East German Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison

East German Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed ComparisonEast German Shepherd is originated from Germany but Airedale Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Both East German Shepherd and Airedale Terrier are having almost same height. East German Shepherd may weigh 11 kg / 25 pounds more than Airedale Terrier. Both East German Shepherd and Airedale Terrier has almost same life span. Both East German Shepherd and Airedale Terrier has same litter size. Both East German Shepherd and Airedale Terrier requires High maintenance.

History

east german shepherd - historyThe 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.

airedale terrier - historyAiredale terrier got its name from a small river Aire in Leeds area in Great Britain. First information about Airedale terrier originates back in 1850. This breed was used as otter hunters. Airedale terrier was invented by mixing Otterhound, old English terrier, and a white bull-terrier. Airedale was used primarily for hunting otters, deer, or wild boars. Not just that, Airedale was a very good guard dog. During the war, this breed was used for delivery and it showed a lot of courage. One Airedale terrier even received a medal for its bravery in World War I. Today it is used as an official dog of National Police of Britain.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
Origin:
Germany
United Kingdom
Height Male:
60 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
58 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
56 - 59 cm
22 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
29 - 40 kg
63 - 89 pounds
23 - 29 kg
50 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 9
8 - 9
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
East German Shepherd Dog, DDR, EGSD
Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier, King of Terriers
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
Black & Tan
Coat:
double, dense
Wire and Dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Independent, Loving, Protective, Social
Alert, Courageous, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Outgoing, Protective, Responsive
Grooming:
High maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

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.

airedale terrier puppy - descriptionAverage height of Airedale terrier is approximately 56-61cm, while their average weight is 20-29kg. Females are slightly smaller than male dogs. A lifespan of an Airedale terrier variates and depends on the health of the dog but the average lifespan of this breed is 10-12. Litter Size of the Airedale terrier is approximately 8-9 puppies. Other Names Waterside Terrier, Bingley Terrier, King of Terriers

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.

airedale terrier dog - characteristicsAiredale terrier is an amazing and playful dog. They are very intelligent, hard-working, and athletic dogs. This breed has a lot of energy and stamina, so regular activity is a must for this breed. They are independent thinkers which can be challenging sometimes, but overall, if they have enough activity they are amazing and goofy pets.

It is not recommendable to leave your dog for a long period of time because it will get bored, and when it’s bored, they tend to become destructive. You don’t want to see destroyed home when you come back from work.

Airedale terrier is great watchdog too. They will protect family if it is necessary, but overall they are very friendly. They are very sensitive and gentle with kids. Also, with a proper socialization of the dog, they are very friendly towards another animal too.

Basically, the temperament of your Airedale terrier depends on training, socialization, and genes. If you properly train your dog, with good socialization you won’t be having any problems.

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.

airedale terrier puppies - health problemsAiredale terrier is generally a very healthy dog, but as almost any breed, they can have some health issues. Hip dysplasia, cancer, and allergies can cause problems with this breed. You have to be very careful when choosing a perfect dog for you. Examine the family tree to avoid the possible genetic flaws.

Airedale terrier will be a healthy dog if you take a proper care, and with regular vet checks, there shouldn’t be any problems.

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.

Feeding Airedale

airedale terrier dogs - caringAiredale feeding depends on how much daily activity has. Overall, for an average Airedale 1.5-2.5 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into a 2 meals is recommendable. It is better than leaving the whole food out all the time. Then again, if your dog is not very active or active more than an average dog, feeding should be organized for your dog’s needs.

Feeding the Airedale puppy

Airedale puppies should eat more than an adult dog. 3-5 meals per day are an optimal measure. Puppies need more meals per day for better development. Also, giving your puppy minerals and vitamins would improve overall health when it is fully grown dog.

Grooming Airedale Terrier

Airedale has a very interesting coat. The coat has two layers, topcoat which is strong, and undercoat which is soft. They do not shed a lot, but twice a year they shed more than the rest of the time. It is not very hard to groom Airedale terrier. Brushing is recommended once or twice a week. You can also bath your Airedale but not very often. Airedale doesn’t require trimming, but some owners decide to do that. It is up to you if you want to trim your dog.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Bull Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Schnauzer vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Fox Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Bull and Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Bedlington Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Irish Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Austrian Pinscher vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Lakeland Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Atlas Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Jagdterrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Blue Paul Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Indian Bull Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Irish Bull Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Japanese Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Brazilian Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Old English Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Scoland Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Skye Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Old English Sheepdog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Rough Collie vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. East German Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. East German Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. East German Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  31. East German Shepherd vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  32. East German Shepherd vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  33. East German Shepherd vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  34. Saarlooswolfhond vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Estrela Mountain Dog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Huntaway vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. South Russian Ovcharka vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Mioritic Sheepdog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Samoyed vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Labradoodle vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Mixed vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. German Shorthaired Pointer vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Great Pyrenees vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Presa Canario vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  46. Labrador Husky vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Perro de Presa Canario vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Irish Setter vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  49. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds