Showline v Working Line - Page 1

Is the Dog Owners of the USA more into keeping the Showline Dog or the Working line Shepherd

Just a matter of interest to me, as to which type of Dog is prefered over there, compared to here in Belgium

Steve

Steve,

An interesting question. From what I understand we have more show line breeders in the USA than we do working line breeders. (That would include the AKC show line as well as the german show line) I for one, prefer a GSD that can work, doesn't really matter to me whether it is show line or working line. I love the look of the black and red, but I like it so much more when it can actually work. Sadly, those dogs are few and far between. However, I do see a small change happening in the hobby breeders of show line dogs. I see more of them looking to the dogs who can work and not being so gung ho for the stud of the month dog.

Steve:

Although I admire the working lines intensity I prefer european show lines as they are more suited to my training style and experience.  I have a Zamp puppy imported from Amulree Kennels in Belgium.  She has very nice prey drive and wants to please, but is missing the "defense aspect" that most of the working lines in our training group seem to have.   She loves to work, shows enthusiasm, picks things up easily, but is not a high flyer or aggressive barker.   She also has nice confirmation and I like the way she moves.    I love watching the working dogs train, but realize that they just might be too much dog for me to handle. 

Again, I appreciate the qualities in both and wouldn't mind if my next showline exhibited just a bit more intensity. 

Cheryl

Cheryl,

I agree with you wholeheartedly.  I have one of each, a big black/red show type stud who is simply awesome.  However, I certainly wouldn't mind a little more intensity from his personality.  On the other hand, I have an eight month old solid black female from heavy duty working lines that is just night and day from her big black/red brother.  Her drives are intense and she always needs something to do.  Unless she is sleeping of course.

Dan

How embarressing.  Here I am, a working line breeder with some top breeding dogs, and my 12 year old daughter can have a pup out of any litter I produce if she just notifies me ahead of time....and either wants to take one of MY training buddies (no way!), or she wants a black and very red showline bitch, older puppy or young adult with very good drives and a good, but not necessarily top show conformation, to train at Schutzhund club.  She loves the black and red color.  She's been training a working line dog at the club and doing well, but wants a showline dog of her own with very red and black coloring but with high drives for the work and yet have a clingy affectionate personality, the kind of dog that follows you around the house no matter what you are doing and doesn't want to leave your side.  The dog will be a house dog and sleep in her bed.  The dog will go everywhere with her.  Autumn is only 12 years old, but I have already been informed by her that the dog she gets will go to college with her!  She's really thinking ahead.  I'll probably be in Europe in a couple of months, so I thought I'd save up for then and look.  Anyone have any idea of what a young bitch like this would realistically cost me? 

Veronica

 Funtion over form here.!

Working line dog, from Belgium, Axel Vom Matschenka 

For me, working lines.  If you are asking about dog owners in general, most want low drive pretty lawn ornaments that will greet them when they come home from work, take walks, play with the kids, but otherwise not be too demanding of their time. 

Dan:   Got  a few same as  you.   One Arminius boy is just personality plus , beauty on red/black pigmentation....but when work word is used..he forgot how to spell that one.....he is a   " Playboy"   

My others are high defense and prey, except for one female who is half show and half work...she is just not interested in  any efforts that would spoil her beauty rest.....lol

For me, it's all about the working lines.  I love the joy and intensity my dogs (past and present) bring  to everything they do.  I even prefer the conformation of the working line dogs, and of course, sable has always been my favorite color,  so I guess beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.  These dogs aren't for every one.  I believe the majority of dogs (and the money) the world over, is in show lines.

HIstorically, there are MANY more show line breeders than working line breeders. As for me, I have both. My working dogs have to show well, and my show dogs have to WORK, and work WELL!

SS