Working VS Show Lines - Page 1

I have 2 German Shepherds.  Jake is German Show lines (parents imports) Xena is primarily DDR Working lines.  I know this is an ongoing dispute about one being better than the other.  I am asked quite often which is better.  I can not tell you.  As GSDs they each have different trates.  Xena is a bit quicker to react to a situation.  However Jake is a tad bit more analyitical and will hold back that split second it takes to determine if it is really a situation he needs to be involved in.   In a situation where they both determine they need to be involved good or bad they are an excellent team regardless.   Honestly this may be a sin to some.  But given the hip dysplasia Jake has and the soundness of Xena's body we may need to pick the best of both types rather than continue to keep them exclusive.  I should say that working vs show lines in most situations in a family I don't think it matters.  But the quickness Xena has and I have seen in other dogs with her type of breeding is more desirable in some working situations.  But they are both extremely intelligent and don't you dare turn your back on them, if they can find a way to steal your pizza they will, and do not come into my house uninvited or approved.  

If I do, I'll be packin' a pizza.  I think the real question is, are DDR really working lines?

In short, to me (a breeder for 30 yrs)  the showlines IN GENERAL make a better home companion/guardian/pet, as they have less drive and are easier to live with in the house, less destructive, calmer.  The working lines IN GENERAL make better obedience/herding/working dogs, since they have more drive and want/need to work.  So to me, it is really what one is looking for in their dog, then go that way.

Cmills, you hit the nail on the head. :)

Thanks joanro!  As you can see in my avatar, I have one of each living in my home, so I definitely know the difference, LOL!  But the sable WL is old and has slowed down, thank God!

cmills.  great post.  we've had gsds 30+ yrs also and have found we like certain things about both wl & sl.  there is no answer to which is "better"  but what you need in a dog makes all the difference in the world.  :)
pjp

Why does does this B.S. continue?

Show Line -vs- Working Line, is a GSD not a GSD, regardless if it is a DDR, Czech, Sable, Bi-color etc.


If it looks like a GSD, and can adequately perform what a GSD is supposed to be able to do; conformation, protection, herding etc.

Is it not then a GSD?

Tell me, is the dog in this video a SL or a WL, DDR, Czech or a combination? Or is it just a GSD?


Kim

Love the video of Echo.  I agree.  I also agree with the generals, but I've had a working line from top bloodlines that would rather sleep on the couch than chase a ball and a showline that drives me so nuts in the house wanting to play ball I have to crate her and the barking problem in protection is that she won't shut up.  I've had another few working lines that would tuck their tails at the sign of a stranger from top lines and my showlines aren't afraid of anyone or anything.  In general though most of my showlines have been easier in the house than working lines, but I do like drive in my showlines so thats touch and go.  Depends on the individual dog in both lines and which you go to.. thats what I've seen. I've seen crap and good dogs in all lines so far.  

AtlantaWorkingDogs- I disagree

Any Breed of dog........ Basset Hound, Akita, Wire Fox Terrier, GSD etc. should be capable of adequately performing the minimum requirements of the "Breed Standard".

Yes, all dogs like people are individuals and some are stronger and or weaker in certain areas, however, they all have to meet a a minimum requirement.

And if they cannot, then they do not deserve to identified as such.

Just my opinion.



Still waiting to hear if the dog in the video is a SL or WL?




Kim

Maybe something got misinterpreted there, I'm sorry. I totally agree with you. That is why I did not keep the lazy male working line but instead sold him as a pet, regardless of how much money I spent on him, and gave away the nervy working lines I was sold from overseas. I keep dogs that can work and thats that. The dog should be able to do what it is bred to do. I only meant that for some a German shepherd (breed requirements met) may be better less drive or energy than for others, but thats not what I would breed. I like a dog that can work.. and wouldn't expect any less if even considering breeding it. I also like to work my dogs myself.. not send them off. IF I had a litter of pups and I had someone in their 70's who had a lifestyle that they would take the dog for a few walks and have their grandchildren come play, I probably wouldn't give them the most energetic puppy in the litter.. but one that was laid back if I had any, thats what I meant.  My female that goes crazy all day wanting to play and doesn't settle, I wouldn't give them a dog like her.. thats what I meant.  The lazy solid black working line male was a perfect pet for the lady in her 70's, and protective enough with solid nerves.  He likes frisbee and sure had the drive to get titled, but wasn't to my standards for competing. The nervy dogs.. well I was disgusted that I was even sent such for schutzhund.  It just taught me to never trust people to give you a good puppy unless you pick it in person yourself.  That is all past though.

Echo looks like a German Shepherd to me that works.. thats that. Who cares what background, the dog seems pretty solid. You already told me the pedigree on the dog a while ago so I won't answer that question.