Need Help: Should I consider showing this male? Conformation Critiques welcomed - Page 2

 Thank you to all that commented. We found all of the suggestions very helpful and honest. Going to conformation classes as a viewer and video taping will be my M.O. for the summer. See ya at the canadian nationals this august.!

Conformation classes are a blast. Marcy in northwest houston has a "pick up" class every thursday night. its akc style, and with all types of dogs, but its really good learning for both dog and owner. understanding how to stack, letting someone else look at teeth, pat down and check testicles...having the dog or pup behave in an environment its not accustom to is all great stuff. its a different venue (AKC vs SV) and many of the lessons transfer. i take all of my dogs for a month of two of lessons when they're 4 or 5 months.

if you're intending to enter him, he needs to be fitted...there are a few topics that explain how do go about it on this site. use the search feature to find find out more.

in the photo, what i saw missing was intensity, he's standing nicley, but not very excited about anyting. a controlled intensity in the showring makes every dog look better. more treats and reward events could help this.

Hi ,
Your 13 Mth. old,young dog is definitely show quality,
subject to him not having any disqualifying faults.
i. e . correct bite & number of teeth,correct temperamant and is complete.
Please ensure that if your dog has any dog aggression,
that you are able to curb or controll it,
for his aggression will surely affect his movement in the ring.

At the point of measurments of height being taken ,
ensure that you stand in front of your dog
and prevent him from being attracted to anything,
as this will increase his height at the withers.
Make sure he is competely relaxed.

When stacking your dog, please bend over the top,
use your left hand, lift the left upper arm of the dog,
moving it back,touching the side of the chest,
while ensuring the forehand is perpendicular to the ground
and the feet is pointed strait in front.
( Adjusting the dog by placing your hand below the chest
as in the picture will only unbalance him)

My Critique is :-

 A large , medium strong , black & tan young dog
of very good proporation and very good type.
He has a  good head and expression with a good length of neck
.high sloping withers , a firm , strong back and
a croup which is slighty short and steep.
The tail set could be better.
Still showing a good backline.
He has very good front and hind angulations,with good clean hocks.
He has a good depth of chest,a good forechest with a good underline.
From the front he shows good lenght of forelegs,
where the pasterns could be stronger. He stands with his left foot slighty out of alignment.

He has many positives.but he should not get any taller.

The measuring of the dog's height is carried out by placing the measuring stick,
vertically against the back of the fore leg and pressing down lightly on
the horizontal bar against the top of the withers.( not behind the withers)

Akc ring, you probably won't get a lot of rewards.  The American "show line" (as in akc) are VERY extreem in the rear, and have great length in the loin. Liked and agree with the critique Ibrahim gave.  If your expectations are winning Seiger at the USA show, again your expectations may be a touch high.  But if you just like getting out there with the dog of your heart to see how he compares with others, and hang with other nutty Dog Folk absolutely go for it!!   I showed in AKC for quite a few years, picked up a few points, even the major points on my Akita, but never finished a dog to their Championship.  I still enjoyed being there, and showing my dogs.  As I remind new folks about judging.... "Ya pays your Money, and ya takes your chances" 
   I listen to the judges critique (especially someone respected in the breed) and also what others say about my dog, but don't always take it to heart.  I prefer to know what my dog's faults are, and every dog has some.  So, go... show...train... mostly have fun, and make it fun for your dog.  He's very nice looking fellow, and certainly nothing to be shy about  putting in a ring.

Nice looking overall dog. Tighten up his feet, that is my only comment.

Waiko, (Dog1) a GSL Sable is doing quite well in AKC conformation. It really depends on the judge. Some like the German dogs, others don't.

He would do better in SV style conformaiton, but you will have to get on the stick and get the Schutzhund training and a title before he's 2 or he will not be allowed to "V".

UKC is another venue, we've had sucess her with GSL's and also WL's. The judges like dogs that are physiclly fit and can carry themselves well. And represent the standard without overdoing it.

What ever you decied, enjoy your dog.