Question for German friends - Page 1

Although my "pedigree" is German/Irish, I do not know anyone in either of those places and was wondering if someone from Germany could clarify a few things concerning GSD;s for me? First: A lot of the worlds better dogs (Rotts, GSD's, Dobes, etc) got their start in Germany. So how are they perceived or "rated" over there as far as the country taking more pride in one or the other? And which of these breeds do you think are more popular there? Second: Does the government itself have anything to do with the breedings, registrations or titles of dogs? Third: Are the dogs in Germany allowed to live in the owners homes as most do in the U.S. or do most stay outside? Fourth and lastly: Is there a show or test, similar to the BSZS where all of the different breeds compete against each other, and if so, whcih breed is more consistently winning? Thanks in advance for any info. I have always wondered about how Germany views the many fine breeds of dogs they have "invented".

German Shepherd is definitely the most popular. By far. Dobermans have become more pets than working dogs, and Rotties get too much bad press to be a source of National pride. Rottie numbers are way down, only about 1500 pups a year, Dobies show only half that, compared to just under 20thousand GSD. The second most popular breed in Germany is the Dachshund. Followed by German Wirehair Pointer. Those are numbers of FCI recognized breedings, there are also several 'dissident' clubs that issue papers. There has been a recent ruling that the VDH, the German Kennel Club cannot refuse non-FCI papered dogs entries at the shows any more. With most breeds there is usually a difference in quality. Government has nothing to do with breeding, registration, or titles. But there is a dangerous dog law in effect, which regulates certain more or less notorious breeds, and also dogs over 40cm in size. There are forces at work to curb SchH sport... The sport does have a questionable reputation among non dog owners. So all the nuts out there that have to prove that they need a 'real dog' do not understand the harm they can do. Most dogs live in the home with the owner in Germany. Larger dogs or working dogs are often kept in kennels right by the house. Kennel space is very strictly regulated by the government though. A dog of the size of a GSD has to have a kennel with a minimum of 8 suqare meters floorspace, plus a minium area of 'window space'. When it comes to high drive working line dogs, or larger number of large breed dogs, there is little difference if the owners are in the US or in Germany, because there comes a time when you cannot keep them all in the house any more. Most breeders then have one or two house dogs, while the rest stays in kennels. In Germany dogs are usually not kept in crates, that would be the most notable difference. The German Kennel Club (VDH) hosts many different events such as a National All Breed Show in October in Dortmund at the Westfalenhallen, which is a huge convention center. This is an indoor show, and what you call a benched show. This show used to average 6thousand dogs of all breeds for some time, but since the World Dog show has been held there, which exceeded 20thousand entries!, numbers have been up. 2006 the VDH had their Centennial Show, which they had on top of the German Nationals and both shows together brought in about 12thousand entries. Zamp Thermodos was VDH Centennial Sieger BTW. He took home Best in Show of that Centennial Show. Way to go Zamp! Dortmund also hosts a European Championship Sieger Show in May, which drew 10thousand entries for the last two years. The next biggest show is in Leipzig, which is a CACIB show, and has just recently gone up from an average of about 3thousand entries to 5500. This year that show is on the weekend between the BSZS and the BSP, so anyone over there with time to waste might want to take this in.

Thanks very much D.H. (by the way, I like your web site). You just cleared up a lot os questions for me. Interesting about the Dobermann's becoming mostly "pets" and interesting about the Rottweilers (same thing in the U.S.). Also interesting about the lesser use of "crating" in Germany, given the current thread running on this site. Zamp must be one hell of a dog, but if I understood your post correctly, these shows you mentioned do not require courage, obedience and bite tests. Is that correct? If so, in your opinion, how would the big three, Dobes, Rotts and GSD's finish out, percentage wise. The best personal protection dog I ever owned was a female red Dobermann. Brandy died of cancer back in 1984. She was the smartest dog I have ever owned or trained. Almost too smart to train:) The best "take a man apart" dog I ever trained was a Great Dane, but it had a very unreliable "out". Thanks again. Very interesting.

Do right, I don't have a website... though people keep asking. Hope you don't confuse me with someone ;o). These shows are FCI shows, basically just ring work. Age requirements are also different. Youth Class for example is 9-18 months. 18 months+ is Open Class. They have a working class, but I have to admit I have not paid much attention to GSDs at FCI shows to even pay attention if anyone shows in working class or not. But for Zamp to go BIS was quite a feat. No idea how the different breeds do at these shows. Always seems to be a different breed in the top, and there are some 240 of them. The BIS is decided by 3 judges at the top shows. Wish the SV would have a panel of 3 judges at the BSZS... The FCI also has their own SchH Nationals. The top placing dogs there qualify for the BSP.

Oh, I thought this was your web site. Don't remember how I came to that conclusion. Thanks for the info. http://schutzhundsportdogsinc.com/DogSales/DogSales.htm

appears to be the site of Dean Calderon

I just went to Deans website, becuase I love to see many different pics of German Shepherds from different breeders :). I went to his "Dog Sales" page, and I saw a dog I though looked very familiar. Supposedly he has a dog listed on there that has been SOLD. Now I was actually inquiring about the same dog for sale in Germany. I still havent gotten a responce from the kennel in Germany yet, but I was thinking Dean had purchased him from that kennel, and re-sold him to somone else but the kennel in Germany hasent updated their website yet? Im not saing thats bad or anything, and Im not trying to bash anyone here, Im just confused. Does this happen often?? Funny how the same dog can end up on two differnt sides of the world at one time. I hope he is available in Germany on that website..I kind of like him :)... He is listed on both of these websites: http://www.working-dogs.de/index9.html And SOLD here http://schutzhundsportdogsinc.com/DogSales/DogSales.htm Andrea

Do right, good try. While a kennel is not a crate, neither is it the same as running loose in the house.

spook: Let it go old friend, just let it go. A good soldier knows when to run away, to live to fight another day. Ya lost dude :)

Andrea, I sold Oskar mid January to a friend in T's club for top competition. Watch for him on the field soon. Contact me if you are looking for a top competition dog - we have another male dog, C'sado, that we just took photos of today and will be posted soon on my website. Dean Calderon www.schutzhundsportdogsinc.com