The popularity of DDR German Shepherds, also known as Deutsches Demokratische Republik German Shepherds, has been growing for many years now.
During both World Wars, German Shepherds were sought after to work side by side with the military due to their loyalty, intelligence, and working ability.
Before the Cold War began Germany worked as one nation, but during the Cold War the borders were closed by the Soviet Union, and Germany’s two nations East Germany and West Germany were formed. East Germany is also known as Deutsche Demokratische Republik.
The East German Communist Party took control of the breeding and registration of the German Shepherd pedigree and made the German Shepherd part of its military.
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DDR German Shepherd Breed & Training
They were specifically bred to have strong, large heads and to have incredible athleticism and power. If any of the German Shepherds showed signs of weak temperament, hip dysplasia, or any other disease they were not used for breeding.
The DDR dogs were trained to out-perform the West German Shepherd dogs by scaling straight six-foot walls, endure long patrols in harsh weather conditions, and much more.
The DDR’s worked as Border Police and guarded the East German border that is 850 miles long, in addition to the Berlin Wall. Their main duty was to track deserters and attack.
In 1989 the German borders opened, and the use of the DDR dogs was not necessary any longer.
Just months after the border opened about 50,000 guards were dismissed from duty, and the DDR dogs were either abandoned, put down, or sold to others that would use them for similar purposes.
The DDR Dogs Today
There are many breeders located worldwide that are dedicated to keeping this breed preserved.
They are well known today for their devotion to their owners and family, balanced temperament, impressive tracking abilities, natural drive, physical structure, and intelligence.
Today the DDR lineage lives on, and they are now great family dogs as well as guard dogs and tracking dogs.
DDR German Shepherds FAQ
Are DDR German Shepherds Good with Children?
Yes. If they are socialized from a young age to be around children, they are great.
Since the DDR dogs have a balanced temperament and are extremely loyal to their family, they will protect your child as well as be a fun playmate.
After a while, you will almost feel like your DDR German Shepherd is a babysitter for your children.
Are DDR German Shepherds Still Working Dogs?
They continue to work with police and military forces throughout the world.
Their intelligence allows them to continue to be the first choice as working dogs, and they continue to impress with their tracking skills.
They are incredible search and rescue dogs and extremely helpful with missing person cases.
Will a DDR German Shepherd Protect a Family?
DDR dogs are very loyal to their dog owner and family.
They consider themselves being part of your pack and they will use their natural protective instincts to guard your family, your home, and your yard from harm.
Although you should always take precautions of your own to keep your home and family safe, your DDR German Shepherd will happily stand up and guard.
Do DDR German Shepherds have Hip Dysplasia?
The presence of hip dysplasia is rare in DDR German Shepherds since it was carefully weeded out during breeding practices in East Germany.
The standard GSD still has hip dysplasia that gets passed down from generation to generation.
On a rare occasion, it is possible that a DDR German Shepherd may develop hip dysplasia.
However, when under veterinarian care there are a variety of helpful solutions to make your dog more comfortable when living with hip dysplasia.
Conclusion
The interesting history of the DDR German Shepherd and the unique working abilities make them a popular choice for many dog owners worldwide.
Whether you live on a farm, and you are looking for a guard dog or live in a home with children, the DDR German Shepherd will happily become a beneficial and loving part of your family.
When choosing to welcome a DDR German Shepherd into your home, make sure you choose to deal with a reputable breeder that truly cares for the breed and has good breeding practices.
Resources
Most of what is written above is correct about DDR (also known as “East German” or Ostblut dogs. However, hip dysplasia is still a concern, since the breeding practices of the old SDG and DDR have not been adhered to. In the DDR, usually only dogs with the best hips (a-normal) were bred, and the rate of good hips was approximately 94% at one time. Since the wall came down in 1989, and the reunification of Germany, the East German dogs are registered with the club of West Germany (SV), and they follow the rules of the SV as far as hip and elbows go. Therefore, dogs with fast-normal (almost normal) and noch zugelassen (still allowed) can still be bred. This unfortunately has led to an inevitable, but predictable decline in the percentage of good hips within the East German lines, just like all other lines.
black gsd’s are excellant
A white german shepherd is never seen in Germany, it is a missbreed. gray and black and tan are
the only ones. only in America will the sell them and charge large amounts with no history of performance or show quality
Can you please give me names and contacts of good East German DDR German shepherd breeders?
wer can I find a good DDR GERMAN SHEPHERD IN LAS VEGAS NEVADA.
Will you please tell me if you find any breeders
Wondering if there is a site that focuses on rehoming ddr gsd’s. We live in Washington state. Thanks for any info you can provide.
Check waldkonig k9. They are out of eatonville. Excellent breeders
I will not get my phone records as ND sometumes it won’t send command