I agree with Barb, Living with DDR & czech dogs is NOT most times, for the faint of heart.
As for the American lined dogs, we've most likely hashed this out before. While some may not like the appearance of extreme angulation (what your seeing in alot of the am show dogs), and I'm one of them, a GSD needs SOME rear angulation for movement. Again, while maybe not appealing, it certainly is a "myth" that the more angulation means a dog is dysplastic.
Certainly one does not have to go outside the US for a good dog. Most dogs imported are pretty pricey, and think about it, "they" aren't selling their really good dogs, they keep them for themselves. (certainly not to say you can't get a good dog imported!)
I would absolutely never ever suggest to someone to get a Czech dog if they were unexperienced, looking for a pet only. I have a czech female who is almost 12, she has rotten knees with a couple of surgeries behind her, I wouldn't trade her for all the tea in china, she has been the best dog I'll ever own. BUT, at this age, this dog still "flits" when she moves, she NEVER has walked a day in her life! She is constantly ON THE MOVE, and she better have something to do or she'll find something to do not always good.
A normal "Joe T Public", would have 1. gotten rid of her by now, 2. gone bonkers trying to keep her busy. Sure she's first and foremost my "cherished pet",,but she also has had a life that's kept her busy, both physically and mentally. (I can afford that luxury of time)
My DDR dog is probably a little out of the norm, he has been the easiest self trainer I've ever had the pleasure of living with, couch it all day OR run the boston marathon all day, he's a go with the flow dog, at 10, he shows no signs of slowing down either.
Wonderful dogs in the right hands.
In the end, a GOOD GSD is a GOOD GSD, doesn't matter if it's purple, green from the us , germany or the moon, IF you can find a good breeder who's breeding sound/healthy dogs, then you've got it made.
Diane