How has it changed - Page 1

So someone came to me talking about German Shepherds recently because they had seen pictures of the ones I had, and told me that the real German Shepherds in Europe are much bigger than that, and always have been bigger than what we breed in America. He told me that Americans have made them smaller, resulting in hip problems, and also that German Shepherds were meant to be huge. Now the pictures he saw were of two German imports, both working lines. Now my question is, how has the standards in Germany changed over time?  What was their size/weight when Max was breeding them? and onwards until now? This person also stated that doing work like Schutzhund or police is not good for a dog because they are acting out of fear, and they don't know how to be a dog anymore.   I think it was Blitzen who posted that link to the breed history talking about Max getting the dogs involved in tracking, obedience, and protection....or in other words, Schutzhund.  Anyone have any links or information on anything relating to how they've changed in Germany?

     I am not sure who gave you that information but just theopposite is true. Americans have a penchant for huge dogs. American-type show shepherds tend to be taller, narrower, and have more extreme hind angulation. Americans in general want huge "large-boned" dogs which tend to have severe hip and elbow problems. On the other hand, dogs bred by the German standard are (supposed to be) not as tall but more muscular and athletic with a lot of stamina and endurance. They are the ultimate working dog because of versatility, strength, temperament, intelligence - NOT large size.

     Schutzhund training was meant to accentuate a dog's stable temperament, workability, and trainability - not to make it vicious. A dog that already has an unstable character would not do well in this type of training regimen. Our military dogs that go through a similar program are not kenneled but live with their handlers and families, many of them having children - and these dogs are safe to be with children and often other animals.

     There has been an issue lately with over-sized males becoming more accepted and prevalent but from what I hear the SV is attempting to nip that in the bud!

     Thank you for this important question! Many people on this site are familiar with this information but it is good to remember that many are developing an interest in GSDs and Schutzhund, and to pass on helpful, basic information to those who ask. Certainly there are many opinions as to what is better, this or that, but sometimes people need to hear about an issue from a historical perspective, and then develop their own perspective.  

I would have to agree with Kinolog "Americans in general want huge "large-boned" dogs" everytime I turn around I hear I have a big bone shepherd that is 120 pounds !!! Or when looking for a puppy "How much will he weigh when he is older ? Like there is nothing else to worry about then the duckin weight!!!! I don't like labeling anyone but get a duckin life and learn the standards or buy a Great Dane!

EK