Question Re: Working Line Temperaments?

[Lakl]

I have never owned a working line GSD, but wouldn't mind having one one day. I have recently been looking into the different working lines and talking to a couple different breeders. In general, a good working line pup for myself would be one that is suitable in a companion home/family setting, yet still has the drives to work and train. My interests would be obedience/agility. I like to go hiking, so I would also like a dog I could take anywhere and be comfortable in any setting.

However, something the I've noted in my research is that there seem to be a good deal of working line breeders out there whose dogs are geared towards specific sports settings and only suitable for strict sport homes. I spoke to someone yesterday about a potential breeding next year. I liked the sire, but knew nothing of his temperament, so gave all of my wishes and background. Not one word about this not being a suitable litter. After hanging up, I do some more research on the dog and find out this dog, though titled many times over, could not be approached by anyone outside the owner, including a vet and had to be vetted at home because of this. Socially unstable is the term that was used. I spoke with someone that owned one of his sons, that the breeder chose for them, and had experienced almost the same thing - dominant dog that constantly tested its handler. The term used for the son was "nightmare" of uncertainty.

So my question is this, and I am brand spanking new, so forgive me if I am incorrect, but why does it seem acceptable in the working world to produce dogs that excel in the sport, but are socially unstable? Dogs that require a firm handler and are sometimes unsuitable for family homes? I thought the GSD, whether working or show were supposed to be bred to be sound in ALL areas? I often hear complaints about SL dogs lacking the ability to be true working dogs, but shouldn't true working dogs also possess the ability to conform to a normal social setting?

[GSDElsa]

Why are you saying it's "acceptable"because you found one example of it?

[Lakl]

No, because I've seen it many times...

Sorry, listed in descriptions on various breeders' websites...

[Lakl]

There were 2 working dogs posted just yesterday boasted as being superb examples of their lines in structure, conformation, bone, etc. and were titled many times over and sired many progeny in their time, but nothing was ever mentioned of the fact that these dogs could only be visited or viewed if locked safely within a kennel...

This is just an honest question towards the standards...

[onyx'girl]

I don't believe that it is common. But many people who train their dogs for sportwork aren't into the "socializing" aspect and their dogs are basically kenneled, worked, kenneled, exercised. But not out and about with other people. And some are dog aggressive.
Maybe if the dog wasn't isolated to that lifestyle it would be more social/doesn't necessarily mean it is genetics.
Where are you seeing these postings?

[GSDElsa]

It's not common nor acceptable to the vast majority of people. Or breeders. If you are finding a plethora of dogs like this I would say you are looking in the wrong place

[JakodaCD OA]

I'm sure there are a few dogs/breeders out there like you describe, but I tend to agree with Jane, that they may not be into the 'socializing' aspect of things and therefore their dogs are 'one person' dogs.

I'm not sure where your looking but if your in the northeast, I like Liberatore's dogs in Maine..I've heard alot of good things about her dogs, and know someone who is a close friend of hers..

[Lakl]

Maybe I am being too broad. How about a specific working line? Like Czech. I think these are beautiful, well built, solid Looking animals. But in general, would you say temperament wise, that these lines are suitable for an active companion/family home without a specific working job?

[carmspack]

Lakl -- said "that there seem to be a good deal of working line breeders out there whose dogs are geared towards specific sports settings and only suitable for strict sport homes" to which I respond , then they are NOT working . Whole lot of good they are if you can't take them out and employ them , in what ever endeavour, if they are a hazard , a liability , useless. WORK is all about utility , and reliability . Can't stress this enough.
Now there are a lot of breeders who buy names like a franchise and trade on it , or breeders who buy "names" and breed them and sell the offspring , first come first serve , who have no idea what they have and are even flippant when a whole community of experienced breeders , and even former owners , clearly say "this dog is ..... " fill in the blanks , with warnings. Yet everyone ewwws and gooos about the bone ... . Some dogs are made to be meaner and badder - yet they are just dogs, but the bad-boy image appeals and that creates sales.

Carmen
Carmspack Working German Shepherd Dogs

[onyx'girl]

How about a specific working line? Like Czech. I think these are beautiful, well built, solid Looking animals. But in general, would you say temperament wise, that these lines are suitable for an active companion/family home without a specific working job?

I have a Czech/WG male and he is more than suitable! As long as he gets mental and physical exercise he is fine. His temperament is stable and he has a high threshold. My females will bark at whatever, he will assess then decide what to do...a thinker.
Whatever breeding you decide to go with, look at what the breeder has produced in the past, and the progeny of sire and dam both.
My dogs sire is Czech ~ here is his history and a description of his temperament(thanks to Cliff for writing up such a great treasure trove of information on him)
Andy Maly Vah PSA1, SchH3, IPO3, PDK-9 (Ret.), CDX, RN, TC, TDI/CGC