SchHBabe's USA article on Capt. Max - Page 1

Very nice article Yvette.

Question for everyone...

So if Max was standing before us today what would he say about his GSD? 

What do Showline enthusiasts think about Capt. Max's words and thoughts, do they think they have kept the GSD to Max's liking?

I knew that he was adamant about the GSD remaining a working dog but was unaware he put so much thought and comment into the dogs bred for exhibition.

I just joined so I won't be getting the magazine for awhile. Anyway I can read that article??

Ask anyone from the end of the ninteenth century what they think of our world today and they would probably cringe at the sight of it.

The good captain would be no different.   What we do with our dogs today would not make sense to someone who actually new what a working dog did.    There is simply no relation between then and now, the times have changed and there is no way to compare the two.

At least the man is still remembered, thats more than you or I can probably hope for.   Maybe thats enough.

Well said Two moons

Good comment Two moons, I suppose you're right...Yvette did touch on that at the end (change in times).

So you don't think he'd like either line?

I think most of the original GSD's would have a very hard time just getting a "G" rating today, even among the workingline "friendly" judges, it's amazing the physical transformation that can be achieved just by selecitve breeding.

Thanks for the nice comments on the article!  I hope that by printing a "Cliff Notes" version in USA magazine that some folks would be intrigued enough to give the book a read.  I wish that all GSD enthusiasts would get their hands on a copy, read some of the things Max has to say, and then consider how to apply his maxims.  (No pun intended)

This article is the first in a series of six, and the tone is intentionally a bit provacative.  What I'm hoping for is that the folks who read my abridged version of his work and strongly disagree with what I've got to say will feel the need to prove me wrong.  This means having to read the book themselves to make the case for a different interpretation. 

One caveat:  there are different versions in print and some of the English translations are written quite differently in points.  The book I used was the 1994 reprint of the 1925 edition.  Since the book is out of print it can be both difficult to find, and expensive.  I bought mine off the Internet from a used book store for about $125, which was much cheaper than the $200+ price tag of the same book on Amazon and ebay. 

It's clear that Max is no saint, and I don't agree with everything he had to say, but I can say that every hour I spent curled up with his book and a highlighter pen was well worth the effort.  Even if you don't have time to churn through 600+ pages, just flip through the book and read a bit here and bit there as time allows.  I promise you it's time well spent.

I welcome any constructive criticism on the article, as there are 5 more of those on their way to press.  Contact me through PM, email, or phone.

Yvette

schhbabe@yahoo.com

304-588-1973

Selective breeding is a powerful tool and subject to the particular whims of the breeder.   Without some standards a breed would be lost.  Yes the times have changed and there is no turning back.  

Perhaps Von Stephanitz would have not approved of the specialized branching off of different aspects of the breed being more in favor of an all round healthy, strong, intelligent animal who could serve his owner in the ways most compatible with the life styles of the time.   

I'm sorry that I have not yet read the article Yvette,   I must give that a go as soon as I get time.  

I think Von Stephanitz would have understood what has happened to his breed but I think he would have held out hope that someone was still breeding the dog he had in mind somewhere.    I share that dream too.   It comes from childhood fantasy's growing up with my dogs and Rin Tin Tin on the television.

Here's to great dogs,

Brent.

I don't think he would have understood, I think he would be one pissed of German.  I have read the book, and find it quite funny all the things it seems large scale breeders do, that he warned against. 

anyway, yes our world has changed, we don't live with our working dogs 24 hours a day.  It doesn't mean they can't be lived with and the traits have to be somehow watered down to make liveable. 

I think the same things, health, temperment, drive, courage, etc, that made a good working dog of years ago, make a good dog today.

He repeatedly warned about the GSD going the way of the "dog fanciers" and dog shows.  Why would he understand that today.  He did afterall reportedly jump into a ring firing a pistol to get all the nerve bags out of the ring.  I wish someone had the balls to do that today.  That was pointed out in the USA article as well.  I was very happy to read that article, and look forward to the rest. 

But alas, I don't think much will change.  People are great at justifying whatever it is they chose to do.  Making excuses and reasons to breed the way they do is no different.

I do not understand where this article is published.  Can someone tell me exactly where I can obtain a copy of this and followiing articles.  Thanks.  ecs

The article starts on page 28 of  "Schutzhund USA" magazine (Vol 33,  No. 3,  May/June 2008), subscription is included with United Schutzhund Club of America membership.   I imagine if you are interested in this, or any issue of the magazine, and contact the office, they will be able to give you the particulars on obtaining back issues.  The website is www.germanshepherddog.com .