Temperament Test Now Mandatory - Page 4

No, Sunsilver, most of the dogs were pointed or Champions in AKC. They also had cardio testing being done that day because it too has become so prevalent in the breed. The temperament of these Dobes was so weak it is sickening. These dogs were from all over the east coast. The one breeder there that bred with the old European dogs sailed through the tests and doesn't have the cardio issues that the show breeders have, of course they looked down at that breeders dogs like they had leprosy. I was astounded at how pervasive the temperament weakness was considering what the breed ought to be as a working dog.

No, Sunsilver, most of the dogs were pointed or Champions in AKC. They also had cardio testing being done that day because it too has become so prevalent in the breed. The temperament of these Dobes was so weak it is sickening. These dogs were from all over the east coast. The one breeder there that bred with the old European dogs sailed through the tests and doesn't have the cardio issues that the show breeders have, of course they looked down at that breeders dogs like they had leprosy. I was astounded at how pervasive the temperament weakness was considering what the breed ought to be as a working dog.

Gustav  that is exactly why I now have two GSDs   I love the Doberman of old and have had them for  over 30 years  structure wise is not the main issue I have with them.  I think the Doberman that I still have is absolutely beautiful.  an overall great dog.  just not what they used to be 30 years ago in temperament.  I like having a dog that has a bit of an edge to it.  

The GSDCA requires that a dog passes their temperament test in order to be eligible for a CHIC certification and some of their newer performance awards. Normal hips and elbows are also mandatory.Their temperament test sounds very similar to that of the CKC.

I trialed my 10 year old Sch3 female for her TC at a GSDCA specialty show. When confronted with the threatening stranger, she placed herself between him and me; did not bark or try to confront him, just stood her ground looking bored. The tester told me that was a normal reaction for a Sch titled dog. Many of them seem to be able to distinguish a real threat from a feigned one. It's hard for a dog to fail that particular exercise unless it cowers from the stranger or goes ballistic. The friendly stranger meeting is graded a little differently, Guy. The tester wants to see a dog that watches the friendly stranger approach and reach out for a hand shake. The dog must not cower or react aggressively. If your dog would not allow the stranger to approach or to reach out to you, he would not pass the temperament test (or the CGC).

The day we trialed, there were about 9 or 10 other GSD's taking the test too. All but 3 passed and the failures were not ASL's.

Blitzen, what's the CHIC?

http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/

This is the link to the CHIC website. CHIC stands for Canine Health Information Center. Each AKC parent breed club decides if they wish to participate in the program and which tests need to be done for a dog to receive a CHIC. OFA includes the CHIC cert on their website. The caveat is a CHIC does not necessarily mean that the dog is free of the health issues they are tested for, it only means they have been tested. When the GSDCA set their criteria, they included the terms must have "normal" hips and elbows and must have "passed" their temperament test. Many breeds just say - this dog has been tested for.............

Sunsilver
             The sneak is the best training i could have given any of my GSDs. I also trained them on the drunk and the Silhouette. Awsome stuff for GSDs.

I wore a broad-brimmed hat to training recently. When I came home, I let the dogs out. I was still wearing the hat when I went to let them back in. My female barked at me aggressively, obviously not recognizing me until I spoke to her.

So, different clothing can definitely heighten suspicion, even in a normally laid-back showline, who had seen me wearing the hat just a short time ago!


Blitzen, that SUCKS that they are not required to post the RESULTS of the tests. It defeats the whole purpose of the index!  GRRRrrrr..typical AKC bulls***

If a GSD has a CHIC you know it has normal hips, elbows and has passed the temperament test.  Other breeds make their own rules based on their individual needs; those people know to ask to see the results if interested in the dog. Some of us have also banked our dogs' DNA with CHIC in case it is needed in the future or in case the dog develops some serious disease. I think it's one of the good things that AKC has done; consider it a positive and think the GSDCA did the right thing by requiring normal hips, elbows and a passed temperament test for the dog to get its CHIC cert.