Question-with stipulations - Page 2

Over the years I've gotten a couple rescue dogs. Mutts, not german shepherds. And about ten years ago my daughter and I would go and clean cages at the local rescue two or three days a month when some one didn't show up.  The only german shepherds I saw there were mildly nuerotic. Maybe they were poorly bred or maybe they just never got the proper chances to develop healthily.  As I write this I realize most of the other breeds were dopped off because owners just didn't want to put in the effort.  Also, I have heard of people who were willing to try turning around so called nuerotic dogs.  So maybe they weren't really unsound at all, just reacting to their past.

So, it's seems people are saying that there's pet quality as in not top performance pups in a litter and then just poor quality dogs having pups.  And aiming for no higher than pet quality is what produces the latter?

Maligator,

I didn't cut and paste that to be rude. Just to say I liked the easy going and approachable tone of your post.  I realize your statement didn't include poorly bred dogs. Mostly I just wanted a definition of poorly bred vs. pet quality well bred.

allaboutthedawgs writes "...So, it's seems people are saying that there's pet quality as in not top performance pups in a litter and then just poor quality dogs having pups. And aiming for no higher than pet quality is what produces the latter?..." I think you nailed it right on the head.

I volunteer at our local animal shelter often and I see people bring in dogs with every excuse in the world as to why the dog "just won't work out." I have learned so much about GSD's yet I really know nothing at all, still learning. We mostly get mix GSD's and people just think they are to much. This is being said about dogs that are nowhere near a dog with some serious drive. People are very uneducated. They purchase a GSD from an ad in the nickle that is selling them for $200 to $500 dollars and when the dog becomes to much, to the local animal shelter they go. People have no idea that this breed was meant to work. They have no idea why the dog barks at everything, why it chews, why it runs and runs and runs but whats even worse, they aren't willing to learn. Like I said this is only what I have experienced from working at a shelter, this is what I have seen and experienced. Everyone on this thread has had some great information to share.

Ok, I think I've finally gotten it. Thanks to everyone for sticking it out.

Dawg

Let's level the table---"pet" may be someone's idea of lesser than ??? "pet quality" may be the opposite of show quality? Define pet! My neighbor's "pet" is Schh3,IPO3,Eat the helper,(any helper)IV, etc. Before all you "super drive breeders","born biting" puppy fanciers go off half-cocked---- Let me congratulate you all. If everyone bred to your "standard" there would be NO rescue for sure. Your "rejects" are NOT considered rescuable? You are able to brag about your progeny graduating "Leader Dog" school? You can brag about your progeny bringing smiles and happiness to the children's ward at the hospital or the folks in the nursing home. STOP! STOP TRASHING THE GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG that doesn't meet your personal needs. Be PROUD that you are in German Shepherd Dogs! The breed founded to be the greatest ever in service to mankind. AND it IS! A working breed! ANY WORK! You are able to do what you do with your dog because it is a German Shepherd Dog and so others are able to do what they do because their "companion" is a German Shepherd Dog. I just can NOT understand after 50 plus years since my first litter how some folks focus can be so narrow, their world so small--- so sad! A sport, schutzhund is a sport! It is NOT everyone's whole world. Perhaps some of you should re-read the chapters on schutzhund in von Stephanitz's book. He IS still the authority on the founding of this, the GREATEST BREED in the world? The noblest of GOD'S SPECIAL CREATURES? He had VISION! Some today have "BLINDERS"! THINK!! One breed was founded! There should be ONE breed today. THINK! Before you let the "stupid" pour out. Morgan

PJDogs- I agree with you 100%, why does owning a german shepherd have to be so complex. It is almost that people look for problems within the breed. I saw a thread on here someone wrote- "Help, my puppy does not love me". I laughed so hard I almost fell out of the chair. You have to be kidding me!!!! Just enjoy your dog, have fun and work your dog for what you bought him/her for. Buyers that buy puppies for pets they love their dogs just as much as someone that buys one for a purpose. I think that it is not the breed we need to improve it is the people. Some people really should not own a GERMAN SHEPHERD.

I don't have a problem with someone who buys a GSD as a pet, I have a problem with people who want a dog that looks like a GSD, but acts like a couch potatoe. Those people should go elsewhere, as should the breeders who try to meet that kind of a persons needs. A little less popularity would be a GOOD THING!

PJ Dogs Excellent Post !!!!

Sueincc- There are some folks that like to have their german shepherd to lay down while they watch t.v. They like to have a shepherd that does not act like it has smoked crack most of their lives. Some people can not handle a high drive dog and that is how some of them end up in a shelter. If someone wants a shepherd that is not on crack and is a couch potato what is wrong with that??? To me it does not matter or my business why people buy dogs like they do, as long as the dog is taken care of and the dog is happy that is all that matters. If it is a couch potato or working, all dogs need to be in a loving caring home.. Isn't that what matters????? When I go to a dog shelter I want to bring them all home, but my husband will not let me. I think that it is good that breeders do breed for pet quality, so the home owners have a chance to own the german shepher breed.

Valentine2: I think there is a huge difference between a high drive GSD & a dog that acts like it is on crack (aka malinois!!). At the same time, a GSD needs to be in the hands of someone who is active & will stimulate the dog both physically & mentally. These are not & should not be the dogs for "everyone" & no, being in a loving home is not all that matters. Remember, popularity is not always a good thing, especially for dog breeds.