Very interesting. I notice way more of the low-slung show dogs now than when I was growing up. Back then we saw GSD guide dogs and other working dogs, but not many who were bred for the show ring.

Labrador Retrievers are similarly differentiated, with people referring to them as "English" or " American" types. The English are blockier and were bred for the show ring, while the American are the field retrievers. There is a lot of overlap in the two, though.

Kathi and the Turbotail April Angel...and the Labradork

Wow...this is a very interesting write up and something I had never really thought about in regards to behaviors.  As with GSD, you have the American bred Doberman and the European bred Doberman.  There are differences in their physical appearances (ED has a little more of a block style head and heavier boned while the AD head is a little more narrow in the wedge shape of the head and not as heavy).  Leland definitely came more from the American bred Doberman and he dealt with separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, more laid back (was happy to just hang out and be rubbed), and didn't ride well in the car at all (constant whining).  Lucian we know comes from European lines and he can be quite hyper (he'd rather run and explore non-stop than just hang out and be rubbed), needs a lot of exercise, doesn't appear to fear loud noises, and doesn't appear to suffer from separation anxiety.  We just assumed some of the difference between Leland and Lucian came because we have left Lucian unaltered.  Perhaps some of the difference in behavior comes from the European line as does with the GSD.

Thanks for sharing this valuable info!

Sahana and her Angel Leland and Lucian too

benny55 said
Sahana! Wait! I think you've mentioned on here the other breed line Lucian may have in his genes...the really rare one....the a$$hole line!! Be proud Lucian! I'm pretty sure youre the starting point for that breed line!!

Thanks for the reminder Sally...lol!!!  After reading Rene's article and doing some more researching between American and European Dobermans I have come to the conclusion that Lucian's other personality (A$$hole) is just in his Euro genes.  He's just so much more driven and like an Energizer bunny than Leland that if he doesn't have an outlet he will take it out on the furniture.  From reading about the differences I've learned that American Dobermans are more laid back and are content being couch potatoes and getting belly rubs.  The American Doberman has been bred to be more of a family pet.  While European Dobermans are still very much working dogs and are happiest working and being constantly active.  Apparently, European Dobermans have to pass a working test (ZTP I think is what I've seen mentioned) before they can be bred so this working gene so to speak is carried on.

Well, I'm sure that's more than you really cared to know about (does Bullmastiffs have this going on?).  It's just fascinating that the same breed of dog can be so different in their physical and cognitive appearance based on where they come from. 

Oh and we have new furniture coming in tomorrow...we're running out of couch cushions...

Send up prayers and keep fingers crossed that Lucian doesn't start making a meal out of the new couch, chair, and ottoman. 

Sahana and her Angel Leland and Lucian too