Content Copyright
2005 Ehret German Shepherds
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German Shepherd History
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Czech German Shepherd Dog History
History of Z Pohranicni Straze kennel
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Prior to the 1989 revolution in the Czech Republic which
led to the fall of their communist government, the
breeding of German Shepherd Dogs was predominately that
of working dogs. What is unique is that this breeding
has revolved around one kennel, owned by the
Czechoslovakian Army's Pohranicni Straze (Border
Patrol).
The Kennel z Pohranicni Straze (Z PS) was founded in the
year 1955 for the sole purpose of producing and
training dogs that would be exclusively used for the
protection of the borders of the Czechoslovakian People's Republic or, since
1968, the Czechoslovakian Socialist Republic.
Most of the dogs used for breeding were acquired from the territory of
former East Germany, as well as dogs from
Czechoslovakia that excelled
in their character qualities.
The stud dogs, females and puppies were cared after
by military service conscripts. The dogs were
trained at the Kennels for about 12 months, and
then relocated to Border Patrol training
facilities (nowadays they're quartered at
Czech police training facilities).
The breeding program, established in 1956, has been
under the direction of Mr.Jiri Novotny who, since 1981, has been the director of training. The main foundation of the breeding program
has been focused on
strengthening the power of bones, dark
pigmentation, strong nerves and willingness to work in
tracking, obedience and defense work.
While the kennel name remains "z Pohranicni Straze", it
is now under the Pohranicni Policie (Border Police).
Depended upon Daily
During the years under the communist regime, the
Czechoslovakian border patrol and their dogs would
apprehend 20 to 30 people on a daily basis. While nine
out of ten people would give up when confronted, the
dogs were regularly called upon to defend their handlers
from those intent on crossing the border at whatever
cost.
Today the Czech Border Police share border stations
with their German counter parts who maintain a tight
control over economical refugees from former Eastern
Block entering Germany. Those who are not given visa's
to legally enter Germany attempt to cross this same
Czech border. While many are crossing to seek a better
life in Western Europe and usually do not resist arrest,
an increasing number are connected with organized crime
and are pose a considerable threat.
The "z Pohranicni Straze" German Shepherd Dogs continue
to be called upon to respond daily in high risk,
threatening situations. The training courses to prepare
them are likewise demanding as are the requirements for
breeding.
Breeding Facilities
There are three breeding facilities with a total of 80
breeding females that make up the "z Pohranicni Straze"
kennel. There are 30 stud dogs, all of which are on
active duty with their handlers. The breeding facilities
are located within the Czech Border Police compounds in
Domazlice, Libejovice and Prackovice. These compounds
have high security status with access to them strictly
forbidden to anyone, including Czech Border Police, who
do not work at the specific facility.
Obtaining a Pohranicni Straze German Shepherd Dog
There are three ways in which quality dogs from this
highly desired "z Pohranicni Straze" kennel are
available.
I. Studs Fees: The z Pohranicni Straze kennel breeds
their females occasionally to dogs owned by civilians.
The stud dogs chosen are outstanding working dogs
selected for their ability to consistently produce dogs
with exceptional working ability. The owner of the stud
has the option of being paid or taking a puppy for
payment. Most people take the latter option in order to
own a "Z Pohranicni staze" dog.
II. Whelping litters: There are three kennels owned by
civilians which the z Pohranicni Straze kennel works
closely, Z Jirkova dvora, Jipo-Me and Z Blatenskeho
zamku. These kennels, owned by civilians, are at times
given the opportunity to take Pohranicni Straze breeding
females and whelp the litters. In return, these private
kennels keep half of the litter which bears the kennel
name "z Pohranicni Straze".
III. Dog for dog: There are also times in which
Pohranicni Straze Kennel trades dogs with these three
kennels as another way to bring desired dogs and
bloodlines into the Pohranicni Straze breeding program.
Center of Breeding
Through these three ways in which civilians have had
access to z Pohranicni Straze dogs the kennel has
managed to be at the center of breeding in both the
former Czechoslovakia and the present day Czech
Republic. Many of these dogs have been purchased by
Schutzhund competitors in both Western Europe and the
United States, often placing high at championship
events.
Most of the article was written by Mr. John H.
Whittaker,Bellmont, Massachusetts, all the information
was acquired from Mr. Jiri Novotny.
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