German "show line" versus " German "working line" - Page 1

More and more you find German (and other European) dogs being described as either "show line" and "working line".

I have a fair understanding of how that distinction would apply to American-bred dogs, but I've been lead to believe we turn to Europe for dogs because they produce the "whole dog" as opposed to the two (or more) different strains the American kennels produce.

I know from experience that I do not want another American-bred show dog. I don't mean any disrepect but I've purchased dogs from top winning kennels here and all of the dogs presented with a significant issue such as HD (despite OFC good ratings) or weak character. In two cases two different breeders guaranteed the dogs and offered replacements. As politely as I could, in both cases I said, "No thank you, nothing personal, I don't care to have another of your dogs. Keep the dog, keep the money."

So my question is . . .

Is the distinction between German "show line" and "working dogs" highly pronounced? Is it the same angulation versus character faceoff that some would argue has harmed the American-bred GSD for generations?

Is it just me, or does anyone else imagine Captain von Stephanitz spinning in his grave?

Thank you.

Shelly

Hi Shelly,

This might help you.

http://www.videxgsd.com/SHOW_LINES_WORKING_LINES.htm

Thanks.

http://www.shawlein.com/The_Standard/13_Breed_Type/Breed_Types.html

This link will take you to Linda Shaw's web site which has photos of the "types" within the GSD, as well as similar dog breeds.  Her articles and illustrations are excellent and I believe will benefit you to understand the structural differences.

Yvette

Has anyone seen video of the working class dogs & bitches bite work  at 2008 NASS? 

There really are some great links on the Videx website... Sumo has listed one of them... if ever you're stuck....