East German Shepherd vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison

East German Shepherd vs Alaunt - Breed ComparisonAlaunt is originated from Afghanistan but East German Shepherd is originated from Germany. Alaunt may grow 20 cm / 8 inches higher than East German Shepherd. Alaunt may weigh 28 kg / 62 pounds more than East German Shepherd. Both Alaunt and East German Shepherd has almost same life span. Both Alaunt and East German Shepherd has almost same litter size. Alaunt requires Low Maintenance. But East German Shepherd requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
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Afghanistan
Germany
Height Male:
56 - 85 cm
22 - 34 inches
60 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
50 - 80 cm
19 - 32 inches
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 68 kg
44 - 150 pounds
29 - 40 kg
63 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 60 kg
35 - 133 pounds
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
4 - 9
Size:
Giant
Large
Other Names:
White Kazbegi, White Balkan dogs, Alaunt Gentil, Alaunt de Boucherie, Boucherie
East German Shepherd Dog, DDR, EGSD
Colors Available:
various
grey with darker shading, brown and yellow to light grey markings; single-coloured black, are black with reddish-brown, black saddle and mask
Coat:
short
double, dense
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Gentle, Lively, Loyal, Protective
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Independent, Loving, Protective, Social
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

History

alauntAlaunt is an extinct breed that existed 3000 years ago since 300 years ago. They were very popular dogs and people used them for many different tasks. They were a perfect working dog, but also they were used for wars and many other situations. Since the migrating was very common through the history, there were many different Alaunt breeds all over the Europe and Asia. Alaunt originated from central Asia, probably Afghanistan.

east german shepherdThe 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.

Description

alaunt puppy - descriptionWeight of the Alaunt variates and it depended from dog to dog. The average weight of this breed was 20-68kg. While their height was 56-85cm. Females were slightly smaller with an average weight of 16-60kg, with a height of 50-80cm.

A lifespan of Alaunt was 10-12 years. Litter Size of an average Alaunt was 6-10 puppies.

Other Names for Alaunt are White Kazbegi, White Balkan dogs, Alaunt Gentil, Alaunt de Boucherie, Boucherie

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.

Characteristics

alaunt dog - characteristicsThis breed was very powerful. They could adjust to any climate without any problems. Alaunt needed a lot of exercises because they were very strong and active dogs. They were also very intelligent dogs who knew what it wanted. People loved this breed because they were very smart, but also the perfect companion in every situation. Very protective but kind breed was loved in many countries.

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.

Health Problems

alaunt puppies - health problemsAlaunt was considered as a very healthy dog without any major issues. As every other breed they probably had some health problems, but overall this breed was very healthy and strong breed. Because of their health, they lived over 3000 years through many difficulties in the history of humankind.

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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the Alaunt

alaunt dogs - caringSince this breed extinct 300 years ago they probably eat leftovers from their owners.

Grooming Alaunt

Grooming Alaunt was a very easy job, they had short and smooth hair so they did not require a lot of grooming.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  5. East German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. East German Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. East German Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. East German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. East German Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. East German Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. East German Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  18. East German Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
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  26. Alaunt vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Alaunt vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Alaunt vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Alaunt vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Alaunt vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Alaunt vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Alaunt vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Alaunt vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Alaunt vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Alaunt vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Alaunt vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Alaunt vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Alaunt vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Alaunt vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Alaunt vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Alaunt vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Alaunt vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Alaunt vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Alaunt vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Alaunt vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Alaunt vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Alaunt vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Alaunt vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Alaunt vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Alaunt vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison