The German shepherd’s pedigree evolves from two
bloodlines, work and show. A dog with a working bloodline pedigree
possesses high intelligence, a good temperament and is highly
trainable. The show pedigree adds a noble appearance to the list.
Together, the two bloodlines comprise the ideal dog for any
owner's special requirements and wishes.
Most Shepherds exported from Germany are known
as Schutzhun and are primarily show breeds. A show breed is one
that is prized more for its appearance, as if a piece of art, than
for its ability to perform tasks. Show dogs generally are
""entire"", which means not neutered or spayed. Entire specimens
usually fetch much higher prices than those that have been spayed
or neutered. A winning show or work breed in Germany is called a
Sieger.
It’s easy to tell the pedigree of a German
shepherd if you know its ancestry. If a dog’s lineage has a
reputation for high achievement, it earns the pedigree of a
working dog. Show achievements - such as fine coat, beautiful
cream and brown arrangements on the coat, and numerous other
attributes - present a show dog pedigree. Pedigrees also have
their own titles. A male dog, which is either working or show, has
an SchH 3 title and a female, SchH 1. However, if the female has
the title SchH 2 or 3, then it shows that that female dog is a
working pedigree. The best pedigree is one who has a well-balanced
proportion of both show and working bloodlines.
