Sad news - the passing of Manfred Heyne - Page 3

DDRShep wrote:
I would argue that it is precisely because the breed has gone away from herding bloodlines that we now have some of the problems in the breed. and have lost or are losing some of the great qualities the GSD used to have. Balanced drives, nerve strength, uncanny "humanlike" intelligence, physical health and hardiness of a true farm animal, biddability, judgement, a mutually respectful dog-human bond, easy trainability, self-control over prey drive, clear headedness, calmness, an off switch, long lasting intensity, courage, character, temperament, knowing how to treat children, puppies and lambs differently from adults, self-control over aggression, physical stamina, true everyday working structures....these are just some of the GENETIC inborn qualities that came from the GSD being a herding dog. And the farther we go away from the herding dog, the more likely we start losing these qualtiies in the gene pool. These qualities are not only useful in a herding dog but in a working dog period and as a family pet. A number of GSDs that end up being killed in the pound are precisely because of the loss of these qualtities.

I could not agree more! I am truly fortunate to have one just like you described. I have used almost all of those terms to describe him many times! It's terribly sad that he stands out so obviously against other GSDs; he should be the norm rather than the exception, and while I doubt a dog of his caliber will ever be common, (could I be biased, lol?) all breeders should strive for that kind of stablility and balance. And you just won't get it with single-purpose sport breeding.  I do believe his dam had a herding title, if I remember correctly. Huh.

"If I were into herding, I'd buy one of those puppies. Can't go wrong with 60, 70 years of proven goods."

Considering that once Schäfermeister Heyne had selected his pup out of a litter, the remainder of the strong contenders in the puppy selection process would often go to the Border Patrol, I'd say that even if you weren't into herding, you probably would've liked one of those puppies, too.  The same traits that make for a strong, assertive, confident, courageous herding GSD will serve just as well for one destined for the Schutzhund trial or the policeman's cruiser.

Jus' saying...

Hexe - yes, you are correct. The more I think about it and the more I read about the guy I agree more with his breeding philosophies. So, yes, forget herding. Once he picked his future rock star out of the litter, I am quite confident that the leftovers he left behind are aso great and promising puppies, I bet my ass they were. So, jus' saying or not - once I thought about it, you are more than likely very correct.

DDRShep - I am not offended nor do I feel you were picking on me, in the slightest, as I agree with what you wrote. The more I thought about it, the more I agree with your statement. It shouldn't matter if it were for herding or whatever else, I am sure the dogs he bred, were all around great GSD litters suitable for any task given to them.

What I was saying in that sentence, maybe it gets lost in translation etc... So, let's try again. If I were to do herding and I had some sheep to herd, it would be far more advantageous to me to pick a pup out of his bloodlines then to go hunt for unproven bloodines. We were actualy talking about the same thing, only my statement was much narrower than yours, as I was looking to instantly stack a deck in my favor.

Hope that clarifies it. Why would I get just A dog then see if it fits, when I can get THE dog that is almost guaranteed to fit. now, the breed as a whole moving away from herding and not preserving herding instincts, that part of your post is spot on.