A DDR German Shepherd , also known as an East German Shepherd, is from lines of watchdogs bred in Germany after WWII. These dogs are known to excel in law enforcement and other protection jobs.
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What are the origins and characteristics of the DDR German Shepherd?
The type of German Shepherd DDR is also known by the name of German Shepherds of the German Democratic Republic. During the Cold War era, the East German Communist Party established a breeding program for German Shepherd Dogs used in the military.
At the time, the East German government was trying to keep up with the changing demands of its country, including defection attempts by the military. Both countries saw the benefits that superior dogs would provide.
According to Shepped, these dogs were bred with traits like enduring harsh winter weather and climbing six-foot walls in mind. These traits help dogs to excel in police and military work.
Like all other German Shepherd Dogs, DDR German Shepherds are descended from the same dogs that formed the foundation of the German Shepherd as we know it today. The dogs that would form the basis of the East German Shepherd type originated from working lines.
Sam Shepherds notes that German Shepherds in former West Germany came from what are now treated as lines of work. Many of the shepherds used as pets are descended from these lines.
When Germany was reunited in 1990, the demand for East German shepherds declined, and some were unfortunately abandoned. Others were sold by breeders who were trying to preserve the breed type as much as possible, keeping this variety alive.
Many DDR Shepherds have darker fur than other German Shepherds, with sable and black being quite common. The legs are thicker, intended to navigate rougher terrain. Their heads are also larger and more blocked than many others of this breed.
The chest of an East German Shepherd is thicker, more barrel-shaped. These dogs have more muscle mass than many other shepherds. You will also notice that these German Shepherds have straighter backs than is commonly seen in show line dogs.
This video demonstrates the versatility of these dogs. From military service to family life, these dogs are ready for anything. Viewing these images will give you an idea of what to expect.
What work are these dogs suitable for besides safety?
The tracking abilities of a DDR German Shepherd also make these dogs ideal for search and rescue work. Their ability to traverse all types of terrain can help them locate people who are trapped under debris after all types of disaster situations.
German Shepherds have been used as service dogs for decades, and East German Shepherds also have traits that are perfect for working as service dogs. These dogs are very attentive to everything that happens near their owners, making reliable guides.
The sturdy construction of the dogs helps them effortlessly guide the blind, as well as assist those with mobility issues. Because these dogs are tall and strong, they can quickly help a child or adult with mobility issues.
What job traits does the DDR German Shepherd have?
DDR German Shepherds share many superior traits that help them to excel in many walks of life. These German Shepherds are loyal and dedicated family dogs. This type of Shepherd has a balanced temperament that allows them to be gentle with their family and fiercely protective.
Anyone who shares a home with one of these Shepherds will have the loyalty of the dog. They are wary of anything or person that is perceived as a threat. Strangers to the dog, from visiting friends or family to service people, require careful introductions.
Tracking is one of the roles in which East German Shepherds excel. The East German military used these dogs to track deserters, and the breed type retains many of the traits that helped them perform this type of work.
One of the things DDR German Shepherds excel at is having a natural drive and intelligence. Both of these characteristics give dogs a strong desire to please and an ability to learn new commands very quickly, useful for any task.
The natural drive of these dogs helps them stay focused on whatever task they are involved in, whether it be protecting livestock, conducting searches and rescues, or being alert to everything that happens in and around the family home.
Part of dog protection can quickly turn into aggression if left unchecked. When properly trained, there is no reason why these dogs should not be suitable for family life as well as performing the job they were bred for.
The most important thing for everyone to remember about East German Shepherds is that they excel alike as a family, as guardians, and as tracking dogs. Their ability to perform all of these functions makes them excellent all-purpose dogs.
How do DDR German Shepherds get along with children?
These dogs will not only be active and engaged playmates with your children, but they will also be your strongest protectors.
Because German Shepherds, as a whole, were initially bred to protect herds, it is not uncommon for them to “herd” children away from perceived danger. You can expect these dogs to be alert and vigilant when children play around them.
Playing with children provides these active dogs with a perfect outlet for their energy levels. Any breed designed for work benefits from having plenty of opportunities for exercise, and German Shepherds are no exception. Eliminating boredom is always helpful.
Although no dog, including a German Shepherd, should be used as a substitute for supervision, you can trust these dogs to be alert to any potential threats to the safety of your children. His family loyalty extends fully to his younger members.
What should I keep in mind when training a DDR German Shepherd?
One of the most important things to know is that DDR German Shepherds are larger and take longer to mature than other German Shepherds. In fact, you shouldn’t be overly concerned about your dog continuing to act like a puppy until 18 months.
Any training method you use with these dogs should reinforce your leadership and demonstrate a positive attitude. These dogs have the same high level of intelligence common to all Shepherds, and their training efforts must respect their intelligence.
Most of the principles that apply to other subtypes also apply to East German Shepherds.
Reward-based training works well with all types of German Shepherds. The rewards that are given are either treats or compliments.
The goal of reward-based training is for the dog to learn to associate the following commands with good things.
If you make food-based rewards, avoid using human food. Otherwise, your dog could avoid eating your food and also get into the bad habit of begging. Use dog food or at least healthy dog treats to better respond to your commands.
Instead of punishing your dog for bad behavior, the best way to deal with disobedience of an order is to ignore the dog. Denied a treat or praise can be a good motivator for a dog to do what it is told. Punitive methods only confuse and scare dogs.
Never use a harsh tone or raise your voice. Keep your voice firm and calm to increase your dog’s responsiveness. If you don’t “lose your mind” with your dog, they are more likely to pay attention when they give a command or correction.
One thing you should always do with your DDR German Shepherd is carry out initial training in at least the same location each time. Taking this step will help establish a regular routine that your dog will get used to.
Always use the same leash so your dog gets used to walking beside you and helps both of you adjust to your feel. When you give it a little rope or reduce it, your dog will associate it with following your commands.
Being patient and assertive will motivate the dog to follow your leadership and guidance. The calmer you are, the more inclined the dog will be to do what you ask. Your dog will come to have a positive association with training when done correctly.
What are the good activities for a DDR German Shepherd?
One of the most important things owners should know about DDR German Shepherds is that they are dogs that thrive on a lot of activity. Like all shepherds, they require a more satisfying life than existing unheard of in a backyard.
An activity that should be part of the daily life of every German Shepherd is a brisk walk once or twice a day. Taking a dog for a walk helps provide stimulation. Another advantage of walking is that it helps create a better bond between the two of you.
Although German Shepherds are not bred for retrieval or other hunting-related activities, many learn to find and perform similar activities easily. Playing Frisbee can also be an exciting activity for a Shepherd.
Having a ladder or ramp that the dog is encouraged to climb can help keep his muscles healthy. Your dog’s leg muscles will stay healthy with activity like this. Just make sure your dog’s leash doesn’t get tangled if it’s on a leash.
If your dog has a lot of energy that requires effort to burn, consider taking him out for activities with a backpack or dog weights. These products will help your dog gradually burn off more of his excess energy.
Consider taking your dog with you when you go biking. German Shepherd Dogs are made to keep up with a moving bicycle with ease. One of the best things about this option is that it allows you both to exercise.
If you live in or near an area with walking trails, your dog will enjoy the unique adventures that come with this type of setting. Hiking is also a relaxing and refreshing way to spend time with your dog when you are outdoors.
Are DDR German Shepherds likely to suffer from hip dysplasia?
Many owners are surprised to learn that DDR German Shepherds rarely develop hip dysplasia, primarily due to East German breeding practices that mostly eliminated this condition. Veterinarians have several treatment options when it occurs.
According to How to Train the Dog, crossing with other German Shepherd dog lines has sometimes allowed cases of hip dysplasia to occur.
In addition to crosses with other types of German Shepherds, East German Shepherds, which are the product of crosses with other breeds of dogs, can also be susceptible to hip dysplasia, depending on the different types involved.
What other health problems could a DDR German Shepherd have?
The East German Shepherd, as a whole, is a type mostly free of the common problems that other German Shepherds often end up living with. The same strict parenting practices that have eliminated hip dysplasia have eliminated or at least reduced most other problems.
Although there are fewer cases of hip dysplasia and other joint problems, you still have to be careful. Stiffness or lameness may indicate the beginning of bone or joint disease, or possibly an injury.
As some DDR German Shepherds have been crossed with other breeds, it is reasonable to expect that these dogs have inherited some health problems from the other breed. Keeping up with veterinary care is a great way to spot any potential problems.
If you’ve decided that adding a DDR German Shepherd to your family is the right thing to do for you, understanding their origins and traits will make welcoming your new dog that much more comfortable. You and your family will enjoy what this dog has to offer.
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.