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by Mcsyco on 22 January 2011 - 03:01
Hello, I am new to the site. I have been trying to do research on the GSD in hopes to purchase a male dog within the next two years. In the past I have owned rottweilers and more recently I have an American Pitbull Terrier. As much as I love the personality and traits of the Rottweiler and the athleticism of the APBT. The pitbull does not show the intelligence I would like to have in a dog and the Rottweiler I believe has a lot of health problems in recent years. I have been drawn to the GSD. I find that they are extremely intelligent (especially compared to the APBT) and have an instinct to follow human direction unlike any other dog. So the GSD appears to have everything I would like in a K9.
I do have some question and would appreciate opinions.
1. Does the coat color really have anything to do with how healthy or smart a dog will be? I was told that the darker the dog the healthier the dog with sable and black dogs being desirable. In that they have more genetic diversity as compared to black and tan dogs.
2. Should I stay away from American and Canadian bred dogs?
3. What’s the deal with the sloping back, roach back versus the strait back on GSDs?
4. I am very interested in working with my dog in obedience and hiking on the weekends. To me trainability, health and longevity are most important to me. Would a dog from a working kennel be a wise decision or would going to a kennel that produces show type dogs be a better fit?
5. Can anyone recommend a Kennel in the New England area?
6. Lastly, Does anyone have an opinion on the Dutch Shepherd?
Thank you for your time, Michael
I do have some question and would appreciate opinions.
1. Does the coat color really have anything to do with how healthy or smart a dog will be? I was told that the darker the dog the healthier the dog with sable and black dogs being desirable. In that they have more genetic diversity as compared to black and tan dogs.
2. Should I stay away from American and Canadian bred dogs?
3. What’s the deal with the sloping back, roach back versus the strait back on GSDs?
4. I am very interested in working with my dog in obedience and hiking on the weekends. To me trainability, health and longevity are most important to me. Would a dog from a working kennel be a wise decision or would going to a kennel that produces show type dogs be a better fit?
5. Can anyone recommend a Kennel in the New England area?
6. Lastly, Does anyone have an opinion on the Dutch Shepherd?
Thank you for your time, Michael
by leeshideaway on 22 January 2011 - 03:01
Hi Michael,
1. Not necessarily, maybe some diversity but it depends on the individual pedigree.
Drive levels will be different sometimes. (that also depends)
2. American bloodlines yes, but there are many good American breeders that breed with German bloodlines. (some good ones in Canada too)
3. Excessivly sloped backs are the result of judges placing dogs at the top that gait well at conformation shows. Roached backs are a lesser fault that is overlooked if the dog is great in other areas.
The ideal is some slope but straight. (no roach)
4. My advise for you is to go to some schutzhund clubs in your area and look at some dogs before deciding.
They know of breeders in your area and might help you.
Look at these links for clubs.
www.gsdca-wda.org/wda_new/clubs.html
germanshepherddog.com/clubs/index.htm
Good luck,
Lee
1. Not necessarily, maybe some diversity but it depends on the individual pedigree.
Drive levels will be different sometimes. (that also depends)
2. American bloodlines yes, but there are many good American breeders that breed with German bloodlines. (some good ones in Canada too)
3. Excessivly sloped backs are the result of judges placing dogs at the top that gait well at conformation shows. Roached backs are a lesser fault that is overlooked if the dog is great in other areas.
The ideal is some slope but straight. (no roach)
4. My advise for you is to go to some schutzhund clubs in your area and look at some dogs before deciding.
They know of breeders in your area and might help you.
Look at these links for clubs.
www.gsdca-wda.org/wda_new/clubs.html
germanshepherddog.com/clubs/index.htm
Good luck,
Lee
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