Is this what is breeding all about ? - Page 3

Ulli I think Jamille just said everything (and probably better) that I was going to say. Her ears may firm up yet, late bloomer. Also no matter what any one thinks, there are no perfect dogs. I think everyone strives for that perfection, its how it should be. But I always thought breeding was knowing what your dogs faults are and mating them to a dog that is better in that area.

Good luck to ya I am sure you will figure it out!

Ulli,

As we all know, there is no such thing as a perfect dog.  I think you have to decide if the good points outweigh the small fault.

Regards

I feel silly even posting on this subject as I am sure you know more about breeding GSD's than I do Ulli.

A good argument could be made for using or not using, but I would think that the not using would win out.  However, can anyone tell me exactly which two dogs that have ever been bred, were perfect?

My point is, whenever anyone here is asked to critique someones dog, there are a multitude of those that find faults with every dog thus far.  Even the VA1 has bad elbows.  Will he be used for breeding?  You're darn tootin he will be.

It boils down to the total dog.   If the dog is very strong in other important areas, and you take into consideration the points mentioned by Jamille above, then perhaps this dog could be bred to certain dogs that have strong ears.

I don't even want to start a discussion of why and how the ears standing are THAT important.  Not saying it isn't, just don't want to argue THIS week.  Maybe next week we can discuss that.  I love a good discussion.

I really hope your decision wasn't to be *objectively strong* and give her up....(LOL)

You're entitled to get super attached now and then Ulli. Keep her.  Just a feeling I have.....but, this one will haunt you with regrets.  So you have one more house dog.......what the hell.  That one more doesn't make you a collector.  On the other hand, that one less could make you downright miserable.  

There's a perfect home out there just waiting........but never quite as good as the one she already has.......or, am I wrong? (LOL).  Keep her.

Glad to hear your standards as a breeder are so high.  I have never bred a litter, but IMO I would look at the whole picture here.  Is she outstanding or above average in other ways?  conformation, working abilities, temperament...more things to consider IMO.  If the ear is down or tipped far, then no but if it is just soft when he/she runs, I wouldnt' be too quick to make a decision...especially at 6 mos old.  Although I would certainly have this issue in mind when considering a mate for her.  A stud dog with above average ear strength perhaps.

look at the big picture....JMO

I am going to put my 2 cents in here....because I have a littermate to this dog.

Most of us know, as did I going in to this purchase, that the lines of these pups have soft ear problems. As do MANY showlines, and some working lines. This line in particular is more a problem than others and I would say a lot of people here would agree if they saw the pedigree. I probably don't have to say anything and someone can guess the lineage of the dog.

That being said, soft ears are the least of worries in my eyes with our breed. Ulli has an impressive mother line on these pups....that is why I purchased the dog. I knew going in the ears might be a problem and right now they are on my pup as well. BUT......they are very young, very big boned and still teething...which tells me there is still hope. But I am sure they will have a soft appearance when they are up.

Ulli, don't give up. I have had many fellow breeders see the dog as well as the pedigree and I would be a FOOL to give up now. The whole pedigree should be looked at...not just 1 soft ear.

To breed or not to breed...base that on other things once the ear problem is in the past. You have to work the dog first to see how those traits develop. I will also wait it out. I am confident it will go up and stay up. My next step with the dog is to work him also. The ear is what it is.

Many Germans have also told me never to look at the dog at this age anyway to say what it will be. This is the worst growing stage. Give it some more time before making rash decisions.

JMHO

Amy

aMY IS CORRECT     ALOT HAS TO DO WITH THE TEETHING ON THESE BIG EARED AND HEADED DOGS......

BUT IF IT FLUTTERS AT 2 YEARS OLD YOU WILL THEN KNOW IT IS A HERITARY TRAIT   ......PASSING IT ON IS YOUR DECISION.....

i STOPPED A BREEDING PROGRAM WITH THE ORTHOS  BOY BECAUSE EVERY LITTER OUT OF MY MAIN FEMALE AND HER TWO DAUGHTERS,,,,THE EARS AT ADULT AGE  STILL FLUTTERED ON ENDS WHEN RUNNING , GAITING OR ANY ACTIVITY.......

SEVERAL IN EACH LITTER HAD GOOD EARS...BUT THE MAJORITY OF THE EARS STOOD FINE...BUT THEY FLUTTER.AND SEVERAL   WERE DOWN AT 6 DUE TO EARS INFECTIONS   SCRATCHING THEM BROUGHT    4 OUT OF THOSE LITTER DOWN ,,,,NONE OF ANY OTHER DOGS EVER HAD AN EAR COME DOWN......SO I CHOSE TO NOT BREED THAT COMBINATION ......ANOTHER LINE MIGHT HAVE DONE FINE WITH HIM   BUT NONE OF MY GIRLS , AS STRONG AS THEY WERE,,,,STILL DREW THE LUCK OF THE DRAW AND THAT FAULT   CAME OUT....

Howdy everyone,

first of all, I would like to thank all of you for your words of encouragement.

Amy, I  will keep little Cathy. I made an apointment for next Friday to have her ears taped, by a girl that is known to do a very good job with that, as I have not enough experience in that area. Other than the ears she is doing absolut great : right in size, good temperament, doing good in the beginning of bitework. Best is the coulor, a lot of red is coming out now. Glad that her brother is doing good.

If someone comes around the corner & wants Cathy, I probably will give her up, but I wont rush it or push it. Heck, it is definately true, at 6 month they can definately fool you..... sometimes they are ood looking, their behavior is totally out of balance.... I'll just wait.

MI GSD, there will be no problem ....... just let me know when to pick you up at the Airport !!

Thanks again    Ulli Dresbach