Old Pedigrees..... - Page 3

Thanks all for your welcomes. 

I know nothing of the bloodlines of today but I know a good dog and Ric sure was.  He went from a dog in a backyard tied to a refrigerator box to a farm dog.  He had never seen a pig or cow but he took to guarding the gate when we delivered feed and not one pig or steer got by him.  He never let any harm come to any of us.  Back in those days we had milk delivered in glass bottles.  He allowed the milk man to put the bottles down, pick up the empty bottles and leave.  One time the milkman dropped his glove in the yard; Ric would not allow him to pick it up.

He also guarded the bottom of the ladder of the guy who was 50' up painting the barn and he didn't know the guy from Adam but he knew there was a job that had to be done. The pigs didn't get within 10 foot of the ladder.

He could look like a raving lunatic ready to tear someone apart if they even thought of doing damage to one of us but he also had a great off switch.  He was gentle to anything after that.  Of course he was a member of the family and slept on our beds with us.  He lived to the ripe old age of 15 and he is still missed.

Are there still true working dogs that can switch from one job to the next?  That is what I don't see much of anymore.
 

With regard to your last question, I agree...that's what we need more of- the type who can switch from one job to the next. I know one...sadly never bred and I probably should try. He's been everything from bar guard dog for my cousin, catch dog and guardian dog on a fur farm, dabbled in French Ring as a youngster...and did it all under not the best circumstances. He was bounced around from home to home, job to job, and rose to the occasion every time. There was a thread about him a few years back- I got made fun of a lot for talking about him but I don't care. I (and anyone who knows him) knows the truth. Sadly, he was never joint certified and only bred to a Bloodhound and a Pit Bull, in one of his not-so-stellar homes. I own him now on paper, and he lives in the lap of luxury with friends of mine. I may try yet to get a pup from him. I think these true working dogs need to be preserved, politically correct or not (he's not titled). I'll PM you the thread. I think you might find it interesting and reminiscent.

Glad to have you on board.  

Qira's pedigree goes back to '76, though only on the top. Anything below her sire's sire's line is in the '80s. Through her sire's sire's sire's..... line, Horand is in her 26th generation, which I find interesting for the pure sake of finding it interesting. In some places I know he is closer, in some places farther, but I still find it interesting nonetheless.

A true working dog who can switch from one job to the next is what this breed should be all about! It's sad how little you see that any more.

Welcome to the board GSDoldtimerlady!

GSDoldtimerlady,
Thank you for posting and contributing.
I am glad that you found something worthy of posting about.
Your memories of your dogs and the info about them are great!!!