The German shepherds pedigree evolves from two bloodlines, work and show. A dog with a working bloodline pedigree possesses high intelligence, a good temperament and is highly trainable. The show pedigree adds a noble appearance to the list. Together, the two bloodlines comprise the ideal dog for any owner's special requirements and wishes.

Most Shepherds exported from Germany are known as Schutzhun and are primarily show breeds. A show breed is one that is prized more for its appearance, as if a piece of art, than for its ability to perform tasks. Show dogs generally are ""entire"", which means not neutered or spayed. Entire specimens usually fetch much higher prices than those that have been spayed or neutered. A winning show or work breed in Germany is called a Sieger.

Its easy to tell the pedigree of a German shepherd if you know its ancestry. If a dogs lineage has a reputation for high achievement, it earns the pedigree of a working dog. Show achievements - such as fine coat, beautiful cream and brown arrangements on the coat, and numerous other attributes - present a show dog pedigree. Pedigrees also have their own titles. A male dog, which is either working or show, has an SchH 3 title and a female, SchH 1. However, if the female has the title SchH 2 or 3, then it shows that that female dog is a working pedigree. The best pedigree is one who has a well-balanced proportion of both show and working bloodlines.