Lines still changing - Page 1

We all talk about the differences between show/working/American lines but what will be interesting is how these lines change over the next twenty years. I wonder if enough show people are concerned enough about working abilities that they will make improvements vs working lines pay more attention to conformation without losing the nerves and drives.

Problem as I see it that the people are like two opposing armies on the opposite sides of the battle field.If they ever meet in the middle it will be ugly. Of course change will result if for better or worse we can only guess.--Bob

Take the million dollar sales of the GSD and thew show ratings out .. then you will see the GSD for the better ! As a matter of fact --how bout a vote no first secod third , sop forht placings ..how about just a getr together to exhibit the best of the GSds both in working and conformation -- Bet many of you are already up in arms about that request !! If a show /trial is to display the traits of the dog... then why not just let it be at that ? And if you can't accept that .. then there lies the downfall of the GSD. one last comment . EVERY TIME I SUGGEST / MAKE THESE SUGGESTIONS AND I RECOMMRND THE SV RULE ON THIS __YOU KNOW THE POST DISAPPEARS . I an live with a GSD from any line or country as long as it fits the standard Internally and Externally and is healthy /produces healthy offspring . CAN YOU ?..

So are you saying that trial and show together everytime? I like that. Sure would put everybody in bed together. Who knows maybe the result could be a good looking/working dog for everyone.

In my mind when any breeders sticks to the standard and does not breed inferior dogs the breed will improve. I really don't think you will ever see breeders get away from the separate driving forces to be the best in the line they are breeding. I would suggst if people like certain traits then breed carefully and don't try to rush and you will in the long run improve the breed regardless if show or working lines.

IMO show breeders should start to pay more attention to breeding dogs that are athletic. If photos are any indication, a lot of the top dogs here and in German look like they are way too coarse and overdone to ever herd sheep 24/7 or to bring down the bad guy. Short legs, big overdone heads with short, heavy muzzles and too much stop, short legs, squatty rears, roachy back, short bunchy muscles do not make for athletic dogs. Overall the bitches look more capable to me while some of these males don't look like they have any endurance at all. If it continues this way there's a better than average chance of getting more and more bad bites - first level bites, then undershot and wry - missing molars and premolars due to lack of adequate jaw space to allow for complete dentition. Also dogs that can't gait for 100 yards without snorting and gasping for air due to obstructed airways because of overly long soft palates. They will sound like Pugs. Maybe some of you are seeing these things already. It's happened in other breeds, the GSD is no exception to the rule - for every action there is a reaction. A GSD without endurance is just another dog.

I think there are lots of conformation line dogs that can work and I've seen some working line dogs that V rate. The BSZ will still be dominated by conformation line dogs and the BSP will still be dominated by working line dogs, but there are many dogs that can do well in enough in both conformation and work for most people. You just have to find them and train them properly.

Well put Dog1

I agree with realcold. Been there done that. It gets nasty with irrational attitudes of hostility. I've noticed coming from "AKC Show" people mostly, it's their way of "Sportsman-like" behavior.. I take it. JMO. And to mention I know a certain AKC Show Breeder who has Rottweiler's that post false working accomplishment and Titles on her decked out achievements page... I know this dog is bogus within the working community, but she states otherwise and her fellow Show people believe her and follow her false pride. She's only proving she's a cheat/con to the working folks if you ask me.

Oh puleeze, there are dog people who cheat and lie in all breeds and all persuasions of all breeds. I've met about as many friendly GSD people at NASS as I have at AKC shows, not many unless you're looking to buy. Surf around on some of the webites advertised here, there is plenty of false adverstising and the use of others photos. Some here even try to sell dogs that they don't own. Some talk about imaginary dogs, others are so bored with their tired, little lives that they change others' pedigrees and photoshop other's photos so often that it's almost impossible to trust any information taken from here. Although some would love to think it's so, dishonesty and unsportsmanlike conduct is hardly a disease confined only to AKC people.