Conformation Shows

[solanaskyes]

Quote:

I don't think she is talking about AKC showing. There's not a judge of AKC Am-bred sheps that would put her dog up. However I think the European lines of GSD are far and away more "functional", sane, and useful as a breed. I've owned both American/Canadian lines and Czech/East and West German working line dogs. There's no such thing as an American GSD that can actually work the way they are supposed to and maintain normal health to a decent age. I won't even mention the mental health differences between the two "varieties" either.

I'm not going to argue the differences in type, because I many ways I will agree. However, I will say I know the owner of the GSD I posted pics of personally, and I have met this dog on several occasions. He is very stable, did well in the show ring, has proven he is a capable working dog, and is now 10 years old and perfectly sound and healthy. He does have some puppies on the ground now and it will be interesting to see how they turn out. I've always loved GSD. My dad had one when I was little that was an amazing dog, but I don't think I could own one myself now. I definitely could not handle the drive on working bred lines and to find a show bred one that is stable like the one I pictured would be very difficult, so I will continue to just admire from afar.

 

[Oregon Blues]

I like him. He looks Czech, and I love sable.

The "international" shows tend to have judges who like European style dogs, so he might do well there. He's not actually extreme enough in the other direction for a European show. "German" style dogs are even more extreme than American style dogs, just in a different way.

At an AKC show, he might be ideal for a junior showmanship class. He looks good and he isn't going to move at the speed of an American style shepherd, so would be easier for a child to keep up with.

I also really like the photos of the American style dog. Gorgeous animal and it is simply not true that American style shepherds can't put in a long hard day's work. They can and they do.

The only thing is that American breeders tend to like dogs that don't bite the neighbor's kids, so it is harder to get an American style shepherd to bite. The German bred dogs are easier to train for bite work, only because they are bred to bite and bite hard.

 

[dainerra]

I don't know many adults who can keep up with him at a trot. He averages 5 miles, 3 times a week, with the bike.

I know a LOT of ASLs who can't trot for 10 minutes. I know others who have a fabulous work ethic.
He is Czech, Polica kennels.
He is a great boy. We focusing more on performance events. Conformation practice has been fun, so we're going to just go and have fun

 

[Kelly G]

I don't think she is talking about AKC showing. There's not a judge of AKC Am-bred sheps that would put her dog up. However I think the European lines of GSD are far and away more "functional", sane, and useful as a breed. I've owned both American/Canadian lines and Czech/East and West German working line dogs. There's no such thing as an American GSD that can actually work the way they are supposed to and maintain normal health to a decent age. I won't even mention the mental health differences between the two "varieties" either.

QFT.

ETA - Dainerra - I love your dog. Great looking GSD....and I have a soft spot for the Czech lines!

 

[FlaRocky]

QFT.

ETA - Dainerra - I love your dog.  Great looking GSD....and I have a soft spot for the Czech lines!

I just love the Sch.,French Ring, ALL working types. Opinions are like b-holes, everyone has one

So what all are you going to try with him? Are you going to do any tracking or man-trailing with him? I love a good man trailer. And No they Do-Not have to be a bloodhound.

Maye

 

[dainerra]

there are a lot of trackers in his pedigree. But I just don't have the time to do that. We are focusing on obedience and agility. I swear this dog is part kangaroo, could jump a house!

I am working on some contacts that could work towards getting his BH. I would love to do SCH, but there isn't a club close enough.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

As for moving as fast as GSD in AKC conformation. The SV style shows I have attended (which was two, for full disclosure) had the dogs not only trotting as fast as their handlers could keep up with them, but they were also doing it for 20+ minutes at a time, and for a dog that moved on to another ring, those dogs were expencted to trot at that pace for much longer. Not only was it a test of conformation, keeping their gaits smooth during this trial, and keeping toplines and showing stamina, but the dogs showed obedience and character in this task.

I was marveling at the handlers because they were running fast to keep up with these dogs pulling at the end of their leashes. No way could I run like that for 20+ minutes, go to another ring and do it again, and possibly several more times. Then to top it off have an obedience trial after.

I would love to see an American bred, AKC style GSD working as a true working dog, and this isn't just a jab at that variety. I honesly would love to see more utility and work ethic in the U.S. bred dogs. However I have not heard of one doing herding as a functional job, working with police doing scent work or patrol, being a service dog, ect. There may be Am-bred GSD with some work ethic or insticnt but for them to actually do the job, like I said, as a functioning working animal I have not heard of that for a very very long time. Not only are the minds of the dogs not very suited for this, but their bodies aren't either. JMO, with experience in the breed talking here though.

 

[dainerra]

http://teamhuertahof.com/puppies/

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

http://teamhuertahof.com/puppies/

Your next puppy?

 

[dainerra]

if I decide to go for a showline dog, Huerta Hof would be where I go.