The Evolution of Conformation - Page 1

I am no expert on conformation, but i've always been curious why the breed standard has changed so much. I realize that the GSD is a changing breed, but how can we go from a beautiful dog like this;

To something like this;

Don't get me wrong, he's pretty and all. But HMM. Am I the only one seeing a HUGE difference here?

The first picture had a kkl 1 in his time. And he looks like he can WORK. I am all for this, and sorely miss the dogs of old that were approved by Stephanitz himself. I'm ranting, really. But I can't express my furstration at how the GSD is now frowned upon in any other sport than Schutzhund, because it is too heavy and slow to excel in anything that requires real effort and power. Not to mention that many have the impression that the GSD's working ability has become taut and watered down to nothing. What forced this standard to change so drastically that all of our dogs are now only the shadows of once they once were? I am not bashing on anyone or any dog. I have a working line and I appreciate his abilities. He partakes in Mondio Ring, and works wonders. But there are fewer and fewer dogs that can do this. When I think of a shepherd, I think of a dog with nerves of steel and a sound, working structure. But that's so few and far between, it's becoming ridiculous. My males structure is horrible, so it's not like i'm happy about that, either. But he does work, and loves to please in his obedience.

-Emily

Emily, lets see a pic. I's like to know what about your dogs structure you don't like.

The standard hasn't changed at all, it is the interpretation of the standard that changes. Kinda like the Bible, everybody reads it differently.

To be fair, here is my ugly dog.

My girl has a look somewhere between the two but with a much shorter/closer coat than many who win in the ring these days.  Her movement is certainly more appealing and I've been told that she is not long enough in the thigh - she is much more to the correct standard than what is seen today.

I keep hoping that the popular trends of today will be replaced by a much more sensible construction as many of the dogs with the longer angulation appear unsound and many havent been around long enough to see what their old age will be like or what their future impact will be on the breed.

Another problem as I see it is the size of many of the dogs today - I saw some beautiful dogs ag the weekend however some of the young bitches were much larger than I would like to see and they had also lost alot of  the feminity that should be so apparent.  Also how often do you hear the phrase top size?  I regularly see pet dogs that are enourmous - my oldie is top size and many of the youngsters I meet tower over him when they are only 9 - 12 months old.

I understand that, but if I were to bring a dog that looked like the first picture up there, what would the judges do? Laugh? He would more than likely get a kkl 2.

Here's my boy, who is a bit long for my liking, and rather big and bulky to execute any really quick movements. But is hardly HUGE. A decent size, probably weighing around.. 70-80 lbs? I havent weighed him for some time, and he has lost alot of excess weight. Your dog has a very nice face, 4pack. Looks very intimidating.

Beepy, do you have a picture of your female? I somewhat recently purchased a pretty, very  nice structure female. She is small and lean, almost like the very early shepherds. But sadly, her working ability is very tame.

Unfortunately I dont have a nice recent one - she is from showlines in the UK, but I am looking into taking her tracking and doing agility as she is a dog that likes to be busy.

Here's my snake in the grass..

Sammy! (one big tough bitch!) 78 lbs....

 i'mnot too far off eh??

I really love the look of the big boned dogs but have owned a couple and lighter dogs. The lighter boned dogs are more athletic, run faster/jump higher, I have to remind myself of that and not get trapped into the big boned "look". I also agree with Beepy and the size issue. My boy is already huge compared to the standard and I still get people telling me he is small!  " I had a 140lb shep back in the day" Yea well good for you idiot! Register them as a Shilo and you will have it made.

Many show dogs are pretty to look at. After looking at so many you get used to the frog legs but why should I get used to it? Because it's the fad of the last 20 yrs? I still preffer straiter legged dogs like the old fashioned, those were the dogs doing Sch and Ring, they jumped the palisade walls and keept up with the Malinois. People keep saying the angulation is what makes the dog strong and able to trot all day, I don't believe a word of it!

 What do you mean "frog legs" 4 pack?

I guess 4pack is refering to the excessive length of hind legs that some GSD's have today.  Have to say its a really good phrase - its one I'll use again!