Basic differences between working and show lines - Page 1

Hi,

I would like to know the basic differences between show line and working line? Is it only the looks? I notice that a working line sleeps less, moves and plays more, in general more active, but a show line may at the same time dominate a working line and show more aggression towards other dogs than a working line.
Is the show line not meant to be a watch dog or a protection dog?

Thanks
Ibrahim

The same difference between show cars and race cars on is built for the work set out in it,s definition and one just sets there and trys to look pretty but has less functionality to it,s definition. 

Is show line and work line available in all breeds or is it only in GSD?
Do you mean that a show line does not have abilities other than its looks, this is strange (it is still a dog).
GSD is basically a herding dog not a (show dog).

Ibrahim

if you have seen showlines dominate and show aggression that is due to poor breeding and wrong temprament.


regards

Interesting observation, Vikram, if you don't mind me saying so. And what would it be in a workingline? Toughness and drive?

   I agree with Bob good car just what you do with it .Their the same dog different extra enhanced  parts, some might pickup good some bad. I like mxing working and show but not for a novice. We in the U.S. need great lines that are shown and tilted ,not sure that is going to happen soon As judges decided what is good , and are not pro american as we dont seperate bloodlines,  it seems if they dont come from  germany  with  their working  lines are not mention   the rest are tilted shows with working  ability

everything except the name of german shepherd?

vikram, that is about as stupid as saying all working lines that do not look like a Mal are the result of bad breeding.

regards,
Rik

Many showlines lack the blunt-headed stubborness to continue doing what they think needs to be done, regardless of the circumstances or surroundings.

Very good working-line dogs seem almost suicidal. :)

Ibrahim,
"it is still a dog".  ??  Study up on genetics.  This topic could go on forever on the differences, but I will just suggest you take a look at how genetics work.  Example, take two star track athletes. Carl Lewis marries Jacki Joyner Kersee.  Will they have short fat kids that can't run?  If we were to set out to have super athletes, sanctioned by the government, would we not use supreme athletes and continue to strive for perfection with the offspring.  In the process we might put less emphsis on out ward beauty or skin color.  (please don't anyone get pc crazy on me, this is just an analogy)

We people have bred dogs for our own purposes.  Those that like working dogs, breed great working dogs, often leaving out looks (conformation ) for the bettement of what we prize most, working abilities.  Working ability can be described as hardness, courage, brains, drives, and what motivates the dog among other charactoristics.  If we breed for show, then we will, in the long run leave out or place little value on brains and working temperament.  What ever our prioity is, that is usually what we put MORE emphasis on.  This started to happen in Germany I believe in the 70's.  Some went show lines, some went working.  This is true in most countries except a few, which I will not name in order to avoid a fight.  There are few if any IMO that breed for both with equal enthusiasm.  This seperation did not happen over night, but was a process that took generations to deteriate the breed from reaching both goals in one dog.

Yes, in all working dogs this has happened to some degree.  It has been the absalute ruin of some breeds (IMO).  In the gsd it has caused it's fair share of problems, however because there have been many on both sides of the issue that continue to strive for their individual preferences, it has not ruined our breed, just seperated it into what some would call two different breeds.

If you continue to read and learn about this breed, you will see the difference.  Good luck