East German Shepherds originate from the Deutsche Demokratische Republik or “DDR” (1949-1990)

​

From the time the walls went up in 1961, until it came down in 1989 when Germany was “reunified”, the breeders of German Shepherds were limited in their choices of breeding stock. A separate breed registry had to be instituted in the DDR, and the SDG Service and working dogs came to be.  

 

East German Shepherd dogs, also known as Deutsches Demokratische Republik (DDR), have experienced a growth in popularity over the last few decades. While their popularity was high after the World Wars before subsiding with time, they have since carved out a name for themselves in recent times for their capacity to learn, work and provide companionship. DDRs trace their origin from the guard dogs lines initially bred in East Germany after the Second World War, and they are known mainly for their police work. Their name originates from Germany's official name during the period, Deutsche Demokratische Republik, translating to the Federal Republic of Germany.

 

The East Germany Communist Party set up a strict breeding program for German shepherd dogs utilized in the military during the cold war era. DDR German shepherds emerged from these breeding programs, gaining popularity for their high work drive and working ability. The East German shepherd breeding program was established to keep pace with the shift in the security demands of East Germany. Within the territory, the government faced an increasing need to deal with attempted defectors from the military, and the country saw the benefits availed by superior dogs in dealing with their security issue, breeding dogs that excelled in police and military work.

 

The East German working line was bred with traits such as withstanding the gruesome winter weather and the capacity to scale six-foot walls, which would help them perform their roles. Because the breeding of East German working lines was highly regulated and isolated from outside influence, the breeding program's discipline and standards were maintained at significantly high levels. The East German working line generally displays high-energy levels and high-intensity, alongside what can be termed as a ‘hard edge' working drive. It possesses many of the qualities that human soldiers are endowed with, which helps them adapt and thrive in the roles they perform. Like soldiers, East German working lines have high endurance levels, an iron will, courage, high intelligence, and a strong capacity to maintain focus.

 

 In the (DDR) the physical, drive, and mental characteristics and traits of Schutzhund and working dogs were rated by the Wertmessziffer system. In English Wertmessziffer means “measured value number.” Breeders and buyers depended on this 6-digit rating system to provide a comprehensive and reliable method for easily determining the characteristics of each evaluated and rated dog. More on this system can be found here. DDR Wertmessziffer Rating System

 

For example, a dog with a 6545/55 rating would be powerfully built with ideal constitution and good angulations. It would be an even tempered, good natured dog, yet very hard against influence. As reflected in the last two digits after the slash, hardness and sharpness would be very good. It refers to a dog’s inherent stimulation threshold and desire to pursue and attack. It does not imply “nervy”, fearful, flighty responses. Only dogs that passed rigorous evaluations were permitted to reproduce. This information was organized according to sires and dams and published periodically as a tool for breeders. This provided an exceptional tool for the improvement of the breed.

 

However, in modern times, not all DDRs display the same soldier-like characteristics, as some may be quite laid back and less drive-y. Their temperament enables them to be gentle with their family while still being protective. The dog devotes unending loyalty to anyone who shares a home with it and is increasingly wary of anyone or anything that can be considered a threat. This includes strangers, who may require a careful and thorough introduction with it. Their loyalty to their family fully extends to even its youngest members.

 

East German working lines have appearances that strongly conform to what is expected from a working line dog. Their appearance leans more towards resembling that of the West German Working Line German shepherd. Very different from the stereotypical German shepherd appearance embodied by the American show lines. A distinct large blocky head, thicker paws, and a thick barrel chest compose some of the East German working line's primary characteristics. The dogs have a thick bone structure characterized by low-fat composition and more muscle. Such a body structure enables the dog to display superior athleticism, with great strength, agility, speed, and stamina. East German working lines have recorded a bite force of up to 230 pounds of pressure, almost twice that of humans who recorded 120 pounds of pressure. These dogs have a strong temperament, great working capacity and are well suited for Schutzhund, police work, search and rescue and many other tasks. Most importantly, DDR German Shepherds have a very low rate and severity of hip dysplasia. The concept is, that of a well-structured, perfectly balanced dog capable of performing at the highest known levels and that’s what we strive to attain.

​

​

You may have come across the expressions “no line 13”, or Line 5-A, etc. In the old DDR, certain much-used foundation dogs’ bloodlines (Zucthlinien) were given a corresponding number, sometimes seen on a pedigree as ZL:XIII-A (13-A) or ZL:XII (12) etc, When another dog in future generations became a very proponent sire, he was given his own corresponding number, and so on.

Their offspring carried the sire line’s number (never the dam’s). By learning a little about the bloodlines, and by knowing who the key sires were, you can glean a great deal of information about the dogs in their background, just by knowing the ZL#. More on Zucthlinien Here. Today’s “DDR dogs” originate from these lines.
 

DDR German Shepherd Lines:

 

5A: This line descends from Alf v. Nordfelsen and is predominantly propagated by Don v. Rolandsteich and his descendants.
 

11A: This line originates from Rolf v. Osnabruecker Land and is continued predominantly through Bernd v. Lierberg and his descendants like Pushkass v. Haus Himpel and Olf v. Fuerstendamm.
 

11B: This line descends from Ex v. Riedstern primarily through Cliff v. Bleichfleck.
 

11C: This line originates from V Ali vom Gränert,V Barry vom Andershofer Ufe,V Drusus vom Falkenwappen,V Geier vom Baruther Land,Bodo v Winkel, Casar v Rangental, Lars v Furstendamm, Seigo v Angerholz…Grand vd Ziegelwiese, Boy v Hohenwarthereck,

Henk vd Moschelwith.
 

11D: This line radiates from Ingo v. Rudingen leading to Held v. Ritterberg and Jeff v. Flaemings Sand through his sons

Flint v. Steiglerhof, Birko v.d. Wolfshoehle, and most famous of all Lord v. Gleisdreieck.
 

11E: This line comes through 2x DDR seiger Condor v. Maderpfahl and radiates through Ohle v. Rundeck into the studs

Fels v. Kemmlerblick and Zorro v. Laagerwall.
 

12: This line today descends primarily from Golf v. Ritterberg and his brother Grand v. Ritterberg.
 

13A: This line today persists primarily through the descendants Alf v. Koernersee.

​

Preserving the DDR lines implies standing still, not improving the line. We need to preserve the image of the breed as it was and build on top just as they would have done. The most important thing we can do is to retain the DDR body style & type while maintaining and improving as strong as genetic diversity as we possibly can for the health of the breed. The standards we look for include powerful, deep chested bodies with almost straight square frames, intimidating presence and supreme intelligence. Working abilities include tracking, athleticism, toughness, climbing abilities, hardiness, and the ability to withstand extreme physical conditions and demands. These are the strict guidelines imposed on the breed, and resulted in the creation of the DDR Shepherd one the finest working animals the world has ever had, with thanks to a few.

​

Shared from: https://ddrguarddogs.com/ddr-history/