Although the name "Altdeutscher Schaeferhund" is sometimes used by certain breeders to describe the supposed true bloodlines of the German Shepherd Dog breed, the term actually refers to the original German variety of the old Continental Shepherd group of working dogs. Whereas the modern GSD is a result of a strict and focused breeding programme with substantial emphasis on appearance standards, the Old German Sheepdog has always been bred primarily for working ability and health. Just like it has been for centuries, the Altdeutscher Schaeferhund is still the most common livestock dog in Germany.

Even though they're becoming increasingly rare, these superb herders remain the breed of choice for the majority of German farmers. Because they're not bred for Show, many types are commonly crossed with each other, producing a great variety of appearances within the Altdeutscher Schaeferhund group. There are numerous types among the breed, such as the dogs that differ from the modern GSD very little, to those that closely resemble the Sarplaninac and the Caucasian Ovtcharka, as well as wirehaired bearded specimens similar to the Ardennes Cattledog and the Bouvier des Flandres. Some dogs are tall and lean, others are smaller and heavier, some have pricked ears, others are drop-eared and so on. Due to this inconsistency in terms of looks, the breed remains unrecognized to this day. The German Society for the Preservation of Old and Endangered Domestic Animal Breeds has proclaimed the Old German Sheepdog to be an endangered breed and is hoping that dedicated fanciers and breeders will be able to maintain and hopefully increase the number of pure specimens, possibly leading to standardization and official recognition.

Rugged, independent and driven, the great majority of Old German Sheepdogs are very serious and fairly aloof with people, focusing mainly on their herding and guarding duties. Although the breed responds well to training, it is not as demonstrative as its descendant, the modern German Shepherd Dog. The Altdeutscher Schaeferhund is suspicious of strangers and can be confrontational with other dogs, making it better suited for rural environments.

Just as there is a wide range of coat types, there is also an endless variety of colours, from solid coloured dogs, to black-n-tan and tricoloured specimens, as well as individuals with blue merle and harlequin shades. The height ranges from 18 to 24 inches for most working specimens, but larger dogs exist.