Working lines are going to be more “straight backed” - Amercian Show Lines have a more recognizable “sloped back”. That said, it’s all very misleading information and, frankly, garbage. I vehemently would not support any breeder advertising “straight back german shepherds.” The breed standard across the board involves angulation when properly stacked. When stacked, there absolutely should be some slope.
West German lines are the most traditional - that’s where the breed originated. They have a mild slope and medium to high drive. A great choice for someone who is looking for a watchful family dog who is either committed to working with a trainer or has breed experience.
Czech/DDR has less slope, high to very high drive. Czech lines are generally more refined than DDR. Czech lines date back to the herding working line. DDR was carefully cultivated as strong, protective instincts. A true working Czech/DDR is hard to come by and is not for the faint of heart or ill committed owner.
American bred generally have less drive, whether that be Show Lines, King, Shiloh etc. Many King/Shiloh breeders incorporate European lines in their program for size and stature and in an effort to correct some of the dramatic conformational distortions of the Show Line.
It is very, very hard to source a really, truly well bred GSD. Most reputable breeders import as their foundation and grow their program from there. There is a close knit community committed to preserving the origin of the breed in the States. If you’re looking at a true working dog, the kennel better have some titles to stand on.
It’s not as hard to source a really, truly GOOD GSD, 99% of people do not need working drive - my non negotiables are OFA hips/elbows, DM and hemophilia.
All that being said, I currently have five…
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Czech, petite, careful, lots of self preservation, the best dog that ever walked this earth, perfect in everyway. She turned 13 in April and is going strong!
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AKC registered American Show Lines, the world’s best craigslist find, guard dog extraordinaire, painfully attached to her peoples, confuses herself with Tigger, has no self preservation. She’s going on 8 and has had no issues with her roached back/slope.
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European GSD concoction, pretty low drive, until she smells something dead and rotting. She has the most beautiful brain. I spent a lot of time with her as a puppy and she has all her TDI certs. Very unapologetically b*tchy. She always carries herself like a lady. Four and aging like fine wine. Lives for cheese and her momma.
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Comes from same breeder as #3 - medium to high drive. Hasn’t met a possum she didn’t want to eat. Has never had a bad day in her life. She was put on this earthly world to spread joy. Smart. Lady of the night - God forbid i forget to put her collar on after dark, she gone. Identifies as the Hussain Bolt of the hippopotami. Momma’s girl until dad comes around because he’s the fun guy and there are no rules. Only 2, so the brain has just started to develop.
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Was a bit of a rescue. I got her for free but luckily she came with her papers. I was able to contact her original breeder who vetted me pretty heavy (rightfully so) and though I offered to return her, she gifted her to me. Beautifully bred DDR on both sides. She comes from a carefully curated breeding program I would recommend to anyone looking for a service dog. HIGH DRIVE - not prey drive, but girlfriend needs a job otherwise the devil wins every time. She’s probably the smartest animal I’ve ever had in my possession but was unfortunately never watered to grow. She was left to her own devices so we’re working on some behavioral issues that developed purely out of fear/survival. Has the attention span of a gnat unless there are bum scritches involved. Pick me girl 110%. All bark, like a lot of bark. Very sus of the feline species. Humble. Has grown very fond of rolling in dead rodents. She’s only just turned one, and I literally picked her up last week while my very tolerant BF is traveling for work. Girl’s life is just starting, and it’s gonna be a good one.
I also don’t personally care for folks that reiterate and make a big deal out of, “straight-backed old fashioned GSDs,” it makes me think they don’t know what they’re talking about. A serious breeder knows that the slope of the back is something that only looks so extreme when they’re stacked for show.