This is a placeholder text
Group text
by mobjack on 18 February 2009 - 00:02
I've been a long time reader on this board but don't post much (can't stand the trolls) and really only post if I think I can contribute something. But we've had a lot of nice discussion here lately and a few new folks come on board.
So, in the interests of promoting some more good discussion and educating new folks to our breed, I thought I'd kick off a round of questions for everyone to answer if they would like.
Thanks to all!
So first question:
Not counting genetic problems or temperament (those will be separate questions). What do you as a breeder, owner, trainer, etc. see as the worst physical tendency or structural flaw in our breed today as compared to the SV standard and why? IE: roach backs, cow hocks, weak pasterns, oversized, etc.
by Uber Land on 18 February 2009 - 00:02
too many reproduction problems.
I've been seeing alot of round eyes, domed foreheads, and blocky heads. muzzles are getting too short on some of these showline males. If I wanted this I would stick to rottweilers
my major pet peeves are poor fronts, and improper expression. I like dark almond shaped eyes, nice ears that stand strong, level top line and level muzzle. both planes of the head should be parallel.
I want a level back that doesn't roach during movement. nice fluid gait. non of this hackney motion or front ends raising up.
by smartguy1469 on 18 February 2009 - 00:02
by jletcher18 on 18 February 2009 - 01:02
form follows function. what is the function of the GSD? the phrase i am most fond of is "first at nothing, second at everything." not sure who coined the phrase, but i cant think of a better way to describe the German Shepherd Dog.
if you want a dog that can do anything, then you have to build it as such. is this not why we have a standard? a set of guidlines to follow. a blueprint so to speak. if someone is to start changing the form, and forgets the function then you end up with a pretty dog lacking in tempernment and working ability. forget that you need a structurally correct animal to work properly, and you end up with a dog with all the drive in the world, who can only work for limited time before it is spent.
quit breeding for singularity, breed for the total dog.
john
by beetree on 18 February 2009 - 01:02
by jletcher18 on 18 February 2009 - 02:02
how many working class dogs at any countries sieger show do you also see at their national compition? a couple, if your lucky. vice versa, how many dogs at the national schutzhund championship will you ever see in a show ring? the same couple of dogs would be my guess.
i know that a lot of people dont think that schutzhund and the show ring are what make a great dog,,, but on the other hand i will take that over someones word that their dog is the greatest and they dont do a thing with them but breed.
john
by beetree on 18 February 2009 - 02:02
by jletcher18 on 18 February 2009 - 02:02
i dont want the function to be flexible,,, i want the dog to be.
in the past the german shepherd dog has been used for just about everthing. patrol work, war dog, companion, guide dog for the blind, any kind of detection work you want, search and rescue, etc.
a dog with the correct structure, tempernment, and working ability should be able to do anything asked of it.
although the function may change, if the dog is correct in all other aspects it should be able to perform.
the trick is not finding a dog that fits your function, but finding a dog that can funtion in anything you ask of it.
john
by beetree on 18 February 2009 - 02:02
by Uber Land on 18 February 2009 - 02:02
these dogs should be able to do anything.
thats the problem nowadays, you have your breeders who only want to win in the ring, so they breed to the dogs who bring home the ribbons, doesn't matter if the dog can work or has a mind of its own.
then you have working breeders who want dog who can bring home the points. doesn't matter if the avg. person can't live with the high energy, prey monster. I hate to see dogs that only live in a kennel just to be brought out for training and then go back to the kennel.
function has became too specific.
Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top