The real German Shepherd dog is not a pet

"I have read about people thinking their German Shepherd will instinctively protect them and their families.They buy into Breeders with social pet parents and generations of pet breeding. And when night falls and an intruder is breaking in the family runs to hide in a closet thinking their Great pet German Shepherd will Protect their home and family they find the dogs was hiding in the closet first!"

Back in the days of the Berlin Wall, the DDR (East German government) bred a particular type of dog. These are the DDR German Shepherds who have slowly become extinct since 1989, when the wall came down. Florida breeder John LaTorre is an expert on the DDR line German Shepherds and has passionately worked to keep some of the DNA alive in new litters. LaTorre took time to speak about the true lineage of the German Shepherd dog (GSD) and how the breed was originally intended to remain a working dog. He also shared his knowledge of the DDR German Shepherds, who were the canines that patrolled the Berlin Wall and former border that separated the former East and West Germany.

The image of a German Shepherd is often associated with K-9s, guide dogs, loyalty, protection, courage, and fierceness. These are dogs bred to protect and defend but over the years some breeders have turned certain German Shepherd bloodlines into pets. For those who are committed to the working heritage of these dogs, this is not a good development. A true German Shepherd can stop you in your tracks with just a stare. There is an intensity in their eyes and a focus that is there whether the dog is relaxing or alert. Most of all, a true German Shepherd is instinctive and intense when it comes to protecting their home and guardian. In my personal opinion, you know a real German Shepherd when you see one because a glance from one will intimidate even the most experienced GSD handler. When push comes to shove, the real German Shepherd will not hesitate to go into an attack stance and charge an intruder.

Do you think there is a particular personality type who makes an ideal owner for a German Shepherd Dog (GSD)?

Yes, I would have to say there is. The GSD is a medium to large size dog and should have good exercise and raining. They are high energy dogs that enjoy having a job to do. German Shepherds are sometimes aloof with or suspicious of strangers and are seldom submissive with other dogs. German Shepherds are naturally protective of their family and territory and bond for life. They are extremely loyal, and the decision to own a GSD should not be made on impulse but a life time commitment. Do you know German Shepherd dogs are at the top of rescue list?

Could you summarize just how the DDR created this type of German Shepherd the history behind the breeding program?

The Germans are smart people and the East Germans excelled in breeding horses and dogs. They did not create the breed. They just kept the dogs they way they were originally. Then they recognized traits in the dogs and bred to increase or isolate these trait for their purposes. This was all done by line breeding - close line breeding and in-breeding.

Do you think that the DDR and Czech line German Shepherds are the only working stock left in the breed?

The DDR lines are not working lines anymore and what is left from Czech are leaning toward sport. To be real, there are a very few real Czech dogs or lines left today. Many Czech dog pedigree I have seen are near 50% West German or more. The Czech breeders learned quickly they could market their dogs to the USA for insane money compared to what they would get in the Czech Republic. In the very near future they will be for the most part west bloodlines also.

Were you surprised when Germany announced that it was replacing the German Shepherd with the Belgian Malinois for police and military work?

The German Shepherd dogs was one of the most versatile. Years ago the GSD was used in SAR, police, military, Dogs for the Blind. As they became very popular with the public they became a big part of the pet trade. As they are mass produced for pet homes, little attention is focused on persevering any traits. So we no longer have that versatile GSD and no longer in demand. I know in Germany they have cross bred the Malinois with the GSD in hopes to improve the drives and instincts. I have seen these dogs work here in a police department training facility and do not think this is going to work well.

Describe the difference between a person using a DDR dog as a marketing tactic versus a true breeder of this line.

I do not believe there are breeders saving any of the DDR bloodlines. Most are just marketing puppies. Although there may be true breeders, there are only a few bloodlines left today and they are made up mostly of the bloodline 13A. When the other bloodlines were still available, many breeders were just inbreeding DDR dogs to fill the supply and demand. Not knowing anything or caring if any of these bloodlines should be separated and saved, they were just bought mixed and bred and so have near nothing to save today.

What are the two types of DDR German Shepherds and did they come from different breeders? Is it possible to access frozen DNA from the old DDR dogs that guarded the Berlin Wall to revive the bloodline of this type of German Shepherd?

The communist governments used the public to breed dogs. The public received payment for this maybe in tax breaks, cask food, etc. Most of these countries have more dogs per family for these reasons. But not all puppies born are usable for police military or guard work. So they may have very strong dogs but just milder or even weak in temperament.

Is it possible to access frozen DNA from the old DDR border patrol dogs that guarded the Berlin wall?

Yes, but very limited. I have dogs right now from this.

At their essence, what is a true German Shepherd dog in looks and temperament?

A German Shepherd dog should be (on the larger side) medium in size, slightly stretched, strong, muscular, good bone solid overall. German Shepherd working dogs should be direct and fearless, ready and willing, bold and obedient. These dogs must have loyalty and courage.