Just noticed that there are new pictures of Alf - Page 1

Just noticed that there are new pictures of Alf Nordfelsen who was Sieger in 1955. This line was known for excellent trotting structure and Alf shows  what a GSD is supposed to look like so it pays to look at his pictures. Alf can be found in the pedigrees today of West working lines, SV showlines, AKC showlines, DDR lines and Czech lines, basically all the types that matter.

www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/picturegallery/6034.html

I have an old magazine that has water damage from 1956 with an entire article on the 1955 Siergershau by Margrit V. Fisher of Waldenmark Kennels. She notes that Alf's sire Axel was 10 years old at this show ( I think she said he went V-3 at this Show) is an interesting read and the paper will not last with the damage, so I think I will post it in an Article for all.

Thanks for posting the photo of Alf, recognized as having perhaps the most valuable overall GSD blood ever in W. Germany.  Note the dog's perfect male head.  He had an absolutely superb temperament.  I look forward to reading the article from the old 1955 GSDR you mentioned.

OK, Article submited here:

Siegerschau 1955 in 1956 Article

Thank you, Ferrum! Very interesting article...especially interesting to note that the handlers aren't allowed to stack their dogs. Also, interesting to see the emphasis on trotting on a SLACK leash, so the structure and gait of the dog can be seen without interference from the handler.  I remember Fred Lanting saying that this is one thing he'd like to see in the Siegerschau. From what I've seen, all gaiting is now done on a tight leash, which distorts the dog's topline, as it is pulling against the leash.

BTW, wouldn't Alf be considered a little short in the upper arm by today's standards? 

Hi Sunsilver Good to see Ya :-)

I thought they Gait the dogs in the heel possition with no leash today? At least for a portion of the competition. I don't know for sure though.

From what I've seen, all gaiting is now done on a tight leash,
which distorts the dog's topline, as it is pulling against the leash.

And the best of the "just after the war" babies...

http://gsdca.org/GSDReviewed/adogs/AlfNord.html

His sire (Axel) was great also giving out Alf...Troll... and the lines leading to the V-litter Bussecker Schloss... A father line surpassing all spectrums of the GSD... Working or show

http://gsdca.org/GSDReviewed/adogs/AlfNord.html

And LINE-BREEDING on him ( 4-4,5 to be exact ) brought to us... The great  QUANTO v.d. Wienerau... one of the 3 pillars of the breed...

1955?  Wow, that is a nice, I mean really nice looking GS.  I am not an expert but, I would like to know why we went away from that structure.  Like the Showlines both American and German, very weak.