Debut shepherds is a working line german shepherd breeder

This is a brief overview of the two most common types of shepherds that are seen in the USA.

The Working Line German Shepherd

The working line Shepherd is bred just as it sounds- for the purpose of work. These are the dogs that you see working with police and military, and the ones that fiercely protect their families. Focusing on breeding for intelligence, obedience and temperament, breeders start with a solid base of sound and conformationally correct bodies. Temperament is just as important, and is also a genetic trait- as we need our working dogs to have the mindset to WORK, as well as the temperament to be around other people and animals without losing control. The drive to perform tasks and to please their handlers is another trait that is valued in our working line shepherds, and is passed on through genetics. These dogs are typically higher energy and require daily training and exercise; they want to work their bodies as well as their minds. They make excellent companions for active families. 

The Show Line German Shepherd

Show line Shepherds are bred with the focus on appearance and show standards. These gentle giants are made for trotting around a show ring and commonly have sloped backs and sharp angulation of the hock joints. Bloodlines can come from Europe or the USA, and each has a slightly different look. As temperament, nerve, intelligence and workability are not required in the show ring- their temperaments can be more of a lap dog, and some have been known to be shy. Finding a protection dog from these lines is a rare. They are usually lower energy dogs and would work well for a family who wants a large lap dog, or doesn't have the time to spend exercising and training the dog.