German Shepherds Dogs were originally bred with straight backs and standardized as working dogs by Max Von Stephanitz in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Sloped backs were bred decades later.
Some German Shepherds have sloped backs because the trait was bred into them by show dog breeders. The slope creates an appealing bouncing gait that makes the show dog appear to float across the show ring.
We’ll talk more about how and why sloped-backed German Shepherds came to be. We’ll also discuss whether you should buy one.
Working Line And Show Line German Shepherds
Straight-backed German Shepherds proved to be valuable working dogs during World War II. However, the standardization of the breed was no longer protected by governments once the war was over.
During this time, a group of show dog breeders in USA, Europe and Australia began to develop the sloped-backed German Shepherd for its gliding gait that many show judges found appealing. This breed is often called the Show Line German Shepherd.
Although the sloped back was popular, these breeders took the trait to unnatural extremes. In many cases, sloped-back German Shepherds had genetically weak joints and hind-quarters.
The slope of the back brought the dog’s hind quarters so close to the ground that natural walking was impossible. In addition, the back legs were bent, making it appear as though the dog was walking on its haunches.
German Shepherd Dogs Are Bred For Specific Work
German Shepherds are strong and intelligent. They are valuable police dogs, guard dogs, service animals, herding dogs, and show dogs.
Some German Shepherds are more muscular and heavy, while others are smaller and lighter. The length and coloring of their coats are distinctive based on the breed. Many German Shepherds are bred as loyal companion dogs for families.
Max von Stephanitz was a renowned dog breeder whose vision was to create a powerful but good-tempered dog that could weather the climate and work all day alongside its master. In addition, he wanted them to be trained for all manner of work, not just herding.
Should I Buy A German Shepherd With A Sloped Back?
The sloped back of a German Shepherd is not likely to go away anytime soon. Therefore, the breed is divided into the straight-backed, or original, German Shepherd and the more show ring-worthy slope back.
Whether you should buy a sloped-backed German Shepherd is largely a matter of personal preference. However, when selecting a German Shepherd dog to add to your family, choose your breeder carefully. Avoid rewarding a breeder that continues to breed extreme sloped-back dogs.
The Appeal of Sloped-Backed German Shepherds Continues
There are those who like the looks of this breed, although the stance is unnatural. The concern surrounding sloped-back German Shepherds is the increased back and joint problems these dogs experience compared to dogs with straight backs.
You need to consider the following points:
- Not all sloped-backed German Shepherds will develop joint problems.
- Some straight-backed German Shepherds will develop back and joint pain.
- Joint and back pain are considerably more prevalent in sloped backs.
A straighter back with a less prominent slope is a better choice and may help you avoid joint issues. Back disorders like dysplasia are painful for the dog and may require surgery. They will struggle to walk, and sometimes their legs will buckle.
German Shepherd Dogs: Five Different Types
There are five types of German Shepherd Dogs.
The first two are similar in appearance. These dogs are bigger and heavier than the working class. It’s in this group you will find sloped backs.
- American Show Line
- West German Show Line
- West German Work Line
- East German/DDR
- Czech German
The West German Work Line is closest to Stephanitz’s original German Shepherd.
The Czechs are bred exclusively for police and military duty. Consequently, their temperament is not always suited for other purposes.
East German are working class dogs that have big bones, big heads, and straight backs. Their coloring is generally much darker than the Western bred dogs.
Breeders Are Responsible For The Health Of Their Stock
Whenever a dog is bred for specific traits, there is a chance that genetic health takes a secondary role. That’s true in German Shepherd Dogs that are bred specifically as show dogs.
The Canine Health Information Center recommends specific German Shepherd Purebred Breeding Stock tests to screen for known genetic deficiencies that result from selective breeding, including:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Basic, congenital, and advanced cardiac
- Temperament test
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- DNA testing
- Annual eye exams
Upon successful completion of testing, breeders will be assigned a number by the Canine Health Information Center as proof of participation. Look for a breeder that can produce that document when buying a puppy.
Are You Up For The Task As A German Shepherd Owner?
According to the AKC, which keeps a database of registered dogs dating back to 1926, the German Shepherd Dog has ranked in the top 4 of most popular dog breeds since 2013. German Shepherds are loving and protective dogs with the intelligence and agility to perform almost any task, but it doesn’t automatically mean they are a good fit for any new dog owner.
German Shepherds need active and energetic owners to keep up with them; it doesn’t matter if they have sloped or straight backs. To let the dog achieve his full potential, you must be able to provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation. In addition, German Shepherds are high maintenance pets, so be prepared to clean up a lot of dog hair in the process.
Final Thoughts
The controversy surrounding German Shepherds Dogs with sloped backs is ongoing. However, current show dog guidelines prevent extreme breeding practices that harm the dog’s health or create an unnatural stance.
That does not mean the dogs are no longer being bred. Demand can always find supply.
If you plan to add one of these intelligent and beautiful pets to your family, we encourage you to do your homework. First, ask for proof of the dog’s parentage and line. Then, ask if the breeding stock has been screened for genetic faults. Make sure to compare the information to AKC standards.