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).

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.

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.

There are three ways in which quality dogs from this highly desired “z Pohranicni Straze” kennel are available.

1. Stud 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 Straze” dog.

2. 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”.

3. 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.

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.