Size Matters - Page 3

GSDZephyr, thankyou so much.  Yes that is my pride and joy.  He's small but fast as hell with a crushing grip. 

Sueincc, Thank you for your comments. They were both enlightening and thought provoking (unlike GSDluver6lyfe who is still licking her wounds). Yes, I have seen the "Old Shepherd" type from Linda Shaw's work on the different strains of the GSD (please refer to Shawlein.com and see there are approximately 23 strains of GSD currently in the world. I also would. suggest you check out the AKC GSD's from the 1960's which were blockier, calmer, and more poised than the majority of GSD's I run across on websites and in the flesh these days. It does make one wonder what happened to these majestic creatures of times gone by.

As for those who doubt the abilities of my dogs, that's fine - whatever. No, my long hair cannot jump a six foot fence but he can chew a hole in a six foot plus man the size of a steering wheel. And no, he is not aggressive or hyper. He loves the elderly lady who cleans the house every week, he walks obediently for my sister-in-law, and he dotes over my wife. When I had him and his brother  we did personal protection dog training for four years with military dog trainers. Don't take my  word as to their tenacity in personal  protection. The instructor who was one of only  five grand master dog trainers in the UKC said he felt sorry for anyone who attempted to bother me with these two dogs in my presence. BTW my other long haired shepherd who was only 95 pounds used to run border collies down at the dog park until they had to lay under a bench to get their breath. And FYI Bob, he DID jump six foot fences in agility class. So I don't think he would have broken a sweat over a 57 pound Czech dog.

And my original GSD, who was very large did not snarl OR growl. BUT he did bite other dogs who tried to sniff him and that was hard to predict because he was so calm until he had the other dog's heads or necks in his mouth. I finally discovered his trigger was when he would blow air through his lips like a horse which was followed by a lunge and a convincing bite. So if you like 'em calm he was your dog - until he became bored with you.

Two Moons, you made a valid point and I applaud you for it. BTW, you're dog is gorgeous. As I said before I want dogs for companions first, protection second, and whatever they like to do third. I don't look for aggressive GSD's, I just tend to end up with dogs that are very protective of me regardless of type, family line, or training. I don't want a dog who wags his tail and begs strangers to pet him. I want him to "have my back" 24/7.

MaxVonPotterdam

I remember when I picked up a female from the airport and everyone thought she was way too small to be a German Shepherd, seeing she was only 74ish lbs. She wasn't too tall or long, but very muscular in her build. A lot of people thought she was just a mix of some sort.   I'm sure we could be dumb and just tell Oprah to do a show on the real German Shepherds since the public is so uneducated about them and sees all the BYBs who breed huge German Shepherds and she would.  Everyone seems to believe her anyways.

Max,

You came here bragging about your huge dogs are and how they can tear a hole into someone.  That has egotistical macho man written all over it, to me.  Your dogs protect you, thats great but its not because of their size.  Why is it that the police dont use 100+GSD's? Since they are much more imtimidating and better at protecting.  Bigger is not always better and if it wasnt for that type of attitude the breed wouldnt be as screwed up as it is now.  I did not question your dogs ability, but you infact questioned mine and everyone else's dogs who happen to be in standard.  My male might top out at around 70-80lbs fully grown, who knows he still very young.  But he is very strong already at his age.  He manged to drag my friend , who is not a small person, down while he was on a prong.  And as he matures I know he would be damn good at "having my back". 

www.asuperiorgsd.com/p2p.html None of those dogs look over 100lbs to me.  Especially the ones from the 1960s

 "German Old Style" GSD from the 1920's

 A 73lb GSD 1960s

Max,

Thank you,  that is Indy,  he's still a pup and already larger than my other dog's. 

The largest GSD I've had ran around a hundred pound's give or take and was lean and agile, they should never be heavy (fat) in my opinion.   Large frame and heavy bone should not hamper performance.   

K-9 and SAR work might be easier with a lighter dog is a good point tho.

Brent.

Ah yes,  the mixed breed comments.   My girls a sable and we get comments on both her size and coloring.   I get asked if she's a husky mix or a collie mix all the time.  One lady in the pet store even went so far as to say "I hope you didn't pay a lot of money to get a german shepherd,  that dog is obviously a mix"   She's  too small and the wrong color.   Sheesh.  She is a sable working line the correct size and weight for the standard.   The curse of having a working line dog I guess.

Heather

 Two Moons,

I've wanted to know:

Is your handle from those Riddick (van diesel( sp?)