Capt. Stephanitz - Page 1

How many agree with Stephanitz's philosophies regarding the breed? Training? Manwork? Temperament? Conformation? Also is he credited with developing showlines, workinglines or both?

Blitzen, these are just my opinions of course. I think everyone agrees with Captain Stephanitz's philosophy as far as the dog's trainability and temperament, and service to mankind. As far as conformation is concerned, he did not seem to ever place much emphasis on that subject other than acceptable pigmentation, sex characteristics, structure, and basic size. I think that he always saw the dog as a combination of a serious working dog but at the same time a family companion. I don't think he ever had visions of a show-line or working-line dividing the breed such as we have today, as his mindset seemed to maintain that the GSD was one (1) dog for all purposes. I am sure that others can elaborate much more on this subject. Bob-O

Do all of today's GSD's, show and working lines, go back to the same dogs?

I think the point that the captain was trying to make was that the standard should only have one line. A working line !! Maybe one that looked good but a working line none the less.

I agree with you BOB-O... and Blitzen... YES... although working line purists are incorporating lines from similar herding dogs with well developed Protection skills (mainly from Dutch and Belgian strains). This will enhance the 3 part of the working trials but I really prefer a well balanced dog as the Founder really would have projected it. A dog fit for all jobs (thats why he named it a WORKING DOG)...because there were no more herding jobs available in Germany due to its industrialization.... As far as FCI is concerned... they moved it back to the HERDING Group to bring back the shepherd from germany to its NATIVE form... I have a friend from the Historical "MURRENHETTE" family ( this guy migrated to the Philippines ) whom I ask ..." How come you dont have any pure bred GSDs?... He replied I'm not anymore in Germany and I now love you native dogs (mongrels)... They too can work, and obedient and they can protect also..." the FCI just brought the GSD out of the Working Goup (by the way was replaced by sled dogs... not ment for herding or protecting) All they are; are running Rascals... I understand now the REASON why focus on the breed as part of the HERDING Group... "A Way to bring back the Show Line and Working Line enthusiasts as ONE" Focus on the total beauty of the dog itself (both physical and utilitarian ) and how it serves mankind... Stephanitz motto "Utility and Intelligence..." is the THING that makes the GSD beautiful to the eye and to the soul purpose... Judges should not focus on details but on the overall beauty and intelligence(obedience)and capacity to work... A show line may look different from a working line... but they are still SHEPHERDS to our hearts...

I became curious about all of this because of the debate on this board regarding what is the correct temperament/character for a GSD. I found Stephanitz's training methods interesting and in direct conflict with the way some train today. Thanks for the good information. I always welcome more information on the breed and its evolution from the Horand days to present time. Like other breeds, the working lines and show lines have become 2 separate and distinct styles.

Blitzen, you spend far to much time on this site, do you work or have little ones to take care of? James Nelson

Thanks for asking, dogford4. I am retired so have all the time in the world to do anything I want. What about you?

Whether Working or Showline GSD'S, is neither here nor there, I think that Capt. Stephanitz, would hate to see how the GSD is being exploited today by some, as a business, for big money, and forgetting about why he created the breed in the first place. Also, he would be livid to see what breeders with American line German Shepherds have done to the dog that he created. JMO, Dawn Bonome

Whether Working or Showline GSD'S, is neither here nor there, I think that Capt. Stephanitz, would hate to see how the GSD is being exploited today by some, as a business, for big money, and forgetting about why he created the breed in the first place. Also, he would be livid to see what breeders with American line German Shepherds have done to the dog that he created. JMO, Dawn Bonome