WHY ARE OUR SHOW GSDs. BANANA BACKED. - Page 8

Charlie, I'd prefer to keep it short and just call you "Sire" from now on. K??

Grow up folks. This GSD forum have been closed before because people that was suppose to share an interest in a common breed wasn't able to act and speak in an adult fashion. My fear is that this could happen again. If your to hot tempered at the given moment - go for a walk. Then you can sit down later and write a constructiv (it do not have to be positiv) remark. And if you feel like given my comment an abysmal remark - then remember: "stupid is who stupid does".

I've only ever seen the term "banana" used in regard to the backline of some GSD's. I guess there are banana heads too and I've met soem meatheads as well. Another question, was the last SV standard revision intended to discourage banana backs? From what I can find on the internet, it was revised maybe in 97 and, without looking it up, I think the term "straight" was added to the section on toplines. I might not be dead on with the wording, but I think I have the intent correct. Thanks. Good morning to Mr. King Tut and all his worthy subjects. BTW, it's stupid is as stupid does, ERH. That's how Forrest always put it LOL.

Hey Blitz. Good Morning to you.

Lets go back to the topic and my friend Patrishap: since this subject has gone from dogs to the weather and snakes - which I don't get at all. You said: And when animal is on the move, the back or spine ought to stay fairly straightish! Is this what you understand? YES - this is exactly what I understand - the reference to a "level back" is actually "in movement" It's an aerodynamic thing -- And somebody also mentioned the drive -from the rear -- If the back isn't right -- it causes the front end to lift up -- incorrectly and it's not an efficient way to move - "watch the herding dogs !!" Their "reach" is not as extreme as many - but they are balanced and can run up and down that invisible fence all day. The lifting up in front is manifested by the Hackney appearance of the front legs coming up too high -- grossly unattractive -- or the whole front end of the dog coming too far off the ground to compensate !! It's all connected -- And, I've never heard the term banana back before either - but I've only had GSD's for 35 years so forgive me. CHARLIE -- Nobody's yelling at YOU -- although you love the attention -- The AKC JUDGES are the GERMAN SHEPHERD BREEDERS -- or didn't anybody notice ??? So .... they put up each others dogs, or those of their handler friends - There are judges who don't know which end is up -- so they have to go by who's handling it -- If "Joe" is handling that dog -- it must be good -- so I'll put that one in front !!! I'm not kidding !! It happens !! The speciality dogs are generally a mess -- Like someone already said more and more reach and less ligimentation and muscle and stamina to hold it all together is stupidity at it's finest - and put bad temperament and very little intelligence on the inside and you have the perfect Select Champion - who will go on to get an ROM and sire many more of the same !! The outline of the dog and the angle of the shoulder and croup, etc., is well documented -- it's everybody's INTERPRETATION of the standard that's unfortunatley different, and what gets us in trouble. and it's not right, that if I brought a top V dog over here and put it in a Speciality show it has a good chance of not even placing -- In an All-breed show - maybe.

D H so are you saying that every va dog is correct to the breed standard in terms of temperament!

I have been trying to think of other animals having similar toplines and who are trotters to draw parallels. A horse trots, but does not have topline like a GSD. Elephants have a similar topline, but they only pace. Most of the wild cats that move and chase a lot - I think they either walk or they gallop but never trot - have a level or even slightly sagging top lines. I am lost - somebody help!

THE WOLF, HOWDEDO, THE WOLF -- with a DEAD LEVEL BACK. AND A SOMEWHAT "RESTRICTED" FRONT. BUT.....BALANCED... (THIS IS THE KEY) --- SAME AT BOTH ENDS --- Too much rear and not enough front, and the dog is tripping over his front feet -- too much front and not enough rear and the ass end is can't keep up with the front with is carrying 60% of the weight, right? a 'ground covering gait" or "effortless gait" is one(well that's two things) -- but nobody told anybody to turn that into strides that are twice the length they need to be to chase those sheep or - drag that intruder to the ground - and at least have the elbows to jump out of a police car window without going out on diability. The backs are strange. Whether it be a slide (the current American Grand Victor) or a some top VA placement that looks like (while standing anyway) that he needs a good chiropractor!!

I have watched wolves a few times hunting in packs - They seemed to break into a gallop all too often. I agree with you - their front and aft are very balanced in terms of having similar angulation.

Wolves also have very long hocks for speed and quick moves and short upper arms. They certainly are interesting animals to study, aren't they? I doubt all wolves are born perfectly balanced, but that's a suvival characteristic for that species and those that aren't built that way can't keep up with the pack and will not survive for long. Survival of the fittest at its most primitive, fascinating stuff.