THE POLITICS AT THE 2011 NASS - Page 9

RE: WDA election: Neither was it anywhere close to being a good percentage of the actual membership participating. Informed participation is the key. I don't believe that happened. Maybe that would have changed the results, maybe not... just saying more participation is needed!!!
Debby
 

I totally agree.
The membership needs to become more involved or quit yer bitchin'.
Board meetings are scheduled and open to the membership........

The placements make the top dog suddenly desirable regardless of work eithic, temperment, or other factors?  I don't think so.  If people would start to breed the truly best male for their female the politics would not matter. Go to shows such as NASS observe what really goes on and form your own opinions.  I think that some people have lost sight of what makes a good GSD.  Breeding to the top dog just to sell puppies is not good breeding practice in my opinion.

Best Regards,
Cheryl

Cheryl,

I am in no way condoning that practice.
But I think it is a fact of life.  People want the best....whether it is really the best or maybe they are just told it is the best.
Why do you think China is in the market?  They want the best or what they perceive to be the best.  How much money do they spend buying the winners of the Sieger show?
I have had many people ask me if I can find them an Ober Bad-Boll or Remo puppy.....Why?  Because those dogs are the winners.....Are they really the epitome of the breed?  Well, I don't think so but that is just my personal opinion.

If people would start to breed the truly best male for their female the politics would not matter. 

YES, YES, YES!!! 

I am sorry to say that I was unable to attend the NASS this year due to work constraints so I am not qualified to speak about it.
I will say that from watching Ruger's videos I was a little disappointed overall but I was really disappointed that a few of "our" dogs did not place higher.  I thought they deserved better.
 
It is a sad state of affairs.
We all need to educate ourselves and not settle for what we are being fed by anyone.
You are correct to say that those of us who are concerned and want what is best for the breed, should go to NASS.  But also get out there to the clubs, the shows, and also the board meetings.   Talk to your regional directors and express your concerns.
Don't succumb to politics (money) yourself.

Best regards,
Mary

Hi Mary,

You are absolutely right about people wanting the best.  For some that translates to the prettiest, the best show record ect...  I personally know of someone that told me they were going to breed to a very highly rated male just because the puppies would sell better.  This same person also stated that a local titled dog was a much better match for the female.  I was appalled and then realized that this goes on quite often.

I am not totally denoucing the top placing show males by any means.  If the male is a good match for the female then it is a good breeding.

I bred to VA Zambo last winter and got a really nice early spring litter.  I picked him because he was a really good match for my female.  I also liked the fact that he was owner trained and mulitple Sch3.

I am involved in a club, I go to at least a few shows a year, and I was at the GSDCA-WDA meeting at NASS.  I train and title my dogs with the support of my club.  I do try to be as involved as I can.  I wish others would too.

I have never been one to be too involved in politics.  It is just not my thing.  I really love this breed and it is disheartening to see what is happening in the name of money and/or politics.

Best Regards,
Cheryl

I agree with you Cheryl.  I'm not denouncing the top placings either if they are earned.  But look what happened at this year's Sieger show.  If I remember correctly Jantie told us well in advance of the show that Remo would win because he was sold to J Kao in Taiwan and the judge was friends with her.
Don't want to open a can of worms here but isn't that what happened?  Remo and some of his progeny are sold to China.
So I am not denouncing anyone or begrudging anyone their trophies as long as they are earned.

Zambo is an awesome dog!  Congratulations on your litter!  (Pictures?)
Erin has fullfilled my dream.......I envy her and am so happy for her and her success.

I don't think I would be good at the political game either (too outspoken! lol) so I just keep my toes out of that pool!

We all need to follow your lead and be more active in the sport.

Best!

Mary

I think that is pretty much what happened.  There is not much anyone can do about that.  It is what it is.

I can't seem to figure out how to put the pictures on here but here is the pedigree  there is a picture with it:


http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/german_shepherd_dog/dog.html?id=737567

and her sister

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/german_shepherd_dog/dog.html?id=737566


The pictures of Zambo that I had did not do him justice. This dog is absolutely beautiful with a perfect temperment.  All I can say is wow!  He is one that has earned every one of his placings. 

I admire Erin for what she has done with Zambo and what she continues to do.  She is one that I don't think is caught up in politics in any way.

Best Regards,
Cheryl
 

Question to openmind:

Which promising male was not shown in 18-24 class males?

Thanks,

Lovely girls, Cheryl!
Uniform with nice color.  Best of luck with them!

Seby, I was wondering the same thing.

@ Dog1 "Which rates higher a US bred dog with progeny or a top placing import? One has the record, one has progeny. Which is better a high place or a progeny group? Where is the line drawn between how high the place is in Germany and how good the progeny is? Should we reward the effort or pick the best dog?

What about performance in the ring and performance on the field? How does that factor in?"

Since we're just giving opinions on a message board, I don't mind giving mine. Having come from a show ring background that puts no emphasis on character, my criteria would be performance on the field first. How can it really be a GSD if there is no strength of character. I view progeny groups as a valuable breeders tool and would not ignore it in placings, but neither would I place dogs simply on progeny. It's up to the breeders to see what it is a dog produces and what they need. I would not even consider whether the dog is bred in U.S. or Germany. What is your criteria.

@ charity
"Rik, I agree with your last statement.  I think one issue here is the thinking that just because a dog is imported from Germany or anywhere for that matter or was bred by a "Big Name Over There", makes it a better dog.  Is this true.  Or do the Germans just tell us they are better dogs"

charity, these are German dogs that we choose to participate with in WDA and UScA. So yes, the German opinion is important. There are no N.A. judges that have the qualifications required by the SV as far as I know. Fred Lanting and Morton Goldfarb reached the age of mandatory retirement and I have no respect at all for the one or two N.A judges who have appointed themselves as directors of the breed (in the U.S.) without S.V. approval.

jmo,

Rik
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