German Shepherd breed standards. German Shepherd Anatomy

We will describe only a few characteristics of the German shepherd (breed standard) and provide diagrams to help you better evaluate your pet or your future puppy's parents.

If you compare a dog and a bitch, sex differences are immediately apparent. The male is stronger, larger and more majestic. In his gaze there is attention and charm of authority, because in wolf and dog packs, the leader is always a male.

The female, on the contrary, should have a gentle and devoted look, due to her role as a mother. As beautiful as a dog is, it does not perfectly meet the standard if its gender is not visible in the look. A German shepherd should have erect ears and an elongated muzzle, which is typical of an adult wolf. Puppies, on the contrary, have drooping ears and a rounded muzzle.

Such forms are the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, whose psyche is inhibited at an earlier stage, will retain until adulthood. straining the ears most often at the moment of anxiety. But genetically correct dog, begins to keep them always raised in the period from 4 to 8 months, although the owners usually begin to worry about this at 4.5 months.

However, concern should be caused rather little puppy german shepherd , whose ears are already standing. This could be a sign of general weakness in the physique. Healthy and strong puppies have large, heavy ears, so they learn to tense them later. A weak puppy has small and light ears - it is easier for him to raise them.

Examining the head of an adult dog, we see that the length and width of the skull are the same. The ratio of the length of the muzzle to the length of the skull is also 1 to 1. Therefore, experts say that German Shepherd mesocephalus.

The German Shepherd's eyes should be semi-lateral and dark in color. Now it's hard to find very dark color eyes, therefore there is a tendency to reject only completely yellow eyes, considering them a defect of the breed, since they give the look an expression of coldness and distrust. An ocher or reddish eye color is acceptable.

Of course, the darker the eye, the preferable it is. The ears of the German Shepherd are wide at the base with a sharp tip, set high, standing upright. The teeth must be correctly set. Scissor bite. A pincer bite is considered a defect, as is a protruding upper or lower jaw.

Let's move on to torso and limbs... Let's examine them while the dog is moving at a trot. The German Shepherd is not just a runner, but an extreme runner. She is able to run for as long as possible, with as little effort as possible, long trotting movements: powerfully and quickly. Since the impulse of movement originates in the rear of the body, the ideal build of the German Shepherd is the one that will transfer the impulse from the rear to the front in the most economical way.

Let's see neck, which in motion balances between the head and the torso. The ideal neck should be fairly long, approximately 35% of the height of the dog at the withers. But the main thing is that it should be separated from a well-distinguishable harmonious oblique line. With a perfect physique, the axis of the neck forms an angle of 45 degrees with the horizontal line and 90 degrees with the shoulder.

Now consider the relationship between the shoulder and the forelimb. For the German Shepherd, the angle between the shoulder blade and the shoulder is very important. Once upon a time it should have been as close to right angle... In reality, you will not find a right angle. It is good if this angle is between 98 and 110 degrees. The inclination of the scapula and shoulder in relation to the horizontal line is also important.

The blade angle should be approximately 54 degrees. Once they talked about 45 degrees, but this does not occur in life. The angle between the shoulder and the horizontal line is 55-60 degrees. The shoulder should not only have a good slope, but it should also be long in order to provide the desired stride length. Unfortunately, shoulder length is one of the main concerns of modern dog breeders. In addition, the straight shoulder is less and less common.

The torso of the German Shepherd, like the torso of all dogs of cross-country breeds, can be inscribed in a rectangle. Its length should be equal to 11/10 of the height of the dog at the withers. The withers are the part of the dog's torso that is behind the neck. It should be high and sloped back to provide good grip on the back and to ensure effective transmission of momentum. With a high withers, but without a slope, its fusion with the back is lost. The back becomes intermittent, which means defective. The eight dorsal vertebrae following the withers form the actual back. It should also be long and strong.

The rump of the German Shepherd Dog should be long, wide and well sloped. It is anatomically shaped by the hip joints. Almost all the muscles that provide movement of the back of the body are attached to them. The ideal angle of inclination of the sacrum is from 27 to 31 degrees. This ensures continuity of impulse transmission to the rear of the body with minimal effort.

The anatomical basis of the hind limbs is the tibia and tibia. The momentum of movement largely depends on the angle of connection of these bones. The optimal angle is 120 degrees. For less obtuse angle the limb will lose strength. If you are dumber, she will not be able to take a sufficiently wide step. Let's finish naturally with a tail - an element of not the last importance. After all, the tail protects the anus and genitals, is a means of canine communication, and during movement it performs the most valuable function of a steering wheel that regulates lateral movement.

According to the standard german shepherd tail should be at least ankle-length. But now it is impossible to find a tail only ankle-length. Today it is common to find tails so long that the dog must bend them so that they do not drag along the ground. The tail can be dragged along the ground if it is set too low and if the sacrum is too sloping and if the front of the body is too raised, as is the case with hyper typical dogs. In any case, this is a defect.

1.General view

The German Shepherd is a medium-sized dog. The height at the withers is measured with a stadiometer from the withers to the ground. When measuring upright post The height meter should touch one of the dog's elbows, and the coat on the dog's withers should be tightly pressed.

Average height of a dog at the withers: for males - 62.5 cm, for bitches - 57.5 cm.Weight: males - 30-40 kg, bitches - 22-32 kg.

Height deviation is allowed by 2.5 cm in one direction or the other. Deviation from the average height of the dog by more than 2.5 cm significantly reduces the working and breeding value of the dog.

The German Shepherd Dog has an elongated, strong body with well-developed muscles.

The skeleton of the German Shepherd is dry, the constitution is strong. The harmonious relationship between the size of the dog and the angles of the articulation of the limbs provides a sweeping, long and easy trot. The coat protects the dog in any weather.

It is necessary to strive to get a good conformation, but not to the detriment of the working qualities of the shepherd.

Sexual dimorphism should be pronounced.

A German shepherd dog, fully complying with the standard, should initially give the impression of strength, proportional build, quick wit and dexterity.
Assessment of the manner of movement and temperament should correspond to the saying: "In a healthy body - a healthy mind", in other words - physically and mentally, the dog should always be ready for long work with heavy loads.

The ability of a German Shepherd to work can only be assessed by experienced specialists, therefore experts who specialize in judging German Shepherds should be involved in judging the tests. The same experts should give an assessment of the psyche, including the assessment of reaction to a shot, and the breeding grade "excellent" can only be obtained by a dog that has the necessary training. With any type, a temperamental dog must obey the trainer unquestioningly, adapt to any environment and be happy with the desire to work. The German Shepherd must make its own decisions when it is necessary to protect its owner or his property. During the attack, the German Shepherd must be decisive and vicious, but at the same time it must be absolutely controllable and unquestioningly carry out all the commands of the owner. In a calm situation, she should be obedient and affectionate, especially with children, not show aggression towards strangers and other animals, but she should be attentive and collected. In general, the German Shepherd should give the impression of self-control, inspire admiration and self-respect.

2. Movements and angles of articulation of the limbs

The natural way of movement for the German Shepherd is the trot. The dog's legs move sequentially in a diagonal plane, in other words, if the front leg on one side of the body moves backward, then the hind leg on the same side of the body moves forward. The German Shepherd Dog should be folded in such a way that the back takes minimum participation in the movement process - this is the least energy expenditure. The limbs of the dog should have such angles of articulation at which the dog, without a significant change in the position of the back, could move the hind limbs forward to the middle of the body, and the front ones by the amount necessary to provide a sweeping creeping trot. With the correct ratio of the length of the body to its height and proportional to the length of the limbs, the dog has a sweeping step, and the body is kept parallel to the ground - all this together is necessary for a uniform translational movement. When the dog moves at a uniform trot, the head is extended forward, the tail is slightly raised and a line running from the tips of the ears through the neck and back to the end of the tail (topline) without visible depressions forms a smooth straight line.

3. Type of behavior, character and genetic predisposition

A feature of the breed is a strong type of nervous system; attentiveness, naturalness of behavior, obedience, instinct of protection, loyalty and incorruptibility, as well as courage, fighting instinct and decisiveness of actions are the most important qualities of the breed. The above features first of all give reason to consider the German Shepherd as a useful dog in a wide range, especially as a watchdog, patrol, protective and as a companion.
Excellent instinct, combined with the ability for a long trot, enables the German Shepherd to work the trail reliably and tirelessly. These qualities allow the German Shepherd to be widely used in the search and rescue services.

4. Head

The proportions of the head should correspond to the size of the body. The length of the head is approximately 40% of the height at the withers. The head should not be coarse, not very light or too long, moderately broad between the ears.

The forehead is slightly rounded in front and from the side, without or with a slightly pronounced transverse groove. The cheekbones are slightly rounded, with a gentle transition.

The skull is about half of the total length heads. When viewed from above, the head tapers evenly from the ears to the nose. The muzzle is wedge-shaped, elongated, dry, with well-developed upper and lower jaws.

The width of the frontal part of the head should correspond approximately to its length. The proportions of the width of the frontal part of the head to its length are somewhat greater in males than in females.

5. Teeth

Must be healthy, strong, complete with 42 teeth (20 on the upper and 22 on the lower jaw). The German Shepherd has a scissor bite. The maxillary incisors should be positioned over the mandibular incisors.

Level bite, undershot bite and undershot bite are faults. The disadvantage is the presence of gaps between the teeth, as well as different options non-arched incisor arrangement.

The jaws should be strong and strong, well developed, and the teeth should sit deep in the gums.

6. Ears

Of medium size, broad at base, set high, tapering evenly from base to ends, with shells looking forward.

Broken, drooping or cropped ears are a defect. Ears falling to the sides spoil the dog's exterior to a great extent. Ears tilted inward are acceptable in young animals when changing teeth; in adult dogs this is considered a disadvantage.

When moving or at rest, many dogs flatten their ears, which is not a disadvantage.

7. Eyes

Medium size, almond-shaped, set slightly obliquely, not protruding. Eye color should match the color of the coat, but preferably darker. The expression of the eyes should be energetic, understanding, confident.

8. Neck

Strong, sturdy, well muscled, without dewlap. The angle of inclination of the neck to the horizon is about 45 °. When alert, the neck rises slightly; when running, it drops.

9. Body

The length of the body should be greater than the height of the dog at the withers and be 110-117% of the height at the withers. German Shepherds with a short body, square in format, high legged should not be allowed for breeding.

The chest should be deep (about 45-48% of the height at the withers), but not too wide.

The lower part of the chest is as long and prominent as possible.

The ribs in the chest should be long and arched, but not barrel-shaped or flat. They should reach the sternum, which is at the level of the elbow joints. Rib cage correct shape provides free movement of the elbows at a trot.

Too round chest leads to outward twisting of the elbows of the forelimbs and inharmonious movement of the shepherd.

A too flat chest causes a narrow set of the elbow joints of the forelimbs, while the chest is very elongated, and the lower back is short.

The abdomen is moderately tucked up.

The back, including the loin, is straight and well muscled. The distance between the withers and the croup should not be too great.

The withers should stand out noticeably above the back, be sufficiently high and long; the transition from withers to back should be smooth. The topline should be continuous, sloping slightly towards the rump.

The loin is broad, strong and muscular.

The croup is long, slightly sloping (the angle of inclination of the croup in relation to the line of the back is about 23 °). The croup is formed by the sacral and ischial bones. A sharply sloping or straight croup is undesirable.

10. Tail

Fluffy, well-covered, extending to at least the hock but not below the middle of the metatarsus. At the end, the tail is sometimes crocheted, which is undesirable. In a calm state, the tail, drooping, forms an arc; when excited and during movement, the tail rises and bends more strongly, but not above the back line.

When excited, the tail is curved and lifted slightly, but not above the back line.

The tail should not be curled or straight. Docking the tail is not allowed.

11. Front limbs

The shoulder blades are long, set obliquely - at an angle of about 45 ° to the horizontal, fit snugly to the chest. The humerus forms a right angle with the scapula. The shoulder and shoulder blade should be well muscled.

The forearms are straight. The cross section of the forearm and upper arm should be oval rather than round.

The pasterns are strong, sloping about 20 ° from the vertical.

The elbows are parallel and should not be turned outward or inward. The forelegs should slightly exceed the depth of the chest, this value is approximately 55% of the height at the withers.

12. Hind limbs

The thighs are broad and well muscled.

The femur is long and forms with the tibia, which has slightly long length than the femur, an oblique angle of about 120 °. The knee joint is approximately level with the ground with the elbow joint.

The hock joint must be dry and strong. It is formed by the lower leg with the metatarsus.

The hind legs should be strong and muscular so that the dog can move freely and easily.

13. Paws

Rounded, arched, with short tightly closed toes. The pads of the paws should be firm, not cracked. Nails are short, strong, dark in color.

Dewclaws, sometimes found on the hind legs, are removed in early age.

14. Color

Black, with uniform brown, yellow, red tan, black and back with tan, black back (with black back), zone gray or zone red with different shades, black, pure gray or gray with light or brown tan.

Small white markings on the chest or very light inner sides of the limbs are allowed, but not desirable. The nose should be black in any color. Dogs with a weak mask or no mask at all, with yellow or clearly light eyes, large light spots on the chest or on the inner sides of the limbs, as well as with light nails, a red end of the tail or a general fuzzy weak color are considered to be poorly pigmented. The undercoat of all dogs, except black ones, is always grayish. The final color of the puppies can only be determined after the guard hair begins to grow.

15. Coat

German Shepherd Dog with short, stiff coat

The guard coat should be as thick as possible. Individual guard hairs are straight, coarse and close to the body. On the head, including the inner part of the auricles, on the forelegs, paws and toes, the hair is short, on the neck it is longer and thicker. On the back of the legs, the hair is longer, down to the base of the metacarpus on the forelegs and the hock on the hind legs. Medium-sized "pants" are formed on the hips. The length of the coat is different, as a result of which there are many transitional forms. Too short, mole-like overgrowth is a serious fault.

German shepherd dog with long, hard coat

In the long-haired wire-haired shepherd dog, the individual hair is longer, not always straight and does not fit snugly to the body. Especially long and protruding hair is located on inside ears, behind the ears, on the backs of the legs. Feathering is often formed behind the ears and on the forelimbs from the elbow joint to the metacarpus.

"Pants" are thick and long, the tail is heavily overgrown, with noticeable pubescence on the underside. The tail is fluffy with a noticeable dewlap.

Breeding a long-haired wire-haired shepherd dog is undesirable, as it tolerates bad weather worse than a regular wire-haired shepherd dog. However, if the breeding regulations of the national clubs allow this, then such dogs can be used if they have sufficient undercoat.

Long haired german shepherd

The long-haired shepherd dog has significantly longer coat than the long-haired wire-haired one. It is usually very soft and usually wavy on the back.

The undercoat is present only on the thighs or not at all. Long-haired shepherd dogs often have a narrow chest and a narrow, elongated muzzle. The suitability of such dogs for working use is greatly reduced, as they do not tolerate bad weather.

Breeding such dogs is undesirable.

16. Vices

Disadvantages that reduce the ability to use the dog, reduce stamina and performance:

violations of sexual dimorphism, psyche unusual for a German shepherd, phlegmatic, weak nervous system, too much excitability, cowardice, lack of cheerfulness, laziness, all forms of cryptorchidism, underdeveloped testes, loose, damp or delicate constitution, weakened pigmentation, blue eyes (almost whitish color white with black nose), over or under stature, out of proportion, high legs, weighted front part of the body, short format, lightness or coarse bones, soft back, straight front and hind legs, too blunt, short, weak or elongated muzzle, undershot or undershot, deficiencies in the dental system (missing teeth, weak or bad teeth), too short, long or soft hair, lack of undercoat, drooping or soft ears, ring-shaped, tied over the back or docked tail, short tail, general poor tail position.

Disadvantages:

Any deviation from the above points should be considered as a fault, the assessment of which should be in exact accordance with the degree of deviation.

Vices:

• Deviations from the above-described characteristics of the breed, which violate its usability.
• Ears Faults: Ears set too low on the sides, ears wrinkled, ears set with a visor, ears not fixed.
• Significant pigment deficiencies.
• A badly damaged general fortress.
• Defects of teeth: all deviations from the scissor bite or dental formula, if we are not talking about defects (see below).

Disqualifying vices

• - weakness of temperament, biting dogs or dogs with weak nervous system.
• - dogs with identified "severe dysplasia".
• - monorchs or cryptorchids, as well as dogs with distinctly uneven or withered testes.
• - dogs with disfiguring ears or tail defects.
• - dogs with deformities.
• - dogs with dental deficiencies in the absence of:
  • one third premolar (P3) and another tooth,
  • or one fang,
  • or one fourth premolar (P4),
  • or one first molar (M1) or second molar (M2),
  • or a total of three teeth or more.
• - dogs with jaw defects:
  • an overshot of 2 mm or more;
  • snack;
  • a straight bite in the entire area of ​​the incisors;
• - dogs with a height higher or lower than the standard by more than 1 cm;
• - albinism;
• - white coat color (also with dark eyes and claws);
• - long hair with an undercoat (long, soft, not tight-fitting top coat with undercoat, feathering on the ears and limbs, lush pants and a lush tail with a fan below);
• - long hair (long, soft top coat without undercoat, in most cases with a parting on the back, feathering on the ears and legs and on the tail).

To reasonably choose a german shepherd puppy There are several things you should consider. You need to buy a puppy from a breeder who specializes in German Shepherds and has already established itself well, having spent a number of years to earn its authority and create an excellent breeding fund.

A good breeder cares for his pets, and so on. Like you, I am interested in you choosing a good puppy. A breeder who does not skimp on food and gives puppies optimal balanced diet, does his best to strengthen his pets.

When looking for a puppy, you must decide for yourself what exactly you want, what to ask the breeder, i.e. you need a well-trained domestic dog, a companion dog. A puppy from which a good breeding bitch will grow, or a show dog. When choosing a puppy to participate in competitions and shows, do not forget about the following: many breeders are reluctant to sell their pets. highest quality for those customers who are only interested in using the German Shepherd as a domestic watchdog. I am convinced that you can buy a puppy for a double purpose, but do not get a show puppy of the highest quality if you are not going to show it at shows. It is unfair to the breeder not to show a dog that could become the pride of the breed, doing honor to the kennel.

When buying your first puppy, be very careful - after all, the dog will live with you for many years and, most likely, you will spend a lot of time and money on your pet. If you are a beginner interested in breeding German Shepherds, I would advise you to look for a really good bitch with an excellent pedigree. When buying a puppy from a breeder who produces mentally and physically healthy puppies, you will take good start in the right direction. If you want a pet dog, you need to choose a healthy puppy with an excellent temperament. If you want a service dog, you need to look for a puppy with the same qualities plus above average quick wits.

When choosing a puppy, remember that a balanced temperament is the most essential quality that a German Shepherd must possess.

The next thing to look out for is the health of the puppies. The puppy should be strong-looking, agile, confident and well-fed. He should not have visible ribs - even with a large tummy. Otherwise, worms may be suspected. The coat should be clean, with a pleasant smell. The eyes should not be watery. There should be no red spots or pimples on the tummy. He should not itch or bite himself.

In some puppies, ears rise by four months, while in others, at five weeks. However, by the age of six months, the ears of the shepherd must definitely be standing. It is desirable that the ears on the puppy's head are set high. The puppy's eyes should be dark and clear, almond-shaped, but not protruding.

The skeleton of the puppy is strong and strong, the forelegs are straight, strong and strong. If they are bent or if the hind limbs are bent, then this is a sign of rickets. If the joints on the legs are large, then the puppy will form a good bone; when he grows up, the joints will not seem too large. The puppy's feet should be compact. With thick pads and dark nails. Pay attention to the puppy's teeth. He should have a scissor bite. Particular attention should be paid to the position, length and slope of the croup. The thigh must be of the correct length. It is desirable that the puppy has a wide shoulder girdle, short back and loin, and sufficiently wide hips.

The puppy's hind legs should look as strong as the forelegs, and he should take strong, smooth strides as he moves. As the puppy moves, notice how close to the ground he is carrying his paws. With correct movement, the dog carries both front and hind legs close to the ground. Track how wide his stride is. The puppy should have a strong short back while moving and standing. It should not be saggy or humpbacked.

The tail should not hang over the back, be in a ring or crocheted. When the puppy is in a standing position, its tail is lowered, with a slight bend in the form of a saber.

The breeder should give you a food recipe for your puppy, a list of vaccinations and antihelminthic measures already taken, and those to be done.

Do not forget that proper feeding, timely vaccination are the main correct formation puppies.

Tatiana Fomenko
Stud farm of German shepherds and Bernese mountain dogs "Starzhi", Kharkov (http://www.starzhy.narod.ru)

If you decide to connect your life with a purebred German, then you just need to read and study this article. Today we will consider the standard of the German Shepherd, adopted and approved by the RKF (Russian Cynological Federation).

Your choice is quite understandable, because it is difficult to find a more devoted friend and partner. This dog is courageous, extremely energetic, cheerful and versatile. Still, it's not enough to want to take the puppy home. There is a lot to know useful information which will help in. It is worth noting that dog breeds are constantly being modernized; accordingly, the standard cannot denote one thing that has been formed. From time to time, deviations and changes are recorded in it. The main properties and norms of the breed are described in detail, specifying its type, highlighting subtle differences and specific traits belonging to this particular dog.

This emotional dog is very obedient, easily adapts to any environment, shows indifference to the owner's commands, fulfilling them with joy. It attacks only by order of the owner, while the rest of the time it remains calm and attentive, welcoming to the unchanging environment. Demonstrates courage, shows caution towards strangers. Possesses courage, determination and confidence. Caring, submissive, loyal - these qualities make this dog breed a worthy friend, mostly invaluable for protection.

The standard German Shepherd Dog evokes a sense of primal power. A subtle mind and animal flexibility express a purebred disposition. It is about such animals that they say: "There is a healthy mind in a healthy body."

Based on all this, a standard has been adopted, implying the physical and psychological properties of the breed. It expresses the external characteristics of the dog. Improvements in quality have focused on the correct anatomical structure, the distinguishing features of which are a healthy disposition and a beautiful nature.

Only experts with a great deal of practice can determine the German Shepherd's susceptibility to regimen and service. They also check the certification of dogs for mental state and physical fitness.

All sorts of flaws affect the breed standard. A shortage or excess leads to various deviations. Such as cowardice, excessive excitability, apathy, nervousness, little efficiency. Incorrect body constitution, small testes, defect in posture, lack of pigment - albinos, underdeveloped physique, defects in the endurance of the musculoskeletal system, etc.

Now let's look at all this in more detail.

Refined appearance, discipline, energy, accuracy are exemplary traits of the breed. A pedigree dog with an excellent sense of smell and perfect hearing aid, a stable central nervous system. The athletic and large build is slightly elongated, above the average size.

The ratio of height to length is 9:10, respectively, growth is less than length by about 10%.

Average height recorded by the standard:

• For males - 63 cm;
• For bitches - 56 cm.

Departure by 2 centimeters is possible. Changes in different sides from average height significantly reduce the dignity of the pet.

The constitution of the body guarantees the feasibility of a long run, the coat protects from the natural weather influences.

Sexual characteristics in cables and bitches are extremely pronounced. Pronounced, developed two testes near the cables are located in the scrotum.

Now let's look at the exterior of the German Shepherd, those prevailing characteristics, the preservation of which is necessary when breeding breeding breeds.

Musculoskeletal system

The spine is the basis of the body, the rest of the proportion of the dog depends on its ratio.

With an exact correspondence of length and symmetry to height, bones form an excellent motor system. There is a feeling of movement, devoid of tension. When running serenely, the dog's limbs move in a diagonal progression, forming a continuous line from the end of the tail to the end of the ears.

The height is combined as follows: the front legs move the same distance as the hind legs, approximately to the middle of the body. Any movement of the hind leg will reduce stamina and strength.

Limbs

front part

Inspection from any side reveals that the forefeet is straight with round, strong pads with strong claws. Seen from the front, the legs are seen to be parallel. On the long shoulder there are straight, powerful shoulder blades and shoulder levers. The ideal angle between them is 90 degrees, 110 degrees is acceptable.

The length is slightly greater than the height, somewhere around 55-58%. The elbows are pressed to the chest and set straight back. When moving, or in a calm position, they cannot be twisted or shifted.

Proportional, firm forearm slopes 20-22 degrees. If the slope is less than 20 degrees, then this expresses a negative impact on durability and quality.

Disadvantages: Extremely vertical set of the forelimbs is a defect.

Rear part

Seen from behind, the legs are straight and slightly behind the line of the ischial tuberosities. Muscular, equal tibia that connect to the thigh and form a 120-degree knee angle. The well-defined hock is strong and lowered. The oval, compact feet have dark, strong pads with strong claws. At an early age, dewclaws are eliminated.

Disadvantages: The right angle of the joints is considered a defect.

Frame

Considered a trotter, the German Shepherd has a slightly elongated build. Accordingly, the length of the body itself exceeds the height at the withers by 110-115%. Such a body constitution allows the German to move around rather carelessly and economically.

Tail

A well-grown bushy tail curls up and lifts up during movement. Whereas in a calm state it hangs down, forming an arc, with a small slope. Artificial intervention in the correction is absolutely impossible.

Disadvantages: The tail should not be extremely short or curled up in a ring.

Neck

When at rest, the strong, muscular neck is at a 45-degree angle to the body and has no skin folds. When excited, the dog holds its neck high, while during trot it is at the level of the back, forming a straight line.

Disadvantages: Disadvantages include too long or, on the contrary, short neck, presence of folds on the skin.

Breast

Discreetly wide, deep chest forms an angle of 48 degrees from the height at the withers. Developed Bottom part sharply defined and oblong. The ribs reaching the sternum are at the level of the elbows, attached to the spine by strong muscles.

Disadvantages: Such breast flaws as too large or vice versa - small size; sunkenness, can lead to displacement of the elbow joints.

Small of the back

Since the ribcage is far behind, the loin is relatively short. Moreover, it is extremely developed and wide.

Disadvantages: Deviations from the norm - too long loin.

Stomach

Restrainedly pulled up.

Disadvantages: An abdomen that is too tight, drooping or straight is considered a defect.

Back

The firm and straight back is well muscled. In this case, the gap between the withers and the croup is small.

Disadvantages: The disadvantage is defined in a too narrow back. Also defects are a humped and arched back.

Croup

The long croup, which merges exactly into the base of the tail, falls slightly towards the topline at an angle of 23 degrees. The bony base is formed by the sacrum and the hip bone.

Disadvantages: Short, horizontal or sloping croup unsuitable.

Withers

Unlike the back, the withers are well defined. A smooth transition of a sufficiently long and high withers to the back forms a slight slope.

Hips

Bulky hips have a strong muscle group.

Color

After changing the coat, you can determine the final color of the breeding puppies. With the obligatory black color of the nose, the following basic and very common colors are recorded: zone-gray, black-backed, black. About 90% of dogs have exactly black-and-back color. The saturation of this color changes: from black to red.

Disadvantages: Too light inner surface, white marks on the chest are a defect. The red tip of the tail is also considered unacceptable.

Wool

The harsh hair on the head is shorter and softer to the touch than on the legs, toes, neck and back of the ears. On the hips, it forms a kind of pants.

• normal coat;
• long wire-haired breeding dog;
• long-haired shepherd dog.

Disadvantages: A coat that is too thick and long is considered a defect. Especially on the tail.

Head

The not very massive wedge-shaped head is in harmony with the size of the body, accounting for 40% of the height of the breeding dog.

Top part

This part of the head, accounting for 50% of the total length, when viewed from above, tapers equally towards the nose and is wedge-shaped.

Disadvantages: A head out of proportion is a defect.

Forehead

Slightly convex when viewed from the side, the forehead has a weakly pronounced furrow in the middle.

Cheekbones

The cheekbones that do not protrude forward are rounded off from the side.

Lips

Thin, dense lips should be dry to the touch.

Jaw

A healthy jaw must have a complete set of strong teeth - 42 pcs. (22 in the bottom row, 20 in the top). A scissor bite is required, in this form, the upper incisors cover the lower... Replacement of dairy (28 pcs.) With indigenous ones takes five months.

Disadvantages: The defect is yellow plaque and broken teeth worn out of age, which interfere with the correct bite. A light lower jaw indicates a deviation from the right type physique.

Ears

The ears are set high and wide at the base and are of medium size. They are directed with the shell forward, have a pointed appearance. Although puppies of this breed are up to six months old, during tooth replacement, they can hang, pointing inward. In an agitated or recumbent state, the breeding dog can flatten its ears. This is not considered a violation.

Disadvantages: Semi-erect ears, hanging on soft cartilage.

Eyes

Asymmetrically set, almond-shaped eyes are of medium size. Their tone matches the color of the coat, presumably dark. The clever expression in the eyes is slightly expectant.

Disadvantages: Deep-set, bulgy-eyed eyes that are too light in color.

Output

A noble and well-coordinated German Shepherd must have absolutely all the pronounced properties of its magnificent breed.

Any offshoot of the standard indicates a lesser breeding match for the dog.