East German Shepherd vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison

East German Shepherd vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed ComparisonDandie Dinmont Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but East German Shepherd is originated from Germany. Dandie Dinmont Terrier may grow 37 cm / 14 inches shorter than East German Shepherd. Dandie Dinmont Terrier may weigh 29 kg / 63 pounds lesser than East German Shepherd. Both Dandie Dinmont Terrier and East German Shepherd has almost same life span. Dandie Dinmont Terrier may have less litter size than East German Shepherd. Dandie Dinmont Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance. But East German Shepherd requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Herding dogs
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United Kingdom
Germany
Height Male:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
60 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 11 kg
17 - 25 pounds
29 - 40 kg
63 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 11 kg
17 - 25 pounds
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
4 - 9
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Mustard and Pepper Terrier, Dandie, Charlie’s Hope Terrier
East German Shepherd Dog, DDR, EGSD
Colors Available:
reddish, Fawn, brown
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 to long
double, dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Independent, Loving, Protective, Social
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

dandie dinmont terrierThe rough coated Dandie Dinmont Terrier originates from Scotland. They were used centuries ago for hunting otters and badgers.

There are theories that exist that the dog is a cross between Scottish- and Skye Terriers while others believe there must be some Dachshund in the mix because of the long body of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was first recorded as a distinct breed in the late 1600s. The British Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club was formed in 1875 while the American Kennel Club recognized the Dandie in 1886.

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

dandie dinmont terrier puppy - descriptionThe Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small dog who stands between 20 – 28cm at the withers and weighs between 8 and 11kg. He is recognizable by his fluffy head of hair.

He actually has quite a unique look with his long body and slightly over-sized head. He has floppy ears and a long tail. His coat is quite unusual too in that it can be silky and long around the face, legs and belly, while the topcoat is fairly shortish and crisp. His coat color is fawn to brown or reddish. He isn’t a heavy shedder.

Temperament:

Known also as the Dandie, Charlie’s Hope Terrier, the Mustard and Pepper Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont makes an excellent family pet with his calm demeanor, being somewhat reserved around strangers.

He is an alert, intelligent little dog and will warn you of strangers coming into your space. He therefore makes a good watchdog. He is loving and loyal to his human family and will readily fit into life in the city or in the countryside.

They are good with children and pets but with his independent streak, he will require training and socialization if you want him to behave and be obedient.

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

dandie dinmont terrier dog - characteristicsYour Dandie Dinmont is capable of being a wonderful companion. He loves spending time with his human family and is affectionate and loyal.

The small Dandie is able to fit into life in the city or country, just so long as he has his human family with him. Because he comes from Terrier dogs, he is no push-over though and he has an independent streak which will benefit from training and socialization.

Make sure you give this small dog of yours plenty of love and good care and you will find that you have a loyal, devoted friend in him.

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

dandie dinmont terrier puppies - health problemsYour pet Dandie Dinmont is a robust little dog who, with good care, can live to be anything between 12 to 15 years of age.

With every dog breed there will be health concerns, and these can include illnesses such as epilepsy as well as hypochondroplasia. All dogs have the potential to fall prey to health problems, and getting your pet from a reputable breeder can help to ensure you eliminate some of these diseases.

This small dog has a long body which means he can be affected by spinal problems. Genetics and body shape play a large role. Intervertebral disc disease is a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column herniate into the spinal cord space. The discs press on the nerves and pain and paralysis can follow.

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

Exercise:

dandie dinmont terrier dogs - caringThe Dandie doesn’t require as much exercise as some other dog breeds but you want to make sure he goes with you on your walks, or you play ball with him in the garden. You don’t want to see a small dog like this becoming obese as it can herald in a host of health problems.

Grooming:

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier doesn’t shed a hang of a lot but still, you will need to brush him twice a week to get rid of those loose hairs. Also, the coat will require stripping twice a year. Some dog owners who prefer a low maintenance breed might not like knowing this, but it is a necessary part of his grooming. There are some dog owners who cut the hair rather, but then the texture of the coat will change. This is only important to know if you want to show your Dandie. Other Dandie owners take their pets to a professional groomer for clipping.

Check the Ears and Teeth:

Because the Dandie has floppy ears and a lot of hair around the face and ears, you will need to check his ears for dirt and wax build-up as these can cause an ear infection. If you’re nervous to be going inside your dog’s ears, the vet or the dog groomer can show you how.

Also, little dogs like this are prone to tooth decay, and you will need to brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week. This is because plaque and tartar buildup can cause mouth infections which contribute to other diseases within the body.

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

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