The American AKC breed German Shepherd is the only non-European breed.
German Shepherds are a popular breed of dog known for their remarkable abilities to learn and follow commands, as well as their loyalty and protective nature. Because of their obedience and intelligence, they are used by police forces as K-9 units, sniffing out drugs and explosives and assisting in the capture of fugitives. Almost all breeds of German Shepherds originated in Germany or Eastern Europe, where they were originally bred in the late 1800s to herd sheep.
German Shepherds are known for their long muzzles, brown eyes and long ears that stiffen into an upright position as they grow to adulthood. They are also known for their familiar tan-and-dark "saddle" coloration, although there are exceptions to this pattern.
East German Working Type
These are some of the original breeds of German Shepherds, bred with the intent of working herds of sheep. Hair length of these dogs is stock, or short, length. Coloration deviates from the now-familiar "saddle" of dark brown or black fur over the back transitioning to reddish-brown around the legs and underside in that females have a grey sable coat that covers most of their body, transitioning to red only at the legs or extreme underbelly. Males have a dark saddle that extends down to the legs.
East German/Czech Working Type
This breed is another of the original breeds of German Shepherds, bred to work herds of sheep. The hair length of these dogs is long, with an undercoat. This breed does not have a saddle coloration; instead, they are all black.
West German Working Type
Another of the original breeds from Germany intended for shepherding, these are one of the most widely-recognizable breeds of dog. West Germans have the classic black/red saddle with tan coloration on the undersides, legs, shoulders and hips. They have a close stock coat, and patches of black and tan on their faces.
West German Highlines Type
This breed is similar to the West German Working Type, but sometimes has a longer coat and a slightly smaller black saddle.
American AKC Type
This breed is more recent, with an average-to-heavy black saddle with light tan underside. The hair length is stock.
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