Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs East German Shepherd - Breed ComparisonEast German Shepherd is originated from Germany but Schweizer Niederlaufhund is originated from Switzerland. East German Shepherd may grow 22 cm / 9 inches higher than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. East German Shepherd may weigh 25 kg / 56 pounds more than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. East German Shepherd may live 3 years less than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Both East German Shepherd and Schweizer Niederlaufhund has almost same litter size. East German Shepherd requires High Maintenance. But Schweizer Niederlaufhund requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
undefined
Germany
Switzerland
Height Male:
60 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
35 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
Height Female:
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
29 - 40 kg
63 - 89 pounds
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
6 - 18 kg
13 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 9
5 - 7
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
East German Shepherd Dog, DDR, EGSD
Small Swiss Hound.
Colors Available:
grey with darker shading, brown and yellow to light grey markings; single-coloured black, are black with reddish-brown, black saddle and mask
mostly white with orange, tri color, mostly white with black, black with tan
Coat:
double, dense
smooth or coarse
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Independent, Loving, Protective, Social
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

east german shepherdThe East German Shepherd is a line of the German Shepherd Dog breed. The German Shepherd Dog came about when the three types of “continental shepherd dogs” separated into the Dutch Shephers, German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd. In the 1800’s it was local shepherds who bred their dogs and selected the traits they needed in their geography. The result was dogs in various local areas who all could herd and guard flocks; who were intelligent, strong, fast and had a good sense of smell, but their appearance and skills varied from town to town. The changes in Germany from agriculture and sheep to industrial cities rendered the German Sheep Dog obsolete. But was it really? Many felt the dog could be a good working dog in the cities as well but needed some refinement in the breed according to Max von Stephanite. At a dog show in 1899, he found what he wanted – the perfect working dog.Stephanitz bought the dog and founded the Society for the German Shepherd. (Verein fur Deutsch Schaferhunde) Stephanitz is considered the developer of the German Shepherd Dog.

The East German Shepherd is a line of the same breed. There are several different lines of the German Shepherd Dog, with slight difference for the reason they were bred. For instance, the German Shepherd Dog is bred for looks while the East German Shepherd is bred to be a working dog. Often called a DDR German Shepherd, they came about from the Deutsche Democratic Republic or the Republic of East Germany. For about 40 years in East Germany these dogs were bred only within the DDR bloodline.

The East German Shepherd is stronger, heavier boned, leaner, more muscular and solid. During the time of the Berlin Wall, from 1961-1989, there were few German Shepherds for breeding stock on either side of the wall, but especially in the East. There the government controlled the development of the breed. They developed a separate registry for the DDR – East German Shepherd. With such strict standards for a perfect working dog and such little breeding stock, the only dogs allowed to reproduce were the ones that passed a rigorous test and were deemed perfect working dogs.

In West Germany they continued to breed for appearance. The West German Shepherd are the most popular ones and are usually simply called German Shepherds. The show dogs of today and the American line came from the West.

Preserving the East German Shepherd today is important and difficult. It means preserving not improving. The Strength of the East German Shepherd is their body line and style, Today’s breeder must maintain this while making sure there is enough diversity in the gene pool to keep the line healthy without losing its body style and working temperament. It is important that the East German Shepherd have a straight back rather than the sloping one of the German Shepherd Dog or the American lines of the GSD. The working dog is also more aggressive and has a much higher work drive than any of the other German Shepherd Dogs lines.

schweizer niederlaufhundOriginating in Switzerland, the Schweizer Niederlaufhund was established around 1900, when hunting became restricted to districts. The Swiss hunter needed a slower dog for the limited territory they could hunt in. Crossing selected Schweizer Laufhunds with Basset Hounds and other selected smaller, short legged hounds developed the Schweizer Niederlaufhund. By 1905 there was already a Schweizer Niederlaufhund Club.

The Niederlaufhund became one of the best hunting dogs in the world, with its powerful body and ability to outhunt the Laufhund in tracking big game. Slower of course than the Laufhund it has a great sense of smell and an ability to easily find wounded animals. There are a few varieties, just like with the Swiss Hound again mostly because of their coloring. The Luzerner Niederlaufhund, the Jura Neiderlaufhund, and the Schwyzerlaufhund. They have musical voices that they use to communicate with the hunters and each other as well as that amazing sense of smell. They can hunt for hours without tiring and without much information from the hunter.

They are a cross breed not recognized by the larger kennel club such as the AKC and the UKC. They are recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), the American Canine Association Inc. (ACA) and most importantly by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). This last one is important because it could lead to recognition as a new breed by the UKC and the AKC.

Description

east german shepherd puppy - descriptionWhat are the differences between the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) and the East German Shepherd? The East German Shepherd has a straight back and a larger bone structure. He has a very large and block shaped head with a lean, athletic build. His lips are taunt and dark, and his nose must be black. He has a scissor bite and strong teeth. His eyes are medium sized almonds that are slanted slightly. The eyes are also very dark. His ears are erect and not too big. His legs, haunches and feet must all be coordinated so that he trots rather than runs.

schweizer niederlaufhund puppy - descriptionThe Schweizer Niederlaufhund is a medium size, short dog. They look like their cousins, the Schweizer Laufhund but smaller. Their body is just slightly longer than it is tall, so you are left with the impression of a mostly square dog. The Niederlaufhund is well put together, with strong legs, a noble head, long droopy ears, broad chest, and a low held tail.

The Small Lucerne Hound has a white cote with smooth speckles of black or gray making them appear to be blue.

The Small Bernese Hound has a tricolor coat of white, tan and black. There are tan marks on the eyebrows. There is a wire haired Small Bernese as well. He has a short beard.

The Small Schwyz Hound is smooth coated in white with orange or yellow-red patches. The wired haired version is extinct.

The Small Jura Hound is a single coated dog with a black coat and tan marking above his eyes as eyebrows as well. He might have some white as well.

Characteristics

east german shepherd dog - characteristicsThe East German Shepherd is a well- balanced dog. He is sure of himself, friendly, loyal and wants to please his owner. He is intelligent, resilient and attentive. He will make a great family pet. He is aggressive with a high prey drive but that can be tempered with good socialization and training. He is easy to train.

schweizer niederlaufhund dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness – yes, they are but use caution around small children and small prey.

2. Special talents – the breed exhibits and amazing sense of smell.

3. Adaptability - needs room to run and explore – is very frustrated when confined.

4. Learning ability – highly intelligent and eager to learn.

Health Problems

east german shepherd puppies - health problemsBecause the East German Shepherd line has been isolated behind the Berlin Wall, there are not many genetic health issues in the line. Most importantly the East German Shepherd shows no hip dysplasia which plagues most GSD. There are a couple of situations to look out for. They are:

  • Bloat

A life threatening issue that must be addressed immediately for fear of death. Bloat is caused when a larger dog with a deep chest eats too large a meal before or after strenuous exercise, eats too fast, or drinks too much water. The stomach distends with air or gas and twists. Sometimes it is completely inverted. Get help fast or your dog will die.

schweizer niederlaufhund puppies - health problemsThe Niederlaufhund Is prone to a very medical issues to keep an eye on. They include:

• Hip Dysplasia – This comes from hip joints that are not well formed and cause reduced mobility and pain. Parents can be tested before the dogs are bred to make sure their hips are good, and that dysplasia will not be passed to puppies. This dysplasia can cause arthritis and even lameness.

• Ear Infections – With long drooping ears it is easy for the dog to acquire ear infections. This is even more so for a hunting dog like the Niederlafhund. It is important to clean the dog’s ears on a regular basis.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

east german shepherd dogs - caringBecause these dogs were bred to work you need to feed them a high quality dry food, made for working dogs. It needs to have a good amount of calcium and glucosamine. Feed about 3-4 cups per day divided into 2 feeding times.

Health issues

In addition to bloat as mentioned above, the East German Shepherd can also have both air born, and food born allergies. These are easily treated by your veterinarian.

Exercise and games

The East German Shepherd is a high energy, high activity dog so you have some for him. He is agile and athletic. He needs serious exercise and a job is essential. If you can’t give an East German Shepherd a job, then don’t get this dog. He loves tracking and has a high prey drive. Keep him trained, challenged and working. Try tracking and herding trials, obedience, agility, fly ball and bar hunt.

schweizer niederlaufhund dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - give 1 cup per day of high quality dog food divided into 3 meals.

2.Feeding the adult – give one and one half cups of high quality dog food divided into 2 meals.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina

4. Games and Exercises – needs a lot of daily exercise and loves field trials, running and activities like barn hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. East German Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. East German Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. East German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. East German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. East German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. East German Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. East German Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. East German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. East German Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. East German Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. East German Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. East German Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. East German Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. East German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. East German Shepherd vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. East German Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. East German Shepherd vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. East German Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. East German Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. East German Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. East German Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. East German Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. East German Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. East German Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. East German Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison