Is there any American-line GSD breeders here. For example Woodside kennel. - Page 4

http://samurispixelperfect.webs.com/imaworkingdog.htm

www.fairwayshepherds.com

not into scutzhund, but still easily trained.  schutzhund is not the end all of working tests for this breed.

also, alot of german showlines are not much far off than the american lines were.  seems that the german showlines are loosing their structural integrity, and american dogs are improving in both structure and temperment.

Don't know if it was already said, but I'd look in the local paper or wheeler dealer for an American Shepherd.

tanksr:  I do have experience training American show lines, as well as run of the mill, BYB quality American pet lines.  I have never trained an American show type dog with a temperment correct to the SV standard or capable any real work past AKC obedience/rally.  You can never, in a million years, conviince me that these dog were the vision for this utilitarian breed.

The ones that aren't terrified of their own shadow usually make good couch potatoes for pet owners who could never handle owning a real working GSD. They are sweet enough, biddable dogs- but most are lazy golden retrievers in a contorted GSD body. Now and again you see one active enough for tracking, agility, or SAR, but I've never seen one who could even pass a Sieger Show performance test...which isn't much to pass at all.

are american line be trained for protection

I would love to see the protection work from one of these fabulous dogs. rolls eyes.

It's a German Shepherd I would probably think so.

 Uberland you are exactly right. The American dogs are improving in both structure and temperament. They have the advantage of being able to use the German dogs to do this. The good American breeders hold no animosity they are driven to improve. Not so sure about some on this board. 

KCzaja - I'm sure you've trained some American dogs. You cannot judge them all by the few you have trained. I have been doing this since 1967 and trained hundreds and hundreds of dogs. I started with German dogs and now have both. I have trained Police Dogs, Seeing Eye Dogs, Herding, etc. There are many American dogs that work and do it well. 

Ken

Tanksr,

 No offence but your not going to come on this board and say your dogs are crap and can't work. I have never seen an American Showline able work, they're show dogs. Let's be honest here how many of the dogs that you produce can actually work under any sort of pressure be it, environmental stress or during bite work? How does the drive match up with dogs bred specificly for work?

You tell 'em Felldownher.  This sounds like a "show me" situation.