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Characteristics of the Czech German Shepherd

Czech German Shepherd

Thanks for your interest in the Czech German Shepherd ! This article is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about a Czech German Shepherd. You may wonder what the differences are between all types of German Shepherds and we are here to tell you!

This article, however, focuses on one type so that you can learn the history of the Czech German Shepherd , how it compares to other types of German Shepherds, what to look for in a Czech German Shepherd breeder , and of course the appearance, grooming. , the temperament, the exercise, the training, the feeding and the health problems of the Czech German Shepherd.

Please note that this article is not a substitute for visiting a vet, nor are we vets who can give definitive medical advice. Please do more research after this introductory article so that you are fully educated on the breed prior to purchase or adoption.

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The history of the Czech German Shepherd

The bloodlines of Czech German Shepherds originated in communist Czechoslovakia in 1899 as government working dogs for the border control arm of the Czech army, the Pohranichi Straze. Breeding the Czech German Shepherd began in a single kennel in 1955 when Max von Stephanitz saw Horand von Grafrath , the first officially registered German Shepherd, at a dog show and decided that he had the best qualities to be a working dog.

The border control arm of the Czech Army ran the kennel where Czech German Shepherds were raised to protect the country’s borders. The dogs were primarily bred to DDR German Shepherds (also known as East German Shepherds) with characteristics of strong nerves, masculinity, work potential, loyalty, intelligence, and dark coloration.

DDR German Shepherds and Czech German Shepherds have very similar bloodlines because Czechoslovakia and East Germany fell under the former Soviet Bloc; however, the two races are not the same, although they are often called each other.

Although the Czech German Shepherd is a relatively new breed, it has become very popular very quickly around the world. Modern breeding of bloodlines is less regulated, which is why Czech German Shepherds are often bred to be more docile family pets than energetic and highly focused working dogs. These modern Czech Shepherds still require daily exercise, but they are happy to relax at home and play with toys.

Also, today’s Czech German Shepherds may have diluted bloodlines, which means that a Czech Shepherd may have been raised with another German Shepherd at some point, such as an American German Shepherd. (The appearance of a German American Shepherd is different from that of a Czech Shepherd, as you will see discussed later in this article.)

All current German Shepherd Dogs can be traced back to the Thuringian, the Wurttemberg Sheepdog, and the Swabian Service Dog. Von Ultimate Kennels created a bloodline chart showing all German Shepherds dating back to Thuringian dogs. These German Shepherd lines began in Germany and Europe and spread to the United States and Canada, where they were divided into working lines and show lines.

The German Shepherd show lines are bred for their looks along with certifications in hip and elbow strength, a stable temperament, and work ability. German Shepherds working lines are not necessarily bred for their looks, but rather for their focus on work ability, their stamina, and their comfort levels when working in the fields.

Today, German Shepherd Dogs are bred through family lines and through completely different dog breeds. So if you are looking to buy a Czech Shepherd , check with the breeder for a lineage to make sure you are getting a pure Czech Shepherd.

Czech German Shepherds vs. other types of German Shepherds

As already mentioned, Czech German Shepherds are often called East German Shepherds (or GDR German Shepherds). Although the two types are very similar, they have their differences.

  • The origins of the East German Shepherd go back to East Germany, while Czech German Shepherds are from the German-Czech border.
  • East German Shepherds have darker coat pigmentation than Czech German Shepherds.
  • East German Shepherds are smaller, lighter in weight, and not as muscular.
  • East German Shepherds were highly overlooked as a bloodline after the internal border fell into Germany, while Czech German Shepherds were easily bred for border protection.

The Dutch German Shepherd differs mostly in its appearance from other types of German Shepherd. The coat is similar to that of the Czech German Shepherd with a Sable coloration but with a darker pigmentation and a longer coat.

The Dutch Shepherd is said to look a lot like that of a wolf. Not to worry though, the breed remains a loyal companion that is suitable for work, herding, search and rescue, obedience, sports and agility, and police work.

The Dutch Shepherd is very independent and can have a mind of his own. Breeders should test for thyroid problems in long coat types and gonium dysplasia in thick coat types. The breed is native to the Netherlands and is not widely known around the world, compared to the German Shepherd breed in general.

The German American Shepherd is widely bred for showmanship with a focus on looks rather than workmanship. The hind legs are bent more and the torso is more angled from front to back. German American Shepherds are known for being graceful, with graceful gaits, and giving exceptional performances in the show ring. They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.

When all German Shepherd dog breeds are compared, they are very similar in temperament, size, energy level, intelligence, work ethic, grooming needs, diet, potential health issues, and length of life. The main difference is in the color of the coat. German Shepherd types can also be black and silver, black and red (also called liver), all black and all white.

The appearance of the Czech German Shepherd

The Czech German Shepherd possesses the typical facial features of the ordinary German Shepherd dog, a strong jaw, erect, pointed ears, and a thick head .

Although considered a large breed, the overall size of the breed type may be smaller, with males reaching 154 to 167 centimeters at the shoulder and 29 to 32 kg, while females grow to 56 to 61 centimeters and 22 to 32 kg. The cubs will grow up to 12 months of age.

An overall dense appearance makes the Czech German Shepherd look meaningful and powerful. They have a strong jaw and body to catch criminals when they were originally raised in Czechoslovakia . They stand on thick legs with a deep chest.

In terms of coloration, Czech German Shepherds have a sable coat (also called Agouti ), which means they have small patches of tan, cream, or red around the feet and legs with black or banded hair tips on them. most of the body.

This pigmentation gives dogs a mostly black appearance. Their colors are more uniform compared to the markings on the black and tan saddle of the American German Shepherd. Colors range from black to dark brown to wolf gray.

Grooming the Czech German Shepherd

Czech German Shepherds must be groomed at least twice a week. A daily brushing is best for the health of the coat and the control of hair loss at home.

Czech German Shepherds do not require professional grooming but can benefit from a bath when they have gotten into a dirty situation. The oil from their fur will protect their fur for the most part, but the mud (or other debris) must be washed away. We recommend using canine shampoo to accommodate the natural oil in your skin, but it would be best to consult with a vet to find out what is the best shampoo for your dog.

Czech German Shepherds are required to brush their teeth once a week. While your favorite chew toys can help keep tartar away, canine toothpaste can help keep tooth decay and gingivitis at bay in your older years. As much as the dog may not like it, you should teach him to brush his teeth from the age of a puppy. The younger you start brushing her teeth, the better she will be when she gets older.

It may be necessary to trim the nails of a Czech German Shepherd. If the dog regularly walks on asphalt or concrete, the nails may be so worn that they do not need to be cut. A vet can be a good guide to how often to trim your dog’s nails and the most suitable products for you. If a nail clipper doesn’t suit you, maybe a nail file would work better. If the nails are left uncut for too long, the nails can curl under the dog’s foot, making it difficult and painful to walk or run.

Czech German Shepherds are known to have minor hearing problems throughout their lives, so it may be necessary to carefully and gently check and clean their ears. Check for signs of excessive dirt, irritation, or infection.

Use a product like an ear wash or ear wipes, or take the dog to the vet if he needs help cleaning his ears. If dirty ears are left uncleaned, painful infections can develop, causing the dog to constantly scratch his ears, rub his ears on the ground, hold them at odd angles, and shake his head in irritation.

Czech German Shepherd temperament

All German Shepherds have the same basic temperament. The Czech German Shepherd , like other German Shepherds, is energetic and intelligent. While they were originally bred for stamina and conscientiousness with a harsh edge to their personality, modern Czech German Shepherds are often bred for softer characteristics.

Today, they make great family pets that enjoy playing with toys and relaxing in a comfortable home. Czech German Shepherds are calm, friendly, and willing to snuggle with their owner.

Many Czech German Shepherds are great for families with children, but not all dogs can be tolerant of young children pulling their ears and hair. Keep a close eye on young children around all dogs.

Czech German Shepherds still need daily exercise but they don’t require a whole day of hard work. A daily walk and a little playtime with the toys are usually enough to burn off some energy and keep them from getting anxious and hyperactive.

Exercising the Czech German Shepherd

As a dog bred to work all day long, showing all its stamina and agility, the Czech German Shepherd requires no less than 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity each day. The breed needs an active owner if it is not used for work purposes.

Physical activity can include walking, running, and playing in the backyard with toys. Bringing toys and records can be a great way to exercise in the backyard. While indoors, a Czech German Shepherd may enjoy retrieving treats from a stuffed toy.

Some dogs may be comfortable in an apartment, but the breed generally needs a yard to run and play or access to walks with its owner. Without a way to burn energy, the Czech German Shepherd will become hyperactive, anxious, loud, and destructive.

Training the Czech German Shepherd

Czech German Shepherds are highly intelligent, fast learners, and eager to please. Almost anyone can train a Czech German Shepherd with a little knowledge and proper training methods.

A professional dog trainer may not be necessary with the proper knowledge, but it is never a bad idea to invest in a trainer that can train your dog efficiently and effectively.

Czech German Shepherds respond best to Positive Reinforcement training. Positive Reinforcement redirects unwanted behaviors to desired behaviors. For example, if your Czech German Shepherd chews on your shoe, remove the shoe while giving a stern but gentle scolding (No, bad dog), and immediately giving the dog one of his own toys, offering a compliment (Dog! good!) with a high-pitched voice.

If you just take off his shoe and scold him, the dog won’t know what you want him to do instead, so the dog can chew on something that he’s not supposed to chew. By replacing the inappropriate chew toy with the appropriate chew toy, the dog will remember what is good and continue that behavior. The same goes for jumping, begging, barking, potty training, etc.

If the dog is behaving inappropriately, let’s say it jumps on you when it wants your attention, ignore the bad behavior at all costs. Eventually, the dog will realize that this behavior does not get him what he wants. Maybe you sit back and wonder what else you should try. At the perfect time! When it sits down, you can pet it and praise it. They will find that a sitting will attract their attention and they are more likely to sit the next time they want your attention.

Main basic commands

As for the basic training of the commands, the Czech German Shepherd must grasp them quickly. The main basic commands used with family pets include Sit, Down, Come, Stay, and Forward.

Throughout this training, you need to be patient: once your puppy figures out what you want him to do, he will pick up the commands very quickly. You must also be assertive. Show your puppy that you are the master. Don’t be harsh, but use a stern voice. Be consistent. I gave the orders in the same stern tone of voice each time. Use the same manners to accomplish each order every time you ask.

For example, when teaching your puppy to sit, start with the puppy in a standing position and push his back down until he sits, while saying the command to sit. Once the puppy is seated, praise him in a high-pitched voice. Do this every time you ask him to sit until he gets the clue and is lonely.

Dogs respond well to high-pitched voices because it lets them know that you are happy with them. You can say anything to a dog with a high-pitched voice and they will think you are praising them. Anything you say in a low voice will make the dog think he has done something wrong.

To teach a Czech German Shepherd to obey the “Down” command, you must first ask the dog to sit down, and then gently pull its front legs forward until it is lying down. Firmly say the Down command as you do so. Once the dog is in the Down position, praise him in a high-pitched voice.

Again, persistence is the key. Young dogs are excitable and may think they want to play or just don’t want to obey immediately. Continue giving the Down command and moving the dog into position until he understands.

The Ven order is extremely important for teaching a Czech German Shepherd. In the event that your dog becomes free from a leash or fence, you want your dog to immediately return to you for safety. You don’t want a dog to disobey and run away. This is where the command to Come comes into play.

To teach the command to come, start with your dog a short distance from you – perhaps just a few steps. In a high-pitched voice, he uses his name and the order to come. Fido, come! Clap or pat their knees to encourage them if necessary. Sounding excited will attract their attention and make them want to come to you. Upon reaching you, praise the dog in a high-pitched voice and perhaps offer him a meal. Once they know they will receive praise and an award when they come, they will be more willing to obey.

Owners of Czech German Shepherds will also want to teach the ranch command. The Stay command is useful when you want your dog to stay in one place. For example, you may want your dog to sit in one place while you hook up the leash for a walk.

Dogs know when it’s time to go for a walk and they tend to get nervous. Leashing a jumping dog is not an easy task. The Stay command works well here because you can teach your Czech German Shepherd to sit and stay in the doorway while hooking the leash onto the collar. This command teaches your dog to have good manners.

To teach the command to stay, start by making your dog sit up and then raise your hand as a stop sign one foot from his muzzle. Firmly say the command to stay as you take a small step back, away from your dog. Pause for a moment and if the dog remains seated, return to him and praise him in a high-pitched voice. Repeat this until the dog sits confidently. Continue the learning process by taking 2 steps back, then 3 steps back, and so on until you can move away from the dog and he remains seated in place.

The forward command moves the dog from a sitting or standing position to a walking motion. Let’s say your Czech German Shepherd is sitting in the doorway while you attach the leash to the collar for a walk. Now you want to signal to your dog that it is time to head out the door. In this case, you want to open the door while saying Go ahead in an excited voice.

To begin teaching the Forward command, have the dog sit in a place where there is plenty of room to take a few steps forward. Loudly and excitedly say the command to move forward as you move your hand away from you in the direction you want the dog to walk.

Use the hand that is not holding the strap so that your movements are clear. By sweeping your hand forward, you are signaling to your dog that he needs to walk in that direction. Once the dog stands up and starts walking, praise him in a high-pitched voice. Eventually, you will not need to sweep your hand forward because the dog will recognize the expressed command.

Training should begin as soon as you receive your Czech German Shepherd puppy. If you wait, bad behaviors can form and it will be harder to break them when they are older. Discourage barking, jumping, and biting immediately.

Feeding the Czech German Shepherd

The Czech German Shepherd typically eats 2-4 cups of dry dog ​​food a day, divided into 2-3 meals. For more exact amounts, check the label on the dog food bag to find out how much to feed your dog based on his weight. If you are unsure, ask your vet what the ideal amount of food would be.

Make sure to feed your dog only the amount of food indicated. While he or she may act hungry all the time, they don’t realize that too much food is bad for their health. Too much food will make them overweight, putting deteriorating pressure on their bones and joints.

Hip dysplasia is more likely to present at a young age in an overweight Czech German Shepherd. Again, if you are unsure, ask your vet about feeding your dog more. In case your dog is exercising more than most dogs, a little extra food may not hurt, but ask a vet first.

Czech German Shepherds should eat high-quality dry dog ​​food. Dog food varies based on breed, weight, activity level, metabolism, health, and age. If your Czech German Shepherd requires special food for health reasons, consult your veterinarian. Puppies need a different formula than adult dogs. Be sure to read the package carefully and look for a dry dog ​​food with natural and nutritional ingredients to fuel their active lifestyle, growing bodies, and strong muscles.

Access to fresh, clean water on a daily basis is absolutely relevant. Fill the bowl with water 2 or 3 times a day if necessary. Wash the bowl of water daily as well. Water keeps your dog hydrated and healthy with a full coat and a wet nose. Never deny your dog access to water.

Czech German Shepherds love treats, no doubt about it. But feed it in moderation. Your dog loves treats because they taste good. The treats taste good because they are full of fat. Too many treats will make your dog overweight. As we said before, an overweight Czech German Shepherd will develop hip dysplasia earlier than a lean dog.

Treats are fine for your Czech German Shepherd when he is training. Dogs are motivated by food and will complete a task when they know there is food involved. The use of treats for training is very successful, but keep them in moderation. Use food kibbles for training if you think your dog may be getting too many treats.

Do not feed your Czech German Shepherd human food. He may like that piece of meat or cheese, but it is not healthy for him. By giving him this food, you are teaching him bad behaviors that he will eventually have to redirect. Your Czech Shepherd will start to think that he can ignore his dry dog ​​food because eventually he will have a belly full of delicious human food. And eventually he won’t eat your dry dog ​​food at all.

Too much human food can do 3 things for your dog. First, human food can make your dog sick because dogs are not made to digest the harsh spices, chemicals, and preservatives that so much human food contains. Second, your Czech Shepherd will become terribly obese from all the fat in human food. Again, an overweight Czech German Shepherd will develop hip dysplasia at a younger age. And third, too much human food could obviously kill your dog. Onions, grapes, raisins, chocolate, avocados, caffeine, salt, and alcohol can be lethal to a dog. To be safe, never give your Czech German Shepherd human food.

Standing bowls benefit Czech German Shepherds by keeping their heads level when eating or drinking. The best way for a dog to eat or drink is while standing up. Food is easier to digest when the dog’s head is level with the rest of its body. These bowls allow a comfortable posture when the dog is eating.

For those who eat too zealously, a slow feeder may be necessary. When a dog eats too fast, it can bloat and vomit. To avoid bloat, slow feeders force the dog to eat only a few kibbles at a time, slowing down his eating habits. Some Czech German Shepherds may need a slow feeder for their entire lives, while others may kick the habit.

Common health problems

As is common in all types of German Shepherds, a Czech Shepherd can develop ear infections, eye problems, and hip dysplasia. For a long and healthy life, take your Czech German Shepherd to the vet annually and if any symptoms arise. The Czech Shepherd is less likely to develop health problems if he eats properly, exercises and goes to the vet. With proper care, a Czech German Shepherd can live to be 12-15 years old.

Ear infections can be managed with careful cleaning of the ears with solutions. The natural ingredients shouldn’t irritate your dog’s inner ear, but it is strong enough to prevent infection.

Eye problems can be caught early with regular vet checkups or simply by looking your Czech German Shepherd in the eye. If you see watery or cloudy eyes, visit the vet as soon as possible. Natural eye wash will wash debris from the eye by mimicking natural tears. Tear stain removers keep watery eyes dry.

Hip dysplasia is more difficult to prevent in a Czech German Shepherd, but you can help prevent it with supplements. These build strong joints throughout your dog’s life. If hip dysplasia has already established itself, hemp supplements can relieve pain and improve quality of life.

Note that we recommend these products, but it is always best to ask a veterinarian about the best products for your dog’s size, age, and activity level.

Choosing a Czech German Shepherd breeder

Finding and choosing the best Czech German Shepherd breeder can be exhausting and overwhelming. First of all, look for a breeder with a clear breeding program, clean indoor facilities, well-fed dogs, bloodline records, medical records, and health certificates. Check the breeder’s reputation and the healthy puppy registry.

The health, work capacity, and temperament of the puppies should be the breeder’s primary concern, not profit. A good breeder will be able to talk openly about bloodlines, health history, temperament, and purpose. If you hide any of this information or avoid their questions, don’t trust them.

Many breeders of Czech German Shepherds are located in the United States, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany. Breeders in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Germany are highly regulated for their good health and strong bloodlines. A breeder with health clearance and a clear breeding history from one of these countries can cost $ 500 to $ 1,500 or more for each puppy.

The breeding of Czech German Shepherds has changed from the original need to patrol the border to the familiar pets of modern times. Modern breeders look for traits like a docile personality that is glad to spend most of the day snuggling rather than needing exercise. A Czech shepherd like this can also thrive around people and social situations.

If you are looking for a Czech German Shepherd that is bred like the original working dog, look for a bloodline that is strictly regulated for Czech German Shepherd Dogs. This will ensure the characteristics closest to those of the original 1950s working dogs in the Czech army.

The Czech German Shepherd breeders to avoid are unethical in their care of parents and puppies. These puppies may not have been raised properly and may grow up with health or temperament issues, such as disabilities, cancer, chronic illness, or aggression.

Never buy a puppy from a puppy mill. You may think that you are helping the sweet little Czech Shepherd puppy by getting him to a good home, but you are only encouraging the bad breeder to build his puppy factory.

Ideally, you would find a Czech German Shepherd in a rescue shelter. Some dogs are separated from their owners by accident and end up needing a new home. Look for the sable coloration, large size, and alert focus to find out if the dog is a Czech German Shepherd. Rescue dogs cost much less, roughly $ 50 to $ 500 to cover adoption costs.

We do not recommend specific breeders of Czech German Shepherd puppies. It is best to do your own research.

Conclusion of the Czech German Shepherd

We hope this article will be of great help in your education of Czech German Shepherds. Please note that this article is not exhaustive and is not a substitute for regular veterinary checks. Please study the breed thoroughly. Understand the dog’s needs and consult with professionals before purchasing a puppy or adopting a rescue dog.

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I love the animals. Reading and writing about them, their customs, their peculiarities or the attention they require is exciting, and I also believe that it makes us better people. I share articles that solve the questions that dog caregivers face on a daily basis.

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