Character of the German Shepherd Dog - Page 2

I definitely do not agree with the definition of good litter meaning EVERY pup in litter should grow to be capable of all these things. It's not probable....maybe with Malinois which is a singular dog in type, color, temperament, structure, for the most part; but a GS is comprised of at least three ( some say four) different dogs i.e., Thurigian, Wurttemberg, Swabian, etc that had distinct features that were sometimes vastly different in type, color, temperament and USES. Therefore, it stands to reason, to my way of thinking that litters will always produce variations of these things within.....UNLESS you breed exclusively for color, type, drive, etc. then you have veered away from the utility of the dog for the extreme?
Maybe I'm missing something here.....

I agree Gustsv that it is the case as you say, but it shouldn't be.
A good representative of the breed should have all those traits at least to a pass degree, no single trait of them should be missing or too weak.
A good litter is , I think the word is homogeneous. Meaning all pups are close in traits, a good breeding is one that each pup has above traits and can do any of the breeds jobs and be at least good at it.
In the breed as a whole, if you can find a dog that can do one of the jobs but can not do another, that might be a good thing but that is not what the standard asks for, when we say a certain breed can do 5 jobs, this means and should mean most of the breed's dogs , each can do the 5 jobs , you don't need to have 5 dogs to do the 5 jobs and I mean the dog can do the jobs, can be trained for any of them, not actually be trained for all and do them all by himself, but has the inner qualification to do any of them, my opinion and my understanding

By the way that is the meaning of versatile ( if I am correct), it is a description of the breed as well as the individual dog, which should be able to do any single one of the breed's jobs and be at least good at it

I understand your thought process, but I have never seen a litter of standard size(8), in which this is the case.

If you want the GSDs to be "Jack of all trades", they will do well in sports. That's at least better than running around in circles, or being couch potatoes.

But why would a serious working dog seeker want to get a GSD, when he can find a better performer for his preferred work from another breed? How many people require their PPDs to do herding also? And who wants the Second Best?

A GSD should be able to perform satisfactorily any of the jobs the breed is supposed to do, but SHOULD excel in at least one, if not two or three(!!) of them. A single dog being master of four different types of jobs will be next to impossible.

That's why you need to breed selectively for certain traits, without compromising on the Breed Standard.

And, the Breed Standard doesn't say Aloof or Suspicious. So, a GSD shouldn't be that, simple....

Inquisitive, not suspicious.

Preferring his owner over others, not aloof.

And, the Breed Standard doesn't say Aloof or Suspicious. So, a GSD shouldn't be that, simple....                                                                 ~Swarnedndu

The AKC Standard certainly does mention, aloofness, here:

Temperament: The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand. The dog must not be timid, shrinking behind its master or handler; it should not be nervous, looking about or upward with anxious expression or showing nervous reactions, such as tucking of tail, to strange sounds or sights. Lack of confidence under any surroundings is not typical of good character. 

beetree, there is only one standard which is acceptable WORLDWIDE. And this Thread started with a reference to THAT Standard.

We all know what abominations are being produced in the name of GSD by the Standard mentioned by you, and which Standard(s) are responsible for the controversies our breed didn't deserve.

Swarnednu,

You say: But why would a serious working dog seeker want to get a GSD, when he can find a better performer for his preferred work from another breed? How many people require their PPDs to do herding also? And who wants the Second Best?

When I say a GSD should be capable of doing any and each of jobs breed is intended for and be at least good at it, that does not mean it would be capable of doing each individual job only good, it might be able to do one or two of them excellent. haven't you ever heard about GSDs being best performers among their colleagues of other breeds? What makes the GSD different is what the breed says about it:

UTILIZATION: Versatile working, herding and service dog. I think it is the only breed that can do all.

You say: That's why you need to breed selectively for certain traits

One of the problems the breed has is because many breeders adopted your above call

I agree that herding by itself is of no big use nowadays. But herding instinct/trait if you may call it is where-from natural protection/care comes from in the GSD, therefore this herding instinct better be preserved and protected in the breed.

IbrahMI,

I DIDN'T find any difference between what I said and what you said in your last post. Different choice of words, but same meaning.

Except, you forgot to include " without compromising......" while quoting me. 😂😂