Altdeutscher Schaeferhund - Page 1

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/5093/oldgsd.html

It will be good if some experts can shed light on these dogs an their genetics and history

cheers

This is a cousin breed that's breed for working ability w/out regard for conformation. As such, different geographic regions have developed their own varieties based on what is locally believed to be "the best herding dog." Certain owners have also developed their own sub-strains. Since there is no official standard, one owner could breed his exception working bitch (with a smooth coat and bobbed tail) to a champion herder in another location who might look almost nothing like her (wirey coat, straight tail)... The pups would be a grab-bag of traits from both parents.

There is another related variety known as the kuhhund ("cowhound") for working bigger animals, though the dog itself is not larger than the Altdeutscher Schaeferhund -- which varies in size to begin with. The majority of these dogs, both the altdeutscher and kuhhund are medium sized.

The advantage is a very wide gene pool and genetic variety; but the downside is that it will never become a recognized "official" breed... but then again if it were, the visual look and conformation to a standard would decrease some of what makes this dog a healthy and efficient worker. It'd be genetic truncation and bottle-necking aall over again; the same process that essentially bred out brindle in the GSD.

(these pages are in German)

http://www.kuhhund.de/fotos.php

( http://www.kuhhund.de/ )

...

And the remarkably similar kuhhund ("Cowdog")

http://www.ig-westerwaelder-kuhhund.de/

Altdeutscher Schaeferhund

http://www.altdeutschehuetehunde.de/index.php?id=1  

I've never sees a huge physical difference from the altdeutscher and kuhhund. Apparently the main difference is how they work.

The altdeutscher is a typical slink'n'intimidate type of herder; while the kuhhund is mouthy, and nips the heels of livestock to move them. As such, one might assume that the altdeutscher would be a more sensitive breed with a more response disposition... and the kuhhund would be driver with a higher aggression level (working by biting the dog has to be able to take the risk of getting kicked, and have enough courage to re-engage even after such negative experiences). 

That is just a general hypothesis, however. I've never met/worked either of these breeds personally, though I've always wanted to watch both, and compare to see if there really is a breed difference, or if people just claim there is (but it's actually just a matter of individual dogs or training). 

If you can get your hands on a copy of Max von Stephanitz' book "The German Shepherd Dog in Word and Picture" you will see that he utilized precisely these types of dogs in creating what we know as the GSD today. That's why long coats, floppy ears etc. are still showing up - some of the genetic material passed on down the years from his original breeding stock. It's a wonderful book - but pricey (75$US) so you might want to track down a used copy.......it might answer most or all of your questions......