Interesting Article on State of the Breed - Page 1

"Strengths and Weaknesses of the Modern German Shepherd Dog" is one of the most comprehensive, thoughtful and thought-provoking articles I've read. Located here: http://www.germanshepherdforum.com/indexbrartic.htm Double-click on the "Modern Dogs" link.

Thanks for posting that, yes it is a very interesting article. Not enough breeders aim at producing a good well balance, self assured, tractable dog that will make an excellent pet, and as 90% of Shepherds end up being sold to pet homes surely this is the most important thing? I am on the verge of giving up on the breed & my current shepherd will be the last. I lost my bitch last year, she came from Uk working lines & was fantastic, she had HD all her life which worked out expensive & caused her a lot of pain. We lost my male on NYrs eve to CDRM, after seeing his brother & sister & grandad (owned by friends)die of the same illness. My current pup is hyperactive, dominating & aggressive. She has neurological problems caused by an inflammatory disease of the nervous system which causes very mild fits & leg paralysis, and possibly the behaviour problems. I think the breed is just getting more & more unhealthy & dogs are going down with CDRM at younger ages. Valerie Egger used to breed healthy dogs that lived to 16yrs plus, my mum has one who is 12 & still acts like a puppy. Do any breeders consider longevity, why do so many use the newest stud, often barely 2 yrs, or dogs that have just come from abroad without knowing what lurks within them? I don't really feel optimistic about the breeds future, especially when I read some of the things on this site, written by quite disturbed individuals I think. Hope more people read the article & act for the better of the breed & its place in MODERN society, that is very anti-dog.

p59 nice article. Lily it's so sad that you are giving up on the breed. I for one have never had a shepherd with HD or any other problems at all. I buy form small family breeders and get dogs from rescues mostly though. Finally I sprung for a finely bred dog in the thousands and have had nothing real great to say about her. I wont take the chance of breeding her again because of the longevity issue you brought up. I seriously don't think the poor girl will make it to 8. My male is about 6 months older than her and you wouldn't know they are that close in age. It boggles the mind. More people should think about their pups in the long term. Where will your pups be in 10yrs, when they are no longer doing Sch or in the show ring?

Thanks for the Article P59, very interesting Article indeed.We need to take notice. thanks again

interesting article. you know i have a 16 year female that looks and acts 5 or 6. healthwise, perfect. no arthritis, vision, hearing problems or anything. vet says she is healthiest dogs of any age he has seen. i agree it is sad that average lifespan has decreased so much. faith was given to me @ 5 for my 15 bday and i sure am going to miss her when it is her time.

gsdfla what are her lines. I'm curios?

GSDfla, you must have done all the rite things to have her this long, good luck for the future

What is CDRM?

gsdfla What have you been feeding her and or doing to keep her going so long?? I envy you, I would give anything for just one more day with some I have lost...

http://www.provet.co.uk/health/diseases/cdrm.htm