It's a little thing but ... - Page 1

I've worked hard with my little girl.  She's my first GSD and my first Schutzhund dog and I'm very proud of her, her breeding and getting that title on her.

So when I'm at the vet's office (I'm on the road with her so we're 'visiting' my father's vet) and the receptionist is filling out her information, sometimes it's the little things that make you want swat a vet tech.

Vet tech ="Sex?"
Me ="Female"
Vet tech="Is she spayed?"
Me ="Yes"
Vet tech="A german shepherd?"
Me ="Yes"
Vet tech ... is now writing on the chart and under color makes down 'black and brown.'

I stood there for a moment, because honestly I usually don't care about the little things but then all the work I've put on my dog and all her accomplishments and her desire to please me came over me and I cleared my throat.

Me ="Excuse me, she's not 'black and brown' she's a sable."
Vet tech ="Huh?"
Me ="Her color," pointing at the chart. "She's a sable."
Vet tech ="Oh, I didn't know that was a color."

If it wasn't for the fact that I needed her eyes checked, I would have just left.

Well, it's always seemed weird to me that these American GSD are called "sables."  Aren't they called "grey" in Germany?

Sable actually means very dark brown or black, when you're referring to heraldry or mourning, so that's confusing to a lot of people.  And also, "sable & white" is the common color for Collies and Shelties, and THAT sure isn't the same color as our GSDs.  So I'm not surprised in the least that people don't know the proper American name for my sable GSD.

At least they guessed GSD. I always get asked, is she part German shepherd? Doesn't matter if it's black, bi, blanket back, or sable...if it's not a saddleback, it's only part gsd by most people's estimate.  

Me too VM.

Sable usually denotes multiple colors on each individual hair.

I hate when they ask if my dog is still growing, and she's a good 65# 's but she's in my yard, not their's.

That's so funny!  I am asked what kind of dog mine is, repeatedly, and sometimes when I say GSD, I am asked, "and what?"  I had to have my vet change the chart when I noticed, "gsdx", on it!!!   GRRRR.  And then, comes the comment from folks, "oh, she must be still growing."  She's 70lbs!   GRRRRR.

I guess the mindset is still that a gsd should be 90lbs and a saddleback...

Oh yes, the vet was also flabbergasted at seeing such a trim dog.

I was like 'she's my competition dog'.

I have a black/red female and a saddle back black/tan male.  Everytime I go somewhere or even walk down the road - somebody stops and ask me what the female is..   DA...it is a German shepherd you idiot.  Never do they ask about the male - I guess it is a stereotype.. 

All I have to say there are "Those kind of People".... Those that don't know what a GSD is and then there are those that are GSD people...

  She looks like a GSD to me......

Happyday