critique my american dog - Page 4

I'm with the Ol' Line Rebel on this one. Is there really a such thing as an "American Line GSD?" No, there is not. All of the dogs came from the same foundation dogs but their appearance was progressively created to suit the whims of the current A.K.C. and S.V. fanciers.

So it begs a question; which one is more "correct?" The answer is "neither" as both are manufactured animals that DO NOT comply with the dog described in the F.C.I. Breed Standard (yes, the one and only true breed standard) and are at best examples of what each entity accepts as the true dog type.

More than one-half (1/2) of mine are a mix of West German working-lines, West German show-lines, and dare I say some "American" show-lines all with good results. I do own a true West-German show line bitch and a West-German show-line male that are both from S.V.-registered parents.

Barbara, your dog is closer to the true standard than so many of the dogs featured on this site. Be proud of her.

Regards,

Bob-O

Ol line rebel and Bob o are correct  even though she is concider " American"  she is not! below are just some of the dogs sitting in her 4-6 gererations  ; AM/CANCH/GV Fran-Jo Rom, GR VIC CH Mannix of Fran-Jo ROM, GR VIC/CH Caesar von Carahaus, ROM, Celebra von Wiessblau TD,  CH Yomcalla's  Mike, Crok V Busecker Schloss ScHH3, Satan vom Pilgersberg ScHH3, Cliff vom Emoacher Frost ScHH3/TD, Bel SGR Dolf V Lierburg ScHH3/FH, Zita V Kirschental HGH, V Axel V Haus Musshafen ScHH3, AM/CAN CH/GR VIC Lakeside's Galligan Island ROM, Corky vom Neunecker Schloss ScHH2, Aldo V Eltersberg ScHH3/FH, V Gref Z Lahntal ScHH3/FH, V Nessel V Busecker Schloss ScHH3/FH

The problem with most people is that when they think of American lines they think SHOW lines. and yes they are not correct.  

Thanks Bob-O I love her dearly and I preferr her look over most on this site too

Shepherd11112,
To start, thank you for sharing your dog with us. More then many will do.
I like her head, not too typy, bitchy but a good head IMO. As far as pigment I would guess she has great pigment. When we judge a dogs pigment common sense says we must look at the back ground, the sky, the grass, the dirt etc. any thing that tells us if it is a quality accurate photo or is it washed out as is the case of your photo. The sky and the ground have little to no color, telling me that she is probably richer in pigment then shows. Photos are deceptive. I like her comformation, all around she looks good. I am not a show person but she looks like a nice example of our breed.

Most important though, no body, no body, can tell you anything about what type of dog she is and what type of relationship you have with her.
For some years I had invested huge amounts of money into the best dogs I could purchase. Though I had some great dogs I always saw something in them that could be better. Every time I went to get another dog I wanted it to be better then the last. I was never really completely satisfied with each dog based solely on the relationship I had with this living thing that loved me.  When I raised my children I loved them with all my heart, and I never compared them to other kids. I wish I would have learned that lesson sooner with my dogs.

In short IMO your bond to this dog is what is really important. How well you are bonded to this dog will never leave as will the dogs ability to serve, perform tricks or any thing else that the dog does. Her ability to fetch will leave one day, her ability to defend will leave one day, but her bond to you will never leave. Do not be so concerned with others opinions on your dog. She is yours, not theirs and only you know what she brings to the table for you and your family.   A few years ago I would never have said all this but sometimes life teaches you whats important.
For those that are in sport, SAR, herding, etc. this is great, just dont let their priorities become yours to the point of you always wanting something more.

olskool you brought a tear to my eye.  Gonna go hug a dog now.

I agree policemom.  I feel the same way.  The only thing that matters to me is that I know my dogs love me, as I love them.  I would do anything for them.  And I am sure that they would damn well protect me in the time of need.  I don't need a title in Sch or anything else for that matter to prove my dog to anyone. 

that was beautiful olskool - truly.

thanks Olskool.....we appreciate you speaking for those of us that are no name kennel owners, and owners of non titled dogs,,,,,that are deemed as     puppy mills and byb and all kinds of names here on this database.......we thank you for speaking our hearts and our love for our boys and girls....we will kiss them an extra for     "Olskool"   

Excellent post, olskool!

I learned that lesson a long time ago when I bought a horse for a dollar. I had the people who owned the big, expensive horses with impressive pedigrees tell me all sorts of awful stuff , like 'you'll never be able to control that horse, not without a curb bit!"

Yes, she was a bit of a handful. Only 15 hands high, but VERY strong. She'd been spoiled by poor handling, and even if she just saw a pole lying flat on the ground, she'd charge it at a full gallop with her head straigh up in the air.

With the help of a wonderful instructor, I soon had her trotting over poles on a loose rein. We competed in jumping, combined training and equitation classes, and won ribbons. But she was at her best on an all-day ramble along the country roads. She was completely bomb-proof when it came to traffic. I once had some idiots speed past us at 50 miles an hour on loose, freshly laid gravel, and pelt her with stones. All she did was flinch a bit. Most high-bred horses would have gone berserk, and I would have likely been thrown and injured, if not killed.

It was a sad day when I had to sell her because I could no longer afford to keep her.

Ditto everyone !  Our girl buddie was american bred and she took a bullet protecting me - she's in doggie heaven now, but has never been far from my thoughts.

The pins are her reconstructed jaw that was shattered. I will always  her.

olskoolgsd  I am the other way around  I compare everything to my American shepherd. Since my girl was raised and trained by me  Our bond is very  close. She is so in tune with me half the time I don't have to give a command to her and she is already doing it. My children view her as thier four legged sister (if that says anything LOL)  She has the best all around temperament and working drives I could of ever asked for. So when I bought my Czech shepherds I was thinking I would have better cause they were "imported"  yes, we have a bond but it is not comparable to what I have with my old girl. Now that she is getting up in age she is the full time house dog. I don't know what I will do when the times comes ( cry like a baby) but until I have her and make the best out of the time we still have. She is well (overly ) loved . She is my baby and best four legged friend.

Thanks for reminding us on how special our dogs can be reguardless of where they come from.

Sunsliver what a beautiful horse Sorry that you had to place her.

ClewsK9s Sorry to hear about your lose. I dread the day when I will have to say my good byes. ( choking back the tears just thinking about it )