German Shepherds are highly strong and active breeds and were bred for herding and protecting their livestock. However, this breed has undergone various transformations in the past years. If we consider this breed in our modern-day it’s quite different from what was bred decades ago. One of the traits to consider is their sloping back and many of you might be curious about the German Shepherd’s sloping back. Is this quality a decent one?
When German Shepherd dogs were bred, the breeders concentrated on the physical perception of GSDs. The idea was to breed a perfect German Shepherd sloped back with springy movement that resulted in developing sloped back in German Shepherds as they were also bred for herding.
The breeders thought that German Shepherd dogs having sloped backs and angulated hinds will be benefited from gaining more force and can fulfill their desire whatever they wanted from them. However, some breeders wanted even more sloped backs that may allow them to face severe back disorders.
Here in this post you will explore more about the sloped backs of German Shepherds and can sloped backs provide any health issues or not.
Let’s go through our topic and discuss it in detail:
Table of Contents
Why Are German Shepherds Backs Bent?
German shepherd dogs have a naturally curved spine due to their breed’s history of working and herding. The breed was originally developed for farm work, and as such, the selective breeding has resulted in a strong back that could withstand long periods of hard physical labor.
Their backs are purposely bent because the curve gives them more power and agility when running or turning quickly while they herd livestock. Their bodies are also shaped this way so that they can better reach down and nip at an animal’s heels if necessary.
These characteristics help your German Shepherd to be a more effective worker and thus are favored by farmers and ranchers.
In addition to their work-oriented bent spine, German Shepherds also have a longer snout than other breeds. This helps them to better use their senses when on the job, such as sniffing out trouble or an animal that needs herding.
Do All German Shepherds Have Sloped Backs?
This breed was developed by Max von Stephanitz at the end of the 19th century. The main reason behind breeding this breed was to develop them as working dogs. If we look at their history people mostly used them for herding and protecting livestock. But this does not satisfy our question, do all German Shepherds have sloped backs?
No, all German Shepherds do not have sloped backs. It will become more clear after knowing the fact as German Shepherd has undergone many transformations, some breeders tried to maintain the original line while others focused on physical attractiveness. This divided this dog breed which resulted in a sloped back or straight back.
Though this canine was first bred as a working dog for herding sheep. The breeders preferred this breed for many types of work such as search and rescue, police and military roles, etc. because of their strength, intelligence, and obedience.
The GSD breeders developed this breed as per their need resulting in sloped and straight backs as their back is located in the loin region. It has let some changes in the modern-day breed of this canine.
Let’s now examine the differences between German Shepherds’ straight backs and sloped backs.
What Are The Differences Between The Straight Backs And Sloped Backs Of German Shepherds?
All we know is that GSDs were developed to perform the tasks of human beings like herding sheep or protecting livestock.
It was also told by one of its developers Von Stephanitz that German Shepherd’s lower spine should be moderately straight, strong, leveled, and long so that they work properly. Working-lineage German Shepherds typically have straight or slightly arched backs.
German Shepherds having sloped backs
Different bloodlines of German Shepherds exist as a result of the breed’s numerous modifications. The aim of breeding this breed was to gain proper strength and get actual momentum.
They also thought that German Shepherds having sloped backs gain bouncy movement which also makes them the perfect breed. Some breeders also had their own opinion, according to them, German Shepherds with sloping backs and angulated hind legs have greater force in their gait, which makes them more functional than dogs with straight backs.
German Shepherds Having Straight Backs
Although German Shepherds having straight backs are more common than those having sloped backs, they were also regarded as the best working line dogs.
Max Von Stephanitz always tried to breed German Shepherds to be the best working dogs. Apart from their working skills, the straight-back German Shepherd can also play the role of pets for their owners.
Is A Sloped Back Bad For A German Shepherd?
German Shepherd dogs have been bred in the late 90s and the breeders’ perception was that a sloped back will provide the extra force and strength that will help them do the fantastic work as a working dog. However, sloping back for German Shepherds has some negative aspects also.
Sloped-back German Shepherds may have many other health issues as it is directly related to orthopedics. As a result of their legs being bent and their hindquarters becoming more angulated, animals with sloping backs have hips and knees that are closer to the floor.
Sloped backs are responsible for many health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia that they suffer after the breeding process. It can also be seen in their walking style as they shuffle after some years while walking.
One of the main issues they face is hip dysplasia where there is excessive angulation of the back knee and leg joints which also let them face problems while walking. Excessive sloping may also let their pain in the back.
According to AKC, they have also referred to German Shepherds as the breed that need additional care and monitoring.
Is a straight-back German Shepherd better?
The breeders developed German Shepherds as per their desire to fulfill the needs that resulted in them in sloped-back German Shepherds and straight-back German Shepherds. In this modern world, we are very curious to know Which German shepherd will be superior—the one with a sloping back or one with a straight back?
The German Shepherds having straight backs are much closer to the original German Shepherd who was bred by Max Von Stephanitz who is also known as the father of German Shepherds. Straight-backed German Shepherds are also treated as the best working dog. They were bred in such a way that they could meet the standards physically and do decent work if required.
However, some breeders trended over angulation that ruined their looks. They also focused on looks rather than working ability. In this modern-day, their publicity has also declined because of their over-angulation.
Straight-back German Shepherds are mostly considered the best working dogs and if you are willing to adopt a healthy dog then never go on their look as you should search for responsible breeders that fulfill all the criteria of the breed standard for German shepherds
German Shepherd also comes in the category of the best working line dogs and if we look at their history people also used this breed to protect sheep quickly or for other work. So adopting a German Shepherd will be a healthy decision for you.
Final Thoughts:
It has been a debatable topic which type of breed will be best as pet sloped-back German Shepherds or straight-backed German Shepherds. It will rely on the owner’s requirements and the kind of labor they require from them.
The only thing to notice is that the breed you are having as your pet will need proper care, love, and maintenance.
Hope! If you enjoyed reading this post, stay tuned with us to know more about the German Shepherd’s breed. Till then Good Luck!!!
Related Questions:
Can German Shepherds have straight backs?
Yes, some German Shepherds can have straight backs. This is due to selective breeding and is becoming increasingly common among the breed. While this trait may be preferred by some, it is not desirable in standard dog shows as it can lead to health problems such as arthritis, joint pain, or hip or elbow dysplasia.
Do German Shepherds without sloped backs still, have back problems?
It’s a contentious issue. German Shepherds with sloping backs have been found to have greater health difficulties than German Shepherds having straight backs. But it does not satisfy us that German Shepherd having straight backs has no back problems. They can have back issues but are lesser than sloped-backed German Shepherds.
References:
- https://www.horseshoemountaink9s.com/slant-backs-or-straight.html
- https://dogdiscoveries.com/curiosity/german-shepherds-have-sloping-back