"Thick-boned" and "large bones", in GSDs - Page 3

I agree with Mike Johnson about the heavier boned Czech working dogs.  and I LOVE dawgEsome's dog pictured!

 So, basically, VFG, your initial post didn't make sense in the way that I thought was the case. I was correct that you are referring to SIZE, particularly size with regard to PROPORTION. No shame in admitting you didn't pose the question properly.

In the last sentence you copied, you basically refute your initial allegation, because, if we follow logic, larger, denser bones would be an asset, not a liability, especially if the dog's frame is larger. An out- of- proportion dog will most definitely tire more easily and not work as efficiently. However, a proportionately large boned, densely- muscled dog should have no problem doing any of the tasks a GSD should do. BTW; the GSD was supposed to be a versatile service dog- not strictly a sheepdog. 

So, VFG, I'm asking nicely; what about the dog in the pics I posted? What is your opinion on it?

Thanks for the complement vfg -

I'll never bother to find out if he can or can't work cattle but lets just say he can not do that job - but if that would make him wrong then I guess I don't want to be right...

Ok, now you're getting into weird sci-fi stuff w/GSDs as big as horses...I still am failing miserably in my attempts (though valiant) to see your point about "big boned."  

Now, my question is VFG, are you talking about MY dog in the pics? "Love to have him as a guard dog?"  If so, ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Please, please elaborate on why this dog would be suited to being a guard dog and unsuitable in some other venue. This is what we are interested in hearing your theory on, or at least that's what I'm trying to understand. 

I'll let someone else jump in here and tell why that's so darn funny if you're talking about the pics I posted. Mollyandjack perhaps??? Would you like to do the honors? SSG?

If you're talking about Dawgesome's dog...then I agree. He is a great looking dog. 

are we talking bone or oversize. I think I missed the transition. Also would like to know how bone size affects gait or stamina in a correctly structured dog. Do you have an example of a dog with too much bone. Maybe that would help.

vfg, I don't get what you are saying, in all honesty. Are you actually referring to oversized dogs...as in too tall?? I don't get it.

Why, I do believe I will oblige ;-) In relation to the pics Jenni posted...that dog works on a mink farm, catching escaped mink, elk, and who the hell knows what else! I don't remember what that thread was called...but that dog can work.

I'll jump in for a few seconds................. gotta watch a DVD. OP, first to make a blanket statement...... THAT, opened the door. Then to bold and italicise what you copied from a book................ THAT opened the door a little wider. You're talking about multiple things so try and stay focused and prove or have your point disaproved on (I think) "Thick boned/large boned dogs not being able to work...." (was that it?)

Dog/horse? That one lost me too. Now I look at your joined date but I have never seen you post as long as I have been here. Where have you been lately?

Also, my old club we had a Rottie pup herding sheep, (I'll try and find those pics and scan them for you) so how can you say "this one can't do this" and "this one can't do that"?

Times have changed, dogs have changed. I'll say this and maybe you can understand a little better? Football: Playersare BIGGER! MONSTERS! FASTER!, QUICKER!, MORE AGILE! And they last a whole game and more.

Man, I didn't know "MAX" knew Mike Tyson?

 Mollyandjack got it. I figured a few would remember that particular critter. He EPITOMIZES a "working GSD." He works tirelessly 24/7, 365 days a year,  herding, catching, rounding up, holding at bay....etc.............whatever happens to get loose....mink, elk, horses, sheep, boars, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, etc.  The dog is incredibly determined, devoted, tenacious, and physically sound. These qualities, IMO, can overcome obstacles, too, in the cases where "heart" maybe overrides a flawed physique, but that's a whole 'nother topic;-)

I borrowed that dog for an hour for a customer who wanted to meet him and that's when the pic w/the baby was taken. That was the longest break he has had in almost 2 years. 

He is not a huge dog, upper-medium sized, I'd say, but has very nice bone for his size, IMO. 

My point was that your blanket statement was inherently flawed, unless you're talking about something entirely different and just not articulating it well in this thread.