Working/ Showline GSD's - Page 1

The problem, Rebecca, is that most breeders out there crossing lines are breeding a subpar show dog to a subpar working dog, or, they are breeding one extreme to another thinking they will "correct" something.

If a showline has no working ability or a workingline has terrible structure, maybe the dogs just aren't breedworthy- but many breeders have blinders on and can't accept washing a dog from their "program"...especially when they can feed the "best of both worlds" line and make the almighty dollar.

I am not against show/work crosses. My first GSD from titled parents was 3/4 show 1/4 work. I am against breeding extremes or breeding to compensate serious anatomical or mental flaws. There are some very nice, well done crosses out therem, but they are done from dogs that are breedworthy in the first place. I think crossing lines will become a necessity in our lifetime if we want to see our breed continue- but it needs to be done very well and only under careful consideration.

Part of the problem on WL/SL crosses, as KCzaja has pointed out is that you won't find a pair of VA parents on such a cross.  Those who do venture in such crosses are not able to get top genetic candidates because the more fanatical customers and eager to pay high dollar for a pup are either in the pure SL or pure WL camp.  This is just an effect of the economics in the breeding industry.

Here's some interesting reading material on the subject:  http://www.freedogadvice.com/Show%20dogs%20and%20%20Working%20%20dogs.htm

If I were doing this, I'd look for a top quality SL female in a bloodline known for working ability and temperament and breed to a WL male with excellent conformation and temperament.