Puppy Conformation Criteria - Page 1

When looking at a litter of working line GSD puppies what is your criteria for their conformation?

I know what I like but am looking at what kind of check list other people might have.

same as it would be for any other gsd pup. 

balanced structure, does the pup move well,  good shoulder angulation, balanced rear, strong topline, no bumps or dips in the topline. does the pup stand true in the rear, or is it extremely cowhocked, are the front feet east/west or straight.

is the bite ok, no over or underbite.  teeth change as pups get older, but generally a proper bite as a young pup will stay that way.  rarely do I see a pup develope a under or over bite that didn't have it at birth.  adult teeth may or may not come in properly, so knowing the bloodline helps with that.  is the line known for missing teeth?   same with ears standing.

most working people concentrate more on temperament than looks but we all appreciate a good looking working dog.  these suggestions are just the most obvious and visible to see while looking at a litter.

Hi ,
My selection criteria is as follows:-
a ) mental and phyfical soundness of both parents
      ensuring their lineage is fully working.
b ) Reaction to sudden loud sounds ,stands its ground and eludes confidence.
      And withstand a certain amount of stress/pain, ( pinch )
c ) Check the developmentof instinct i.e. willingness to chase ,bite and hold
     the moving rag.
d) Stays forcus on a toy longer and protects it from other pups
e) Males must have both  testicals decended.
f ) Physical soundness of the pup ,ensuring the hinds are correct ,
    the pup is running and playing without any signs of weakness.
g )The pup must have good proportions,good bones.good head ( males ).
h ) All vacinations up to date and papers in order.
 

Using this criteria I've had less disappointments.   

I must admit that I have never really specifically looked for structure in a puppy. If something is "off" enough for me to notice it, it would have to be pretty obvious and pretty damn bad, as structure is not something I am "good at." Even with adults, I have often called show friends about a photo in which I can tell something seems to be "off," but I don't know what. The show folks can often look at even a phot and explain exactly what the problem is. I am learning, but slowly. :-)

Mystere, I am kinda like that....I know what I like or don't like but can't always pinpoint why or what.

I asked the question because I am about to have a litter of pups and am making up detailed forms in different areas and wanted to look at their conformation but couldn't find a "check list" on the internet.

Hi ,
I may be wrong here , but I'm seeking to learn as well.

When I look at show line pups , I select for the following , amoung others.

G S D  puppies best indicate,what they will be like when an adult , at 8 weeks.  ie.temperamant ,mental and physical soundness ,Head , withers  , croup , topline , front and rear  angulations , proporations and movement, even reach
and bone.Males must be complete and the bite good.

It all depends on what you intend to use the pup for. A person  involved in working dogs probabaly use a different criteria for selection from a person from a show line.

Avoid all the disqualifying points.