DDR dogs? - Page 1

Here in Brasil we dont see this kind of dog, I had read in other site that those are the dogs that were separated as a consequense of political aspects during the comunism. I had also read that those dogs were breed for guard and got excelent temperaments and bone structure. Are they helping the German Shepherd of the ocidetal world now? Does anybody know about those dogs? I can see they get very dark collors and that they look as brave, are they?

My understanding is when the wall first came down you could get a lot of good DDR dogs as well as good Czech dogs. But now you have to be carefull as there is as much mediocre dogs coming from there as good ones. I may be wrong or I may be right, don't have that much experience with the DDR & Czech dogs. I do like the big bones, size and big heads in these dogs. Much more impressive than some of these fine bone pin head shepherds you see. Anyone out there with more experience with the DDR and Czech dogs enlighten me.

The DDR line dogs are known for good pigment, substance and to have more civil drive as the modern sport dog. They also tend to be more independent, and are often late bloomers, who don't really show their full potential until well into maturity. Many have a fairly high threshold, which makes them pretty save to have around the house, friends and family, but if they turn on they usually mean business. They are often less hyper which makes them good to have around the house. They make good home guardians. You see fewer DDR line dogs in top sport though, because of that late maturity, high threshold, independent thinking and lack of the endless hyper drive that the modern sport dog has. For a person who is into top sport, a typical DDR line dog would indeed make for only a mediocre dog in the sport. One of the most common issues is that DDR line dogs are not allowed the time they need to properly mature. Too much pressure at a young age and many of these dogs shut down. You will find some weak and nervy dogs in any line, the DDR lines are no exception. And unfortunately there are those who do not breed with working ability in mind. More for looks and type than ability. So as with any line it is a good idea to pay attention to the dogs background and actual ability. In the old DDR times they had their own type of show lines as well, but never had as strong a devision between show and working line as we have now. Both DDR and especially Czech lines do have West German show lines in their background (few pay attention to it because the follow up generations bear czech or DDR kennel names). Everything Western was very much in demand in the former East Bloc Countries. Nowadays, many DDR line breeders are trying to adjust the breding to fit the modern picture - higher drive dogs that will do better in the sport. DDR line mixes are becoming increasingly popular now. Part DDR line, part West German Working line. Some of these dogs are emerging with good success in the sport.

Jose, I tried to eMail you privately, but your eMail bounced back. Please eMail me. Thank you.

D.H. if you breed those dogs please send some pictures of your dogs! Email: jotinoco@ig.com.br