German Show Line that Works?

[jpgsds]

Can you not have a great working German Show Line? I am hoping someone can explain the differences in Show Lines and Working Lines more in depth than just color and and perceived temperament (with the Show being more family and the working having more drive). I know this is a more working line friendly forum, but I am wanting to buy a pup for Heidi Theishof who breeds show lines. However, I still want a dog that is going to be healthy, has appropriate drive to be able to train and work and still be a great inside family dog. The info on structure (angulation) seems really confusing. Do working lines have better structure? Maybe if you have a chance take a look at the link below and let me know about the litter I want. I think Heidi knows exactly what I want, but I am still seeking a better understanding about the differences in the two lines....

vom Theishof's Upcoming Litters

[Xeph]

Do working lines have better structure?

Depends on who you ask

[GsdLoverr729]

Working line people often think their dogs have the best structure. BUT the same goes for showline people. Even then, WGSL breeders prefer their own over ASL and vice versa (usually, not always).
I have seen a lot of WGSL dogs who can work and love to do so. I have also seen some ASL dogs who would shock you with how good they are at their work (one of our local k9 officers by my parents' is actually ASL).
If you go to a reputable breeder, they should be able to offer a dog with a stable temperament, at least fairly good conformation and a nice amount of drive.

[Yoschi's_Pet_Human]

I have a WGSL dog with a long line of Schutzhund titled dogs in his pedigree.. both parents Schh3
I'm certainly looking at a Schh future for Yoschi

[Liesje]

If you want someone that knows how to work a WGSL then you picked the right person. A few years back my SchH trainer and I watched two of Heidi's dogs in bitework and he (a working line person) was impressed. I've only met Heidi once but have huge respect for her, whatever "type" she's breeding, because she really knows her stuff and trains and titles dogs herself. As far as I know she's very well respected among the show and Schutzhund community.

[doggiedad]

when you use a reputable breeder you're going
to get a lot more than "fairly good conformation".

[QUOTE=GsdLoverr729;2680617]Working line people often think their dogs have the best structure. BUT the same goes for showline people. Even then, WGSL breeders prefer their own over ASL and vice versa (usually, not always).
I have seen a lot of WGSL dogs who can work and love to do so. I have also seen some ASL dogs who would shock you with how good they are at their work (one of our local k9 officers by my parents' is actually ASL).

>>>> If you go to a reputable breeder, they should be able to offer a dog with a stable temperament, at least fairly good conformation and a nice amount of drive.<<<< [/QUOTE]

[Liesje]

PS. as far as the generalizations I think it's a waste of time. If you want a dog that can work, then research lines that have proven working ability and get a dog that can work from a breeder that actually works dogs and knows what they're talking about. Heidi knows how to train and title a dog so she can surely provide you with a dog that can work, if that is what you want. I find it makes more sense to study the lines and pedigrees of dogs I'm actually interested in than try to create generalizations about certain traits like conformation or working ability. Also these things all mean different things to different people anyway, and it's nothing personal. Some of my club members have dogs you couldn't pay me to own but guess what, they are SchH titled (or will be) themselves so they definitely "can work".

[doggiedad]

i have a WGSL from a line that has titles, numbers, abbreviations
and all sorts of stuff after their names. they work. mine is a
cuddle bear, go everywhere dog. you can train your dog to
be the type of dog you want.

[GsdLoverr729]

Originally Posted by doggiedad

when you use a reputable breeder you're going
to get a lot more than "fairly good conformation".

I know, that's why I said "at least." Taking into account a good breeder who is JUST starting out, or a pup who ends up being very much pet quality. You're not likely to get one who doesn't have good conformation, but it can happen lol!

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by jpgsds

The info on structure (angulation) seems really confusing. Do working lines have better structure?

Don't worry too much about the "angulation" stuff--as long as extremes are avoided, I think it's mostly a cosmetic issue. Angulation is fashionable in show lines, both American and, to a lesser extent, German. Moderate angulation is what you normally see in working lines. Barring extremes, I don't think angulation makes much difference unless you intend to show in conformation events.

In my opinion, working lines have better *working* structure... but show line folks will say the same thing about their dogs! My position is, form should follow function. Whichever structure *works* better, is hardier, with the fewest injuries, and sounder into old age, is the better structure. Of the elderly GSDs I've known, the oldest and healthiest have been working line dogs.

But I have to be clear, dogs with "working" structure do not usually win conformation shows, or get the highest show ratings, so apparently there are many, many knowledgable people, including breeders and judges, who disagree with me!

Oh, and I expect those of you with elderly show line dogs to tell me how great your dogs are doing, and post pictures of them.