If you are a dog pet lover then definitely have a question in your mind How many types of Shepherds are there? then you are in the right place. Nowadays German Shepherd dogs are well known for their black and tan coat. These colors give them a friendly look. And also a police badge on its collar. But in actuality, German Shepherd dogs are of different types and are divided into different categories based on their coat type, color, and also based on breed line. While purchasing a dog you should buy based on its pedigree.
Table of Contents
Different Types of German Shepherd Dog
Based On Hair Length
Based on hair type German Shepherd dogs are classified into two types
Short Haired
- Short-haired German Shepherds have dense, hard fur, with undercoats tightly attached to their bodies. The hair coats on the tails, neck, and hind legs are softer and also they are longer as compared to other parts of the body.
Long Haired
- These long-haired German Shepherds Are completely different from short-haired German Shepherds in length and the structure of their fur.
- These dogs have long, soft, slightly wavy coats.
- Particularly on the neck, chest, and tail, the fur is particularly long and fluffy.
- The tuffs of hairs at the ear base and back pawas give adorable looks.
How Many Types Of Shepherds Are There
Types of German Shepherd by Coats
For many years people have had misconceptions that pure-breed German Shepherd dogs/puppies have only grey or black and tan coat colour. This is the most common confusion among people because Pure-breed German Shepherd dogs have different types of colors and shade combinations.
It should be noted that some color or coat combinations are considered deviations. The dog which is completely blue or white are not considered for breeding even though they are very extravagant.
Special German Shepherd Breeds
Black and Tan Color: These black and tan colored German Shepherd dogs are classic and the most common color in the GS breed. On the upper part of the body, there will be a black color spot it’s in the shape of the letter V, this spot occurs on the line of the back, sides, and also the top of the tail.
Sable Color: This is a very rare color in German Shepherd dogs which is also called wolf color or agouti. Different gray shades with alternative light and dark spots differentiate it.
Black Color: These German Shepherd dogs are monochromatic in their body color ( Single color throughout the body). This color provides them glassy shine color which gives them a beautiful look.
German Shepherd Species Special Name
Non-Standard GS colors
White Color: These German Shepherds have snow-white coats throughout their entire body without any spots. These dogs are not usually colored dogs as many people think. They have dark eyes, nose lobes, and paw pads.
Blue Color: In the initial days the fur color of this type of dog was grey or black. The blueish color was created as a result of the paling of shade.
Red Color: It’s indicated as a reddish color and it’s a very rare color.
Golden-Yellow: These dogs have light yellow fur over their body and contain a golden shine.
Special German Shepherd Breeds
German Shepherd Types by Breed Line
German Shepherd dogs are very popular all over the globe. In different countries, people call these dogs with different nicknames.
For example, the Chinese call them Kunming, In Holland, people call them Saarloos, Americans call them Shiloh Shepherds, In Great Britain, they call them Utonagan, all these names are called German Shepherd breeds.
Because of the popularity of these dogs, many countries want to have their own German Shepherd breed. Breeders were engaged in interbreeding the German Shepherds,
As a result, Many types of German Shepherd dogs are registered as American, Chinese, British, or Czech linea breeds. Some hybrid lines are not recognized by the International Canine Federation.
West German Shepherd Line (Show line/ European Show Line)
This West German Shepherd’s appearance is almost close to standard colors. These dogs have long legs and bulk fur and mostly look like sable dogs or black and tan in color.
The intention of these types of dogs especially show line German Shepherds are participations in various exhibitions and competitions. These dogs have many aesthetic qualities like coat color, structure, and body angulation.
American/Canadian German Shepherd Line
These dogs are almost similar to West German Shepherd dogs but show little difference in body appearance and structure. These dogs were bred in the U.S.A. around the 70s. American German Shepherds are taller German counterparts and have angular build.
Czech German Shepherd Line
These dogs were bred in the Czech Republic and used for military and police work. The external appearance of these dogs is similar to East German Shepherds and these are large, strong dogs.
These Czech German Shepherds have a more balanced back compared to some show lines. These dogs are most compliant and calm, and these dogs are not characterized by qualities such as hostility and aggressiveness.
Chinese German Shepherd Line
In China, different types of dogs were bred
- Chinese Red Mountain Shepherd
- Chinese Shepherd
- Kunming
Among these breeds, the Chinese Shepherd is the most popular dog. This dog almost looks like a typical representative of a German breed. These dogs have longer limbs and square bodies. These dogs are calm disposition and easy to train.
East German Shepherd Line
The German Shepherd dogs that were left in the east region of Germany after World War 2 are the main source of these dogs. Pre-war period dogs were very aggressive, so for this reason, breeders aimed to breed a dog which is very calm and obedient.
Working German Shepherd Line
The color of these dog dogs may be black, or tan and some are tricolors. These dogs are very strong and are suitable for any kind of work. These dogs are used in police and many military works and also in the fire departments. This dance is also performed in many events such as agility championships or sometimes relay recess.
English German Shepherd Line
these dogs are very obedient and well-balanced and also hard-working animals. These dogs are also used as police assistants and in many military services.
The English Utonagan
These dogs are the best mixture of pure German Shepherd dogs Malamutes and Siberian Husky. These dogs are gray-silver in color. An interesting fact is these dogs also look like wolves. These dogs are well-trained and are used in various public works.
Caucasian and Asian Shepherds
These dogs are very intelligent and loyal to their owners. As a beginner, if you keep these dogs alone in the home without providing freedom to free movement these dogs become very dangerous for owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which German Shepherd is best?
Among all types of German Shepherd dogs the West-German working line dogs are best.
What are the 7 classifications of German Shepherds?
Animal Kingdom, Chordates, Mammals, Carnivores, Canines, Genus Canis species: Lupus subspecies: familiarise.
What is the rarest type of German Shepherd?
Isabella colored German shepherd.
Conclusion
There are a wide variety of German shepherd dogs available apart from black and tan colored dogs. Because of the wide popularity of German Shepherd dogs, every country wants to breed their breed which resulted in many varieties of dogs that are seen all across the world. Among all these dogs some are suitable for pet purposes and some dogs are suitable for military and police services. I hope you guys found this article very useful and if you have any doubts comment below. Thank you one and all.