Learn the fascinating history of DDR German Shepherds

The phrase “DDR German Shepherds” is derived from the German phrase “Deutsches Demokratische Republik (DDR). DDR translated into English means the “German Democratic Republic.” At the end of World War II, the Deutsches Demokratische Republik was formed in 1949. The Berlin Wall was erected and the German state was split in two. It seems like only yesterday that I was sitting in my grandparents living room discussing the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Historical Development of East German Shepherd Dogs

Not many breeders in the USA have invested in DDR German Shepherds. Give us a moment and we’ll share with you the fascinating history of DDR German Shepherds. As you will soon see, there are several great reasons why a German Shepherd breeder might choose to showcase these East German Shepherd Dogs as a foundation dogs in working line breeding program. 

With Germany’s surrender following World War Two, the allied forces divided German’s territory was divided into four regions. The west retained control of three of these regions. The Soviet Union controlled one. The three regions controlled by the west (France, United Kingdom, and United States) merged on May 23, 1949. These regions were combined into one and became known as the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland). But trouble was brewing on the eastern front (or so we in the west might have felt). On October 7, 1949 the Soviet Union closed the borders on the Eastern sector. In so doing, the German Democratic Republic (Deutsche Demokratische Republik, also known as DDR) became largely closed to the west. For most alive today, our historical memory of such events has been shaped by Hollywood drama and action movies depicting harrowing escapes or brave undercover forays past the “Wall.” How accurate these Hollywood representations of history might be are up for discussion. 

Cold War DDR German Shepherd Breeding Program.

By this time the Cold War has begun in earnest. East Germany is now cut off from the west. The Socialist Union party of Germany (Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands), also known as the East German Communist Party brought the German Shepherd registry and breeding under governmental control. In so doing, German Shepherd breeding in the DDR effectively became a government endeavor. And this is where it gets interesting. As a third generation dog breeders here at Czech Working Line, we know first hand the human temptation for humans to fall in love with a particular dog. In so doing, they inevitably make concessions that would never occur in a rules based breeding system. Under the DDR rules based breeding program, the East German government all but eliminated hip dysplasia. Continue reading to see why they were so effective in making crazy progress in such short periods of time.

DDR German Shepherd Breeding Standards.

Taking control of the East German Shepherd Dog registry, the DDR government quickly instituted stringent breeding criteria. Breeders were instructed to cull dogs from breeding programs displaying the slightest indication of hip dysplasia or lacking dry nerves (calm or stable temperament). Prioritizing straighter toplines with great substance of bone, the DDR line of German Shepherds valued strong, athletic, powerful dogs. Every litter was inspected for strong teeth, sound bone and joint structure, and a great ear set (no friendly ears, meany floppy ears that don’t stand up). Coat quality was a point of emphasis. But this was true for the whole package of the dog. But what set the DDR German Shepherds apart from their West German counterparts was the DDR German Shepherd’s breeding program emphasis on athleticism.  

DDR German Shepherd Dogs were tested to some of the highest standards for German Shepherd Dog breeders anywhere in the world!

Where West German lines were required to scale five-foot angled walls, East German dogs were either capable of scaling a vertical, six-foot wall— or they were culled. And the list goes on. Where west German exams required dogs search six blinds, DDR lines were required to find ten blinds. Tracking requirements were even more extreme. West German tracking exams required eight corners and angles. DDR tracking exams in contrast required dogs complete double, sixteen all told. Through these rigorous testing means, DDR German Shepherds all but eliminated virtually all hip and elbow dysplasia in their lines. Expected to work long shifts patrolling the border between East and West Germany, DDR German Shepherds were selected from dogs with the strongest constitution, capable of surviving the harshest of weather.

Communist East Grenzschutz Polizei (Border Police) incorporated DDR German Shepherds as key to border patrol.

The 850 miles long border  between East and West German was routinely patrolled by canines and their handlers. The same was true for the hundred mile-long Berlin wall. DDR German Shepherds were the drone technology of the mid twentieth century. They were the sentries finding military deserters and looking for persons attempting to escape to the west. Deserters and persons attempting to cross into the west were dealt with swiftly.

All this came to a swift end in 1989. I was seventeen at the time, a few months from my eighteenth birthday. I had recently left home as a young adult and recall that conversation with my grandparents sitting some three thousands miles from the my parents home. A historic moment. The Berlin Wall had come down! With the 1989 unification of East and West Germany, the government run DDR German Shepherd breeding came to a swift end. Within a few short months,  thousands of border patrol agents were let go. Many were abandoned. Some were sold. And just like that, the infamous DDR German Shepherd breeding program came to a swift end.

Few DDR German Shepherd breeders in USA.

Sadly, only limited DDR German Shepherd breeders are actively preserving these East German Shepherd Dogs. Czech Working Line is one of these breeders. Here at Czech working Line we strive to reproduce the high standards of the East German Shepherd Grenzschutz Polizei breeding programs. Following the example of the DDR German Shepherd breeding programs where dogs were required to scale six foot vertical walls, rather than west German’s shorter sloped walls, we continue to select for powerful, athletic dogs. We further prioritize temperament. We do so by actively culling dogs that do not present as “dry dogs,” dogs exceptionally calm nerves. These are dogs with a clear off switch. They are not human aggressive, or angry dogs. Like the Grenzschutz Polizei before us, we continue to select for dogs with a clear off switch, healthy dogs with great joints continue to be our priority. 

Where to Find Top Quality DDR German Shepherd Breeders

Here at Czech Working Line, we specialize in producing and selling some of the world’s top DDR German Shepherds for sale. Our commitment as breeders of DDR German Shepherds is to continue the practices of the German Grenzschutz Polizei (East German Border Police). Bred to grueling standards of health and athleticism, the Grenzschutz Polizei actively culled substandard dogs. An example of our putting into practice these high standards was the recent rehoming of several breeding prospects. Despite thousands of dollars invested in three beautiful dark sable females, when subjected to health testing (including DNA and X ray verification of joints), we removed three yearling females from our pool of future breeding stock.  In one fashion or another, they failed our exacting standards.

Culling substandard DDR German Shepherds.

It’s one thing to read a record of the noble pursuit of improving a dog breed’s genetic makeup. Putting such commitment into practice can be a whole lot less fun. We know that first hand here at Czech Working Line German Shepherds! We recently had to make some hard decisions as we sought to follow the Grenzschutz Polizei historic rules based breeding program. Names, strictly adhere to culling dogs that don’t meet the stringent health standards. Following a recent spate of testing, we made the hard decision to cull not just one dog, but three— all in the same week! Doing so can be painful— both emotionally and financially. Having invested many dollars and much time, the temptation for many DDR German Shepherd breeders can be to let the little things slide. Believe me, this is probably the one key temptation that brings to ruin so many breeding programs. Compromise in the little things!

Our Commitment to raising the healthiest East German Shepherd Dogs!

Here at Czech Working Line German Shepherds, the East German Shepherds we sell are of the highest quality. We are committed to carrying on this historical legacy of producing sound, healthy dogs that are super easy to train. We are actively selecting for dogs with the strongest joint health, longevity, as well as dogs that are super easy to train. Whether you are simply wanting a deterrent dog as a family companion, or plan to engage in serious dog training in developing your future East German Shepherd puppy into a trained protection dog, DDR German Shepherds are unique in their ability to thrive in either context!

Interested in purchasing a DDR German Shepherd puppy for sale. Give us a call. We’d by happy to share background on our current puppies and in addition to planned litters.

Wanting to purchase an East German Shepherd puppy.

Having read the history of DDR German Shepherd Dogs, you may be asking, is one of these historic dogs a good fit for my family? Great question? Answering this question probably starts with whether you and your family live a sufficiently active lifestyle where an East German Shepherd puppy might get sufficient exercise. Do you have a fenced yard or access to a park where your puppy could stretch its legs and exercise? Beyond this, you might consider the question of end goals. Are you primarily looking for a  good family protection dogs, or a more serious trained protection dogs. Perhaps you work in law enforcement and are searching for a police dog for sale?

Call for details on buying your very own DDR German Shepherd puppy!

Our East German Shepherd dogs are AKC registered and second to none. As East German Shepherd breeders and dog trainers, we produce occasional litters. Call for details on our litters of available DDR German Shepherd puppies for sale. Our number is 918-972-9326. As dog trainers, basic puppy obedience training can be included when purchasing a puppy. See our page describing our puppy boot camp for additional information on puppy training options.

Call for details on our litters of available DDR German Shepherd puppies for sale.

Our number is 918-972-9326. As dog trainers, basic puppy obedience training can be included with your puppy purchase. See our page describing our puppy boot camp for additional information on puppy training options.