claiming to be improvements on their progenitor. For someone wanting to buy a true German Shepherd Dog, the variety of similar dogs must be mind boggling.
Paul vom Bierstadter Hof
West German Show. This is the breed type most popular in Germany, and which at its best probably comes closest to the Breed Standard. Representatives of this family can be successful show and breeding dogs, and still perform as herding, service, SAR and guide dogs, as well as reliable companions and sport dogs. They are shown world wide under the German SV system, which requires working titles of show and breeding dogs. They are predominantly black and red in color, and exhibit a fluid, ground eating trot. Shortcomings which are most typical of this family are roached backs, fading pigmentation and weak temperament.
Ellute von der Mohnwiese
German Working Lines These dogs have been bred primarily for the sport of Schutzhund, and as service dogs. They excel as police, military, SAR and drug/bomb detection dogs. If you seriously want a working dog, or one that can be competitive in sport, these are the lines you would consider first. They are less likely to show the elegant conformation typical of show lines, but many, like the dog illustrated, show excellent structure, and they are powerful and athletic. Sable, black and bi=color are typical, although black & tan is also common. Some show more drive and aggression than would be wanted in a family or guide dog, although there are many more that are suitable for any purpose.
Lord vom Gleisdreick
East German Lines (DDR) This family was developed in East Germany from those dogs remaining in the East after WW 2. Those foundation dogs predated the show/working split of post-war West Germany, and were not extreme in either conformation or drive. The DDR dogs tend to show solid working structure with heavy bone and massive heads, and strong temperament. Some dogs can show a degree of sharpness. Overall, they tend to be very sound. Some breeders are attempting to preserve the pure DDR lines, but they are more commonly being integrated into the working lines with good success.
Dargo Ha Ja Da
Czech/Slovak Lines These dogs were bred in Communist Czechoslovakia as state working dogs. They are essentially the same as the DDR lines, from which they were largely developed. Similarly, some breeders are attempting to preserve the pure Czech dogs, but they are more commonly being integrated into the working lines with good success.
Dargo Ha Ja Da
Tindrock's Firestorm
American Show Lines This family has been the numerically dominant type in North America since the 1970's. The entire family is heavily inbred on one extraordinarily successful show and stud dog at that time, GV Lance of FranJo. They are shown under the American & Canadian Kennel Club systems, which require no working titles or hip certification. In general, they are bred for an extreme trotting structure often showing excessive length of body and rear angulation. Unfortunately, the extreme physical type wanted by specialty judges is not conducive to the speed and jumping ability required of a working dog. Temperament is generally soft, and drive is variable. Weak nerves are a problem, as are other health issues. Recently, some breeders are showing more interest in obedience, herding and agility tests. Hip status is generally good. At their best, members of this family, if not extreme, can be fine family and obedience dogs.
- Torison and Bloat - Due to their excessively deep chests preferred in the AKC show rings.
- Hip, Elbow, and other orthopedic problems due to the lack of regulations in the US.
- Inconsistent litters in regard to temperament since they are mainly bred for beauty.
- Looser Ligamentation to achieve extreme movement.
- Orthopedic stress problems due to extreme angulations that is preferred int he AKC Show ring.
Axel vom Poldihaus
Old American Show generally refers to American show dogs bred prior to the 1970's, which did not show the extremes of the later bloodlines, and whose bloodllines largely died out with the appearance of the modern American show lines. At the same time in Germany, the breed had not yet differentiated into show and working lines, and in type were very similar to the American dogs. Dogs like Marko Cellerland and Bernd and Bodo Lierberg were great show dogs, and great producers of show, working and sport dogs as well. German dogs won in the American show ring and produced American champions. American dogs produced many service dogs in use in North America. There were no extremes of physical type or temperament.
"Information gathered from The Illustrated German Shepherd Standard by Linda Shaw"
| German Shepherd Dog Age/Weight Approximations |
Every dog and each circumstance of its genetic heritage and life environment vary, so all data are approximations.
At birth, a German Shepherd puppy of a standard litter of six to eight pups would be expected to weigh
approximately 1% of the dam's pre-pregnancy weight. This varies depending on a number of factors, including
but not limited to genetics, size of litter, gender, and environmental conditions for the dam and pups during
pregnancy and whelp.
The healthy newborn large breed pup is expected to at least double its birth weight at one week of
age, then experience a period of consistent daily weight gain of 5-10%, moderating to a rate of gain
that ultimately reaches at physical maturity about 70 or more times the puppy's birth weight (see chart below).
The German Shepherd Dog typically reaches physical adulthood at 18-24 months of age, with some Eastern European
bloodlines maturing even more slowly, sometimes not until 36+ months of age. However one would expect to see
the rate of growth slow demonstrably after about 6 months of age, with minimal weight gain after 12 months of
age in the appropriately maintained dog.
Age Weight Male % of Weight Female
(mo) Kg. lb. Total Kg. lb.
1 4.2 9.2 12.10 3.3 7.2
2 9.0 19.9 26.18 7.5 16.6
3 14.2 31.3 41.18 12.1 26.7
4 19.0 41.8 55 16.4 36.2
5 22.9 50.6 66.57 20.0 44.0
6 26.1 57.4 75.52 22.7 50.1
7 28.4 62.6 82.36 24.7 54.4
8 30.1 66.4 87.36 26.1 57.5
9 31.5 69.4 91.31 27.1 59.7
10 32.7 72.0 94.73 27.9 61.5
11 33.7 74.3 97.76 28.6 63.1
12 34.5 76.0 100 29.1 64.2
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