Thread: Different Types of Shepherds

Jess
the DDR and Czech are GSD, but used to describe bloodlines and selection by location, not separate breed or variety.
The range of GSD in Aus is of course very wide from total show lines to dedicated breeders of sport dogs and some stout working lines.

The Belgian Shepherd which includes varieties Groenendale , Tervuren, lakenois and the most used for work Malinois. He is also known in some parts of the world as the Mechalaar. http://www.mystiquemalinois.com/about.htm a nice history link.
The Mal is available here also in a range from straight show through to working lines and KNPV type.

The Dutch Shepherd or Hollandse herder, comes in 3 coats, short long and wire, make up the fewest in number and not many available in Aus as yet, and is sometimes looked at as a midpoint between the GSD and the Mal. http://www.ck9sas.com.au/ourdogs.htm an Aust link.

It is said that the Dutch, Belgian and German Shepherd dogs resemble each other and are closely related. The differences, especially between the Dutch and Belgian, are very small. Sometimes people say that the difference is artificial and they really belong to the same breed.

The Belgian Shepherd dog comes from the Northern provinces of Belgium which borders the province of Nord-Brabant in the Netherlands. It is said that the Shepherds from the Netherlands and Belgium had crossed the borders and a significant relationship developed through the centuries. At present there is a greater difference between the Dutch and Belgian Shepherd, but at one point they may have been varieties of the same breed. Now breeders speak more of the differences than the resemblances. At this time the most notable difference between the Dutch and Belgian Shepherd is the color. At one point in time there were fawn Dutch Shepherds along with the many different color brindles seen today. This is shown in the Kennel Club Belge stud book 1933 to 1937. There is a preference for a black mask, but not necessary.
l would add the Beauceron, though they are not availabe in Aus as yet, The Beauceron is a French herding dog, also known as the Berger de Beauce, the Bas Rouge, and also French Shorthaired Shepherd.
Very versatile, the Bas Rouge (“Red Stocking') was once used to hunt boar. It served in both World Wars as a messenger dog, , a supply dog, , and in detection of mines and rescue of the wounded. Additionally, the Beauceron has strong herding traits and capability.
l have seen a few good working representatives of this breed overseas.
Lots to study and think about if you head down the trail of the working dog. Tony

Hey Jess,

Those Dutch Shepards and the French ones sound and look real good. Pity we do not have more of them in Oz. This is a very good breeder of working Shepards and Dobermans vonforell.com

As for the Schutzhund breeds, the Americans have two clubs.....one allows in all breeds, one allows only the tradditional ones. In Europe it is only the tradditional breeds and because Australia now follows the EU rules we also have the traditional breeds. About a year ago, I approached a Sch club and asked them to allow the American Bulldog. They said I was more than welcome to join and train with them, but they would have to take it to the National Council to allow them to compete. They did this and said they would change the constitution to allow the AB, but then nothing ever happened. I think they had more on there plate at the time, legal wise, than worrying about a new breed adittion. I have now decided to go down the K9 prosports line anyways. The point I am making is that you can ask them to allow the Dutch Shepard, and I dare say they will, especially as it is a European breed.

Cheers

Steve