Mixed German Shepherd - Page 3

We have all been agreeing that in herself, Kalifornia's bitch looks
charming;  and she certainly looks well and happy.   I am sure
that the dog is a lovely individual and a great pet;  potentially she
may have even more 'about her' and be capable of sport / work
if Kalifornia wants to go those routes.

This isn't the same as saying:  ALL  GSDs [or near-GSDs] are
'perfect specimens', in line with the original Standard as laid
down by the breed's founder  (or the subsequent German,
FCI or even AKC versions ...) for physical conformation and
temperament.   She is therefore not 'beyond criticism'  AS A
GSD;   and I do wish people would stop trying to turn threds
like this into 'adverts'  for animals - of ALL versions -  that may
be something THEY like,  but clearly ignore / contradict  the
Standard.   There are usually - not always tho' - GOOD reasons
why the originators of any breed ask for certain things and not
others.  It is what it is;  campaign & argue to update the Standard
if you must, but please stop doing it by the 'back door' and telling
the majority of us that the dog we choose to live with is no longer
any good because it does not follow some square-ended, dilute-
colored, oversized, 'petified' re-definition of a German Shepherd
Dog.  I expect Kalifornia can appreciate this view, as the OP was
looking to see "what else"  might be part of the dog's genetic
makeup.