By Helen "Scootie" Sherlock

 One of the most important German imports ever to reach out shores arrived in late 1964, in the 'person' of VA, CH (US) Greif vom Elfenhain ROM (US), a Shepherd of International repute. "Greif's" reputation preceded his presence, in the consciousness of knowledgeable American breeders conversant with Breed activities in Germany; but few persons ever entertained any expectations that this male, owned throughout his eventful career by his breeder, Willi Suefke, would be parted from German hands and made accessible to fanciers in this country. (USA)

 "Greif" competed successfully within and beyond the confines of his native land, defeating the top contenders in various European countries to earn his C.A.C.I.B. certificates and the International Champion title. In Germany he achieved the highest rating honor attainable, the "V-Auslese" rating  awarded only at the annual "Sieger" show to a select few animals which approach the absolute ideal in conformation and character.

"Greif" further demonstrated his extraordinary capacities by obtaining not only all possible "SCHUTZHUND" degrees, but also the "FH" trailing degree. With these trials passed, "Greif" had accomplished most achievements possible in both conformation and obedience competition; however "Greif's" worth extended beyond the realm of his personal triumphs. Before selecting a male for the "Auslese" class, Dr. Werner Funk carefully evaluates the genetic potential of those animals he considers eligible for the distinction of by virtue of their physical and temperamental excellence; he awards the rating only to those dogs whose breed-value, due to bloodlines and background, seems asserted, or has been demonstrated. "Greif" was rated "V-AUSLESE" at the 1960 "Sieger Show" at the relatively early age of 3 years. In the following years he not only proved his value as a sire, but established his merit as one of the most outstanding stud dogs in Germany. Among his progeny "Greif" numbers a host of 'V' dogs and bitches, some of which are prominent contemporary show dogs - A Japanese "Sieger", and a Champion, plus several offspring with points in the US. "GREIF" was the sire of two shepherds ranked among the significant top-ten 'V' rated competitors in the Open Class at the 1964 "Sieger" show the V1 Grid vom Uesener Werk, and the V8 Sam von der Schinklergrenze.

 "Greif's" German Offspring will continue for some time to pay tribute to his ability as a sire; it was the hope of his Breeder, that "Greif" could also materially influence the breed in the United States. At the 1960 "Sieger" show, Dr Funk summed up his opinion regarding "Greif's" producing potentcial by stating at the conclusion of his report: "This harmoniously-constructed male with a beautiful flow of lines presents a wonderful picture (on Pose); his bloodlines are especially attractive, and it seems to me that, properly used, he will make a valuable contribution to the breed.

Source: Written in 1965 German Shepherd Dog Club of St. Louis WAG'N'TONGUE
Note: Not verbatim, edited for the age of cyberspace!

"A medium sized strong noble dog with good bone he was richly coloured and moved well but was rather long in body. He went to USA as a seven year old and in three short yours was established as ROM. From Greif came long coats and cryptorchid problems."

~Author Unknown

1957-1967

Hi hewetz,

I try to, but this dog is from before I was Born.
So, when I can and if I can find good reliable Data
I do post the Data.

Thanks to people like you we can get the info from
people who knew these dogs best :-)

Jo-Ann

FerrumGSD: when you publish such historic pictures, it would be interesting for the visitors of the database, to get some more information on these famous dogs. Greif vom Elfenhain was also an outstanding pruduct out of the Rolf Osnabrücker Land-Line. Greif was linebred to Rosel-Rolf: 2-3!! Greif had for that time an extrem hind angulation and incorporated an excellent type. I remember him on this Düsseldorf Siegerschau 1960 in the VA-class.
Greif was the father to Sam von der Schinklergrenze (pedigree/5/1441.html) Sam was a tricky dog with outstanding anatomy and movement, many times class winner, a modern type of GSD,
but sometimes he failed in the gun test and character test.
Sam sired two VA-dogs: Cito Herforderring and Veus v. Fiemereck
www.bauernfreund.net

IntCh,
CACIB ROM