This IRKS me! Does it bother anyone else? - Page 1

I recently posted an ad for a "WORKING-LINE" dog. So far I have gotten some good leads on REAL working line dogs, but then, I also just received one on two "very good working-line dogs" out of good pedigrees - I about peed myself laughing when I noticed the names were all WG German Showline VA Siegers in there..... What part of "Working-Line" has "Showline" written in there? Are these people a little slow, or are they trying to screw someone here? The one dog was an SG, IPO1, and the guy wanted 8000 euros for it. I really think it is a darn shame that some folks think they can pull one over on other people. I know price is all relative, but why pay more for a typically soft Showline dog that can't work (& I know this is gonna start a huge riot) than you would for a good stable Czech dog that is not only fully titled but also bred to be a true working dog with hardness & balanced drives? And is also Good in the house & with kids? I have had my share of both - I started with showlines, and listened to that bullcrap from those people that "Working-Line dogs aren't safe with kids" or "Working line dogs are WAAAAAY too drivey...." Well, I finally decided to get myself a working-line dog & test-drive it...... And it was like a Volkswagon Beetle being left in the dust by a brand new M-5 BMW. I was totally in love! Anyways - I just can't beleive that German Shepherds have been allowed to evolve the way they have, to where you have so many different sub-species it just isn't "The Breed" it was originally intended to be. I think Showlines are basically a way of just making money - I have never seen good titled Working-lines with the prices jacked up the way Showlines are. And I think $2000 for a showline puppy is OUTRAGEOUS when I can get a good 2 year old Czech dog for the same amount. You are basically taking a Huge stab in the dark with the workability & hips/elbows passing with the pup....... I think most showline breeders are taking advantage of the niche where consumers don't know any better & the breeders are exploiting it. "Pink-Papered Pups!" is a good example. I think there are just too many people masquerading under the "Breeding dogs is our job - it's not a Hobby" bs. I would rather buy a dog from someone who has a REAL JOB, because chances are they will have less than 2 bitches on their "Our Gals" page, and obviously have a real love for what they are doing, not actually breeding tons of animals to end up in pet shops, humane societies, or rescues. I give all the respect in the world to kennels who have LESS than 3 litters a year, and breed their each of their bitches only ONCE a year. There is Really no reason to breed a gal more than that. I know from experience - it is hard on the body. Sorry - just had to get that out. Don't anybody take it personal, and if you do, look in the mirror and ask yourself if maybe you have a guilty conscience. (I know I need less caffeine!) peace, August

Woo Hoo. You go girl!

You said it! There are alot of people that switch from showline to working lines. Thats because they finally see a real dog and realize what the german shepherd breed is all about. I sure cant see why people want to breed showline dogs but you will always have different opinions so...

It irks me too but I have much less caffeine in my system so my post will be much shorter. It irks me to no end really, the bs. I think at least some of the people dishing it out really believe these "showlines" work. I believe few do. Some do. I started out with a showline dog who worked, thing is he DID! So, I figured this was normal, so I got him a mate. She is a beast, workaholic. So then I figured, this is normal. Then I got a "real" showline.......and well, she's nice...but all I can say is she can't even climb a ladder! So I'm thinking, what is up with this? I thought all showlines could climb ladders and chase down bad guys. I guess I needed to get that out too. They are both slow and trying to screw someone. It takes all kinds. In both camps. Many if not most humans will never have the good sense and loyalty of a dog. We shouldn't expect it. Sadly.

Nothing wrong with your caffenie! I've been looking too. I love the DDR dogs, and love to work dogs that will have a job, and be loved. Not something to say its petty. Some don't know what pretty is. Lots of games being played in the dog world.

Well I certainly can understand why it would bother you when you asked for a "working line" but got people trying to exploit you thinking you knew nothing and trying to sell you a showline being thats not what you wanted. But geez, I personally get tired of all "showlines" in the kitchen and all "working lines" in the living room" so to speak! There are good and bad in all the lines. I have had both and seen both work. I also have seen excuses made when the lines are working but if the showline does the exact same thing, well.... Currently I have a showline pup from Kirschental kennels that is anything but a nerve bag, course she is still just a pup so has nothing to prove different, but she is a nice puppy. She also cost less than alot of working lines if I had to ship one from Europe. Sorry I had to vent too, but it does get old. Maybe there are more working lines that can out work showlines, but it is just not all of them. And I can't stand what wins in the ring either. My pup is about as flat and normal a back as they come.

Oops, I meant to say "excuses when the working lines are working but if the showline does the exact same thing, well..."

Trailrider that would be nice the ? is what is a show line,and for what purpose?

Trailrider, your dog is from Kirschental that explains allot. They have been doing this a long, long time and I believe they made their own path breeding show and working without the diffinative seperation. Their dogs are made up of both working and show. Some may be all show but they came from real lines before the breed was messed up. I get a little peeved when people are OK with them doing it and not others. Yeah it's going to take awhile to be more success than fail, but we all have to start somewhere. If I was to buy another "showline", it would be from Kirschental. In another 20 years, I think we will see allot more breeders doing the same. Again, I really hate to see a showline/working cross called junk! It's just not fair. A sellect few have kept the showlines true and still workable. Nothing wrong with breeding these to working lines to improve color, conformation in the working or sharpness and new blood onto the show.

99% of show breeders are breeding for looks and this is killing the breed. Allot of workingline breeders arent selective enough with hips and conformation. I think it's easier to find a sound, well put togethger working line than a real over the top showline though. I would rather take my chances on a working line pup anyday. Way better chance for success. THen again, I want work, not show ring wins.