Is a Working line GSD equally a good family companion? - Page 1

If a Working line has Show lines in the pedigree too, do you feel it will be happy as a family companion, or are the Working lines liable to show an attitude similar to a hyper Border Collie (apologies for any B.C. enthusiasts, but just want to give a visionary example). Would appreciate views of the characteristics of Working and Show lines, (and in my case I am considering looking at litters that combine the two, and what I might expect). Thank you in advance for your experienced opinions. Vixen

Hi Vixen, I would say, if you are looking for a couch potato that does not require both brain and body exercise, then don't get a shepherd--working or show lines. I have had both all show and all working lines, and also one who was half and half. My personality and lifestyle (something everyone needs to consider when getting a dog)leads me to the working lines. My late Kiri, was the best of both worlds. Beauty and brains, as they say. Everyone is different. It depends on what you are going to do with the dog. You have to put the time into either.

I have both, & both need a lot of patience, excersize, jobs that keep them busy, mental stimulation, training, & a dog proof house! Both of mine are very active, athletic, intelligent dogs, and make me feel like I have 2 four year old kids...always testing the limits, & any time I say 'no!', looking at me with their heads twisted to the side with that quizzical look, "Why can't we?'. Both have very good drives, & would stop at nothing to get at something, if they didn't have that control! I actually think my showlines could be considered the more 'hyper' of them, the workinglines is a bit calmer in the head. jackie harris

Hi Gershep, Thank you for your reply. I am probably not expressing my query very well. I enjoy long walks with my dogs and train in obedience. However, I have not had any experience with 'Working' lines, and therefore wondered just how different they might be. I was thinking of looking at a litter that combines both, but still would like a little insight to any differences I might expect? With regards, Vixen

I know some people can combine working and show and sometimes get good results but I have one that came from very good on both sides and was not so good in the end. He has long kangaroo legs, a narrow chest, and a roach back. Quite ugly and not such good temperament. He is Czech x British Show (which went back to German Show) We love him anyway. My other two dogs are workingline. 100%. One is West German the other Czech. Both are high energy dogs but not so much more than my mixed lines dogs, but they do have better temperaments and structure. All three dogs live in my house. I think it perhaps depends more on the individual dog than if it is from workinlines. There are plenty who can still turn off in the house (but they do have the excercise and mental stimulation needs)

Hi Kalibeck, Thank you for sharing your own experience of actually owning both! The consistent time and effort in training that we put in, will show in the relationship and response between Owner and dog. I was particularly fascinated to hear that you found the Show line to be more 'hyper' compared to a more calmer Working line. Really appreciate your experience with this. Thank you again, Vixen

Thanks Nancy, again interesting to hear your own experience. Particularly finding a better temperament in the full 'Working' line. Regards, Vixen

"I have not had any experience with 'Working' lines, and therefore wondered just how different they might be." The initial differences in temperament I have noted in a young working line dog is that they tend to be much more likely to chew up things, jump on you and furnishings in your home and nip at you. IMHO they tend to do all these things with much more well, zest. This is the result of the high drive to work they possess and a large part of what makes them so much fun to work with. They do grow up though and become very manageable in their home environment once trained like any other good dog. Combining the show line and working line dog may yield something quite unpredictable so I would stick with one or the other. You kind of have to have owned and work both types personally to really understand the differences.

I can't remember where I found this a long time ago. I want to say possibly the Leerburg site (I know, no flames). I always thought it to be fair in the way it was explained...... "The Best Working Dog is also the Best Family Pet There is a misconception that working dogs don’t make good family pets. Dogs are in many ways like people with the same emotions and attitudes. This is why we can easily identify with them. There are many individual personality types of people. Those that are high strung, restless and never settled. Others are at the opposite end of the scale, they do not get excited about much of anything and can actually be rather boring. Dogs can be categorized the same way. The ideal working dog is capable of saving itâs energy for when it is time to perform. It is impossible for a restless dog to perform at a high level. If he is anxiously awaiting his turn to work and cannot rest he will be exhausted before he ever gets a chance to perform. The highest placing dogs can be seen quietly resting or calmly walking with the handler. The person looking for a top level working dog and the person looking for a companion are looking for the same well-balanced dog! The sport dog handler wants a dog that can relax but still have optimum play drive for fast and correct obedience and a high capacity to handle stress in the protection work along with calm and secure concentration skills for accurate tracking abilities. The family/companion dog needs the same self-confident temperament qualities. He needs to be able to relax and watch television with his family and still have the drive to go out and play fetch with the children and generally want to be a part of the owner’s activities. Both dogs should be born with the same natural inherent protective instincts and handler loyalty that the German Shepherd is admired and respected for worldwide. Dogs that possess bad nerves and are overly aggressive towards other dogs and people have no place on the competition field or in the family environment. It is very important to find a dog that comes from bloodlines that consist of dogs that have proven themselves on the trial field. The schutzhund trial was created originally as a test of suitable temperament prior to breeding. Dogs that are bred for working and temperament qualities are referred to as working lines and dogs that are bred for high conformation placings are known as show or high lines. The dogs from working lines should be healthy and hardy for a long working career. They should also possess a great deal of adaptability to any surroundings. Comfortable at home in front of the fireplace or competing at national level competitions. A large number of people do not have an interest in working and training dogs but desire a safe and stable companion capable of providing a comfortable level of security. The ideal trial dog can be the ideal companion dog!"

My working dogs are excellent family companions. Can't speak for anyone else's. SS