The Czech German Shepherd is not your ordinary Shepherd dog.
Although these dogs will still have the typical face and temperament, they are generally smaller and have a larger variety of coat colors than the ordinary Shepherd dog does.
Czech Shepherds are still commonly used for work purposes, which implies that their breeders are after strength, intelligence and loyalty as opposed to just coat color or body shape.
Without further ado, let’s find out more about this interesting line of the German Shepherd breed.
Table of Contents
Czech German Shepherd Dog Bloodlines
All five types of the German Shepherd dog breed are highly sought-after around the world. However, it is important to do your homework in order to get the right dog for you.
With its roots back in 1899, the German Shepherd is a relatively new breed of dog. However, it has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
Different types of German Shepherds have emerged over the years, each with its own characteristics, each suited for a particular purpose.
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The five recognized types of the German Shepherd breed are:
- The American Show Lines.
- The West German Show Lines.
- The West German Working Lines.
- The East German/DDR German Shepherd Working Lines.
- The Czech German Shepherd Working Lines.
When looking to adopt or buy any of these German Shepherd breed types, you need to find a good breeder who has clear breeding programs.
All bloodlines have certain issues, but that is also the case with every other dog breed.
However, if you know what you want and find the best German Shepherd breeder, you’ll get the best dog for you and your family.
For the purposes of this post, we’ll take a look at the Czech German Shepherd working line.
The History of the Czech German Shepherd
Czech Shepherd dogs originated in the communist Czechoslovakia (now two separate countries – the Czech Republic and Slovakia) as government working dogs. These dogs were mainly bred from the DDR Shepherd lines.
Czechoslovakia was an independent country from 1918 to 1992. On 1st January, 1993, the country split peacefully into two different states, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Before the Czech revolution and the end of the communist era in 1986, these dogs were mostly used as working dogs and would help in protecting the national borders.
What is interesting is that the Czechoslovakian Shepherd line was developed in just a single kennel established in 1955. This kennel was owned and manned by the Border Control arm of the Czechoslovakian Army.
The original dogs that were used for the breeding program were obtained from East Germany (DDR) and the actual program was based on factors such as strong nerves, masculinity, working potential and dark coloration.
Czechoslovakia and East Germany fell under the former Soviet Bloc. Due to the relationship between the two, both the DDR Shepherd and the Czech Shepherd bloodlines are quite similar.
But is there any difference between the Czech German Shepherds and the DDR/East German Shepherds? Let’s find out below:
Czech Shepherd Vs DDR German Shepherds
As we’ve mentioned earlier, the DDR German Shepherd and the Czech German Shepherd are two different types of the German Shepherd dog breed.
However, they are similar in many ways and are sometimes considered to be the same line of the German Shepherd breed.
There are a few notable differences though:
1. First and foremost, the DDR/East German GSDs were bred in East Germany while the Czech GSD was originally developed on the German/Czech border.
2. The DDR/East German Alsatians are normally darker than their Czech counterparts and their dark pigmentation is generally more pronounced compared to the GSDs of Czechoslovakian origin.
3. The Czech Shepherd dogs have a relatively larger and stronger body, and are generally heavier compared to the DDR Alsatians.
4. Czech Alsatians were initially developed for protecting the national borders whereas the East German/DDR Shepherd dogs were developed at a time when East Germany was a communist state and they were nearly overlooked as a bloodline following the fall of the inner German border in 1989.
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How Big is a Czech German Shepherd?
If you are asking, “how big will my Czech German Shepherd get”, you should know that these dogs are normally large in size.
A Czech GSD puppy will normally increase in size up to around 12 months or one year. Full grown males reach around 24 to 26 inches in height whereas females average about 22 to 24 inches.
When it comes to Czech German Shepherd weight, males average 66 to 88 pounds while females weigh anywhere between 49 and 71 pounds.
The Physical Appearance of the Czech Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd working lines are all very similar when it comes to their physical appearance, especially the Czech Shepherds and the DDR GSDs.
They were all bred to have dense/thick bones, thicker heads, larger chests, stronger muscles and a denser appearance. This is because both the DDR and Czech Shepherds were originally bred for working purposes and various dog sporting activities.
The Czech Shepherds are often identified by their dense, dark coats and straight backs.
Unlike the German Shepherd show lines that bear the typical saddle pigmentation, these dogs have a generally more uniform coloration with the most common colors being black, dark brown and wolfish grey.
Their ears are relatively small, but they still possess the same strong jaws and body that enable them to chase down and catch criminals.
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The Czech German Shepherd Temperament
Czech German Shepherds are highly energetic dogs. They are intelligent and show all the training and exercise needs of the DDR/East German working line.
Given the demanding border patrol work they were developed for, Czech Shepherds had to be hard working, dedicated, loyal and intelligent to perform their daily duties.
They were very brave and had the same endurance and awareness that the DDR German Shepherds had to show.
However, not all modern-day Czech Shepherds will display all these traits. Some are easy going and very friendly. They might love playing around or simply curling around you rather than being a hyperactive dog.
Czech German Shepherd Training
As intelligent dogs, Czechs are capable of learning fast. They are quite easy to train and will often take on a variety of working tasks.
He is eager to please and although seasoned dog trainers will definitely deliver faster results, even first-time dog owners can train them successfully as long as they use the right approach.
There’s truly no excuse for not training your Czech Shepherd properly. Use positive reinforcement training methods and entice him with treats, toys, praise and encouragement. Be firm, consistent and patient while training your pup.
All dogs require proper leadership, so let them know you’re the pack leader.
Be sure to start training your puppy as soon as you bring him home. Proper socialization is also important. Introduce your dog to different people, animals, places, sounds, sights, and situations so he can learn how to respond appropriately.
Training and socialization can help your Czech Shepherd puppy to grow and develop into a confident and well-behaved dog.
Czech German Shepherd Exercise Requirements
The Czech Shepherd dog was bred to work throughout the day and to show stamina, endurance and agility.
You should spend at least 30 to 60 minutes each day to provide him with the physical activities he needs. He is very energetic, and if he doesn’t get enough exercises, he will most likely become hyperactive, excitable, loud and destructive.
He needs an active owner, particularly if he will not be used for working purposes.
Although Czech Shepherds can get used to apartment living, they do better in a yard where they have plenty of space to play around. Moreover, he would be happy to run or jog alongside you and then enjoy various weekend activities like hiking.
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Grooming Needs
The Czech Shepherd sheds quite a lot, especially during seasonal periods.
You should brush him at least twice per week normally and daily during the shedding season.
He normally doesn’t require professional dog grooming services, but he should be bathed when necessary. Use a dog shampoo to avoid damaging his natural skin oils.
His teeth should be regularly brushed and nails clipped as needed. Then clean his ears carefully and check for signs of infection such as irritation and bad odor.
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Feeding Information
The Czech Shepherd dog normally eats around two to four cups of high quality dry dog food daily, split into two to three meals.
The amount will vary based on his age, health, body build, metabolism and activity level.
Additionally, make sure he has access to clean drinking water each day.
Czech Shepherd Health Issues
The lifespan of a healthy Czech German Shepherd dog is around 12 to 15 years.
It is generally regarded as a healthy breed of dog. However, some health problems to watch out for include ear infections, eye problems, bloating and hip dysplasia.
Where to Find Healthy Czech German Shepherd Puppies?
The best way to find a Czech German Shepherd for sale is by visiting a dedicated breeder either in the United States or in European countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany.
Many people also look for these puppies in places where there are seasoned breeders with a reputation of breading quality and healthy puppies.
It is also possible to find Czech German Shepherds in a rescue centre or animal shelter near you. Sometimes people acquire them and then lose or abandon them over time. That is unfortunate but the reality. Such puppies end up in rescue centres where they are put up for adoption.
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Czech German Shepherd Price
People often pay a great deal of money for an East German Shepherd working line.
If a Czech German Shepherd has been bred properly and well maintained, then you can end up paying a lot of money for one of these cute puppies.
Some people will want to source a Czech German Shepherd breeder in the Czech Republic, Slovakia or Germany where the breeding programs are strictly regulated. However, there are some Czech Shepherd breeders in the United States and countries like Australia as well.
For an average tan or black Czech Shepherd, you might pay around $500 to $1500 for a puppy. For Czech German Shepherds with health clearances and a clear breeding record, you might pay even more.
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How to Choose a Czech German Shepherd Breeder
Firstly, don’t buy from unethical or unreliable breeders. You should do your research to ensure you’re getting a healthy puppy at a good price.
Health, working ability and temperament are very important, particularly in a working line like the Czech German Shepherd dog.
Originally bred for patrolling work, these dogs should have a balanced personality and temperament so as to play their role.
If prospective Czech Shepherd owners choose an improperly bred puppy, they can face numerous issues which can include health problems and temperament issues.
When a prospective Czech Shepherd owner picks a reliable breeder, they significantly lower the risks of having a pup with such problems.
By dealing with only trustworthy breeders, you can end up with a quality Czech Shepherd while at the same time helping with gradually wiping out the unethical breeders from the world.
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A reputable GSD breeder is knowledgeable about the breed. He knows his stuff and can discuss the breed’s history, temperament and purpose. That’s why they are able to develop a healthy dog that meets all of the breed’s standards.
Testing the parent dogs for quality and health issues is also crucial. If the parent dogs are not checked for genetic and common health problems, there’s no way to avoid these serious and life-threatening conditions.
The best way to get a puppy that won’t develop any of those health problems is to only buy your new puppy from a responsible breeder who can produce health clearances for both breeding dogs. Health certification in both parent dogs and their ancestors can help reduce the risks of these issues developing in your dog.
The good news is that there is an adorable dog out there for everyone, but it’s vital to learn as much as you can before you bring him home.
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Conclusion
The Czech German Shepherd is a wonderful dog, energetic, loyal, hard working, easily trainable and gentle with kids.
He needs an active owner and does well when he has something to do as well as being an adorable companion.
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