German Shepherd Dogs - Page 1

I read the "An Interview With Schafermeister Manfred Heyne," an actual SV winner (in Germany) mutiple times and actual sheep herder for 64 years in Germany, and read the history of Capt. Rittmeister v. Stephanitz, who created and bred the original German Shepherd  Dog Club with eight - ten other sheep herders, and the resulting interference by the Nazi Party. It is a wonder that today's "German Shepherds" are even called German Shepherds, let's not forget those that aren't sheep herders and their interference, i.e., "judges."   Perhaps, they should be called "Interfered Bred Dog?" 

There should be two classes, the rear end low -sloping off breed created by all the interferences's and one titled "Stephanitz and Heyne" German Shepherd Dogs."  

Steve,

 It's important to remember that the roach or extreme angulation gives the GSD more endurance for sheep herding and fancy show rings. Think of it as taking a utility vehicle and making it a Porsche. I think Max would be very proud of these sport car dogs.

 "It's important to remember that the roach or extreme angulation gives the GSD more endurance for sheep herding and fancy show rings."

 You must be joking???? How are going to prove this statement? What about Kelpies on those huge farms in Australia? Why dont they breed them with more of a roach back? What about Mals and Dutchies? They can run circles around those slanted show dogs. What about wolves that are on the move looking for food pretty much nonstop?  

I couldn't be less serious.

 I knew you couldn't! Nobody could, LOL! 

I guess I missed the sarcasm...oops.  

It appears to me that along with the moderate to sever roach we get a moderately short, flat croup.  I understand that this gives the animal a faster gait.  Why?  When in the world does the shepherd gait this fast?  I suspect before they reach this fast gait they would break into a canter.  Am I wrong?  (I shouldn't have said that.)

hmmmmm...... do dogs canter? Or do they go straight to gallop? Be brave, say what you want!

hi  ecs, I'm not sure how a flat croup would contribute to a faster dog. I have seen it contribute to a bit of kick up in the rear. I'm always interested in things like this, so maybe someone can expand.

There are those I have met who consider a shorter coupling to allow a quicker maneuvering dog and I can see how it might enable a quicker initial burst of speed, same as a quarter horse.
Anyone have thoughts on this.

Rik