American Show-Line Geometry-Schutzhund U.S.A. - Page 1

I know that we speak about this repeatedly on this forum, but interestingly enough my most recent edition of the Schutzhund U.S.A. magazine furnishes some excellent pencil drawings of the geometry (especially geometric faults) of many of the overangulated members of the Ambred show-line. I don't know if these are available for viewing on the U.S.A. website, but they may allow them by request. I wish that everyone who wonders what we speak about could see these really good examples of some of the things that were purposely done to this line, as it can be difficult for many to determine from pictures alone. If you just received the magazine-check it out. In the next edition they promise to illustrate the geometry of the side gaiting movement of the Ambred dog. I may add that there is some interesting criticism of the West German show-lines inside, as well. Interestingly, someone is "getting it". Bob-O

Bob-O and Steel Magnolia, you are both right. Improper angulation such as long lower rear legs (causing sickle hocks that can't open) and front angles canted forward (causing lifting and prancing)look very goo on tight leads with the GSD pulling. Loose lead, however, exposes these serious faults which weaken the GSD, thus reducing endurance greatly and lessening any ability to work (just as much as any GSD with very little angulations in the front and rear). What we want is "normal side-gait" at a trot, i.e. the flying trot. Pacing, where legs on each side move parallel) occurs naturally in a short backed dog and is very correct at lower speeds, but the GSD should shift to a flying trot, characterized by legs on the same side move in opposition to each other. Steel Magnolia, I agree that these folks you mention appear to have attempted to hijack the breed away from what the true FCI standard is and wouldn't know what a correct GSD is in mind and body if they ever even saw one. They just don't get it and probably rationalize their position becauser they don't have the skills to identify and breed to the truly worthy "total GSDs" (the valuable "cross-over" GSDs that can place highly in zuchtschau or profung). Thankfully there are a number of small GSD breeders who are true lovers of the GSD breed here in the USA who are breeding and selling such "total GSDs", offering valuable studs for others who need good looks and great minds.

Preston. Could you email me please, some of the web sites or kennel names that you refer to as getting it close to right. Thanks. conditionfreak@wmconnect.com

I think what would help out allot of people is the video that is offered by Cannine Systems which Ricardo Carbajal did on gaiting and structure. He does a very good job explaining in detail how the mechanics of the overall structure of the GSD is important in every job it needs to perform.He has very good examples of showline, working and American bred dogs how they are built differently and explains through pictures of dogs gaiting and stacked photo's so you see the difference and get an idea what happens when you over exagerate any part of their body. You walk away understanding how and why the dog moves the way it does and you develop an eye so when you look at a dog you will have an idea how it will move before it even takes a step. I found it to be very helpful to understand for example what happens if you have a short croup vs a long croup, an short upper arm compared to a long upper arm and what to look for if you want to show or do sch work. Why a straighter back is better for sport etc. I look at it like in the horse world there are different horses for different jobs..I would not want to ride a Clydsdale to round up cows..I would get a quarterhorse because he is built for the job.