Reading Pedigrees: Tips for Newbies - Page 1

Lately, the newbies have been wondering what all that stuff means on their dogs' pedigrees and since I consider myself only at the "wise fool" stage, this might be the place to help them out. After following my own advice of keep on clicking and observing, I can only just about tell show from work, Am lines from German lines, but that's about it. 

 Like all worthwhile endeavors in which one may wish to engage, knowing about pedigrees takes lots and lots of real work over a long period of time. Studying pedigrees, reading, analyzing and not believing most of the crap that people write here and on other forums is a good start. Eventually, one sees patterns, and in many cases, simply based on information on a given dog one knows where the bloodlines will lead. Understanding the history of the GSD is imperative. Most people are lazy and don't care to expend the effort.

If it is someone who just wants to have a pet and enjoy the dog as a dog, then who cares about pedigree? The same canb be said for understanding what is and is not proper structure. I wince when I see someone post a "critique my dog" request and how so many here jump in and give a lot of fluff, but bogus critique of the dog. Why does that happen? Because so many also have not the slightest understanding of what is proper structure.

If one wants to consider oneself serious about the breed, and potentially someone who is going to be breeding (HANS K-9 are you reading), then study and UNDERSTANDING is the name of the game. For example, one recently discussed large scale puppy miller will write over and over on the web site about how a given dog is "clear in the head". The individual in question has not a clue what that phrase means. The individual has never trained a dog and does not have the most elemental understanding of temperament or working ability. Nor does this individual really know the history of the breed, or anything about bloodlines. When one does not combine knowledge of bloodlines with actual, hands-on experience and knowledge, then what good is it?

Beetree, One of the very simple ways to tell German show from German working lines is the kennel names. There is relatively very, very little mixing of the two. Ditto with Belgian or Duth lines, Czech lines, etc. Often the "of" portion of the kennel names tells you the country: vom/von=Germany (or Americans "Germanizing); van= Dutch; zum, aus, zu= German and probably working; z= Czech. American lines kennels tend to use apostrophes in front, or "of" and have names like potato chip brands:Kingswood's, Aladdin's, Covy Tucker Hill, of Fran-Jo, Caralon's, Ken-Delaine's, Sater-Nordlicht. Also, the Am lines tend to have names that sound like circus acts: Whachamacallit's Sight for Sore Eyes, Brewster's Fine and Dandy. :-) Mostly, it is just someth8ing you must learn like learning a language.

Beetree, One of the very simple ways to tell German show from German working lines is the kennel names. There is relatively very, very little mixing of the two. Ditto with Belgian or Duth lines, Czech lines, etc. Often the "of" portion of the kennel names tells you the country: vom/von=Germany (or Americans "Germanizing); van= Dutch; zum, aus, zu= German and probably working; z= Czech. American lines kennels tend to use apostrophes in front, or "of" and have names like potato chip brands:Kingswood's, Aladdin's, Covy Tucker Hill, of Fran-Jo, Caralon's, Ken-Delaine's, Sater-Nordlicht. Also, the Am lines tend to have names that sound like circus acts: Whachamacallit's Sight for Sore Eyes, Brewster's Fine and Dandy. :-) Mostly, it is just something you must learn like learning a language.

Good for you JimmyH1. And the best thing, if at all possible, is to find someone who does know a lot about the breed and try to apprentice yourself to them in some way or other. But yes, you have the right idea. Keep reading, and learning, and observing, and visiting clubs of all kinds where you can watch.  Make notes. And make more notes. Read everything you can get your hands on, and that does not mean on the internet or Wikipedia as sole sources. You will get along, but remember, there is always going to be more to learn. Always! I wish you a fun journey.

 Yes, thanks beetree for starting this thread!

Way back in the, um... late 80's ? when I got my first GSD, I recall the breeder trying to 'splain his pedigree... and she recited the whole breed standard too, pointing out to me the "croup" and "loins" etc... of course my eyes glazed over like a dog watching TV.  LOL  At the time I only wanted a pet for myself, but I wanted a *good* pet (good temperament, and one with a look I liked = reasonable conformation).  So I didn't care much about all that stuff she was explaining, and the talk of "loins" etc made me feel a bit awkward, like she was describing a side of beef!  That was my future baby she was breaking down into components!  Oh well.

Since then I've learned a *little*.  Most of it I learned just cus I was curious, and just reading stuff I wanted to read.  None of it was cus I was seeking out to study anything other than to satisfy my own curiosity.

Some things I found most helpful were lists of what the titles mean and what the other things on pedigrees mean.  There are some very good sites for those, I forget where; but maybe someone could post links to their favorites, or maybe that could be in the articles here (if it isn't already).  I think I saw some really good information on some of the larger kennels' websites and on the websites of organizations like the USA website: http://www.germanshepherddog.com/

One thought: someone who starts out just thinking about a GSD pet doesn't necessarily have to remain "just" a pet owner.  I really appreciate those folks here who are open and helpful to newbies and understand that today's pet owner could very well be tomorrow's responsible enthusiast and supporter of GSD activities and the breed.  I think anyone who is interested in learning more should be encouraged.  I've read many posts here from folks who say things like "My first GSD was a rescue (or not pure-bred, or from a BYB) but now I am actively involved in obedience (or Schutzhund, or SAR training, etc) or looking for another dog with which I can be more actively involved."

This website has been the best resource, I've found, for information on pedigrees, on different lines, different approaches and attitudes, and a whole lot more.  Also, people who have answered my questions via email and PM.  Thank you, everyone, for being such a great resource and for being tolerant of newbie questions.

We all started at "Genesis." :-) I think everyone is willing, indeed eager to help newbies (as someone once helped each of us). But, the newbies must also understand that each of us had to go through a learning PROCESS, we did not learn what we have in an hour, a week, a month or a year. It has taken YEARS for each of us (and we are all STILL learning. Only idiots think they have ever learned it all). NO ONE can can learn all they feel they want, or need, to know about gsds, lines, pedigrees, or training in less than a month. As I said, it is like learning a new language. Because someone tells you all the cuss words doesn't mean you speak French, German, English, whatever. It just means you learned a few words. It takes a lot longer to learn the language...and speak it proficiently, much less fluently. There are no stupid questions--just stupid people.