Dog Show and German Shepherds from a GSD lover

[ddvv]

I went to a dog show this past weekend, took my dobe pup with me and she did great, the dobermans shown were very good looking and healthy, some of them less than others but overall they looked great.

Then I went to look at the German Shepherds and although I was prepared for what I call the "american shepherds" it was still a shock to see what has been done to that wonderful breed here in the US. The dogs were literally crippled because of the sloping backs and most of them seemed to be walking on their pasterns (sp?) on their front legs. Worse of all is the fact that before the show started they were walking around with these dogs and they were so skittish and nervous that it just made me want to cry. One of them walked by my pup (Brie is a 6 months old dobe pup) and she was just relaxed and wanting to see the new dog walking by and moved maybe 1 inch toward him and he jumped back and ran behind the handler legs shaking, it was just heartbreaking.
I imported my GSD as a pup from Germany 11 years ago and although he is from show lines, not working lines, his looks and temperament have been more than I could ever ask from a GSD.
What is worse I am taking my pup to obedience classes and few group classes were offered so I ended up going to the one offered by the local german shepherd club and Brie is the only "non gsd" in a class of 12 dogs.
It just amazes me that the AKC judges can stand there looking at these crippled shepherds being paraded in front of them, skittish and nervous, and declare any of them worthy of any title.
Sorry for the rant.

[Hunther's Dad]

Welcome to the board!

My introduction to dog training was at the local vet's office. They had a puppy package that included basic obedience. I trained my Aussie type mutt there, and had a great time. I mentioned in passing that I owned a German Shepherd, and one of the other people there showed me his GSD. The dog was walking almost on his hocks. I remember thinking, "What's wrong with that dog's back legs?"

Sometimes I wonder if the judges don't gather in the bar and complain amongst themselves about the quality of the dogs being presented. I don't think there's a "none of the above" category available to them; they must have to pick something as the winner. Can you see a judge at the big Eukanuba sponsored show standing in front of the cameras and saying that none of the dogs present are correct? That'd be the last time that judge ever worked that event, wouldn't it?

Which is the crux of the problem.

[dawnandjr]

I agree about the choices the judges have in the conformation ring. They dont have to place a dog first if they dont feel they should be. They could just start out at second place. At least that is the way it used to be, that has probably changed. I think the working line owners should start entering their dogs in the conformation classes. Maybe I will start the trend. We can change the look of the dogs that are 'put up'. That would also let the viewing public know there are other options out there. So which show does everyone want to go to?

[Hunther's Dad]

Originally Posted by dawnandjr

I agree about the choices the judges have in the conformation ring. They dont have to place a dog first if they dont feel they should be. They could just start out at second place. At least that is the way it used to be, that has probably changed. I think the working line owners should start entering their dogs in the conformation classes. Maybe I will start the trend. We can change the look of the dogs that are 'put up'. That would also let the viewing public know there are other options out there. So which show does everyone want to go to?

You have named the cure to the problem. Unfortunately, I just realized that I am guilty of not knowing my subject. I am a Schutzhund person; I know almost nothing about AKC style shows. I'll have to do some research.

[Mrs.K]

Originally Posted by dawnandjr

I agree about the choices the judges have in the conformation ring. They dont have to place a dog first if they dont feel they should be. They could just start out at second place. At least that is the way it used to be, that has probably changed. I think the working line owners should start entering their dogs in the conformation classes. Maybe I will start the trend. We can change the look of the dogs that are 'put up'. That would also let the viewing public know there are other options out there. So which show does everyone want to go to?

I am planning on showing Judge. Once he's AKC registered I WILL show him as much as possible just to show what a good, solid Shepherd should look like.

[Andaka]

What do you want to know? Maybe I can help!

I too am not happy with the nervous, extreme GSD at many dog shows. My dogs don't look or act like that. The all-breed ring used to be where you would find nice dogs with decent temeraments and moderate structure. But with the increased cost of showing, and the type of dogs being shown by top handlers, the "specialty dog" type has infiltrated our realm. And they are winning! Too bad.

[carmspack]

welcome to the forum and thank you for the rant.

So true .

Carmen
Carmspack Working German Shepherd Dogs

[carmspack]

Mrs K , save your money.
I know what you are trying to do , but that is not what the in crowd wants and you won't make a dint. All you would do is increase the "points" another dog defeated.

I know the AKC / CKC ring. I did a lot of handling -- include dogs that became selects . I produced many champions , ROM's, dogs still in the genetics of some select dogs. The gene pool came from the "Mike" lines , a counter point to the Lance .
As time went on I would continue to appear at the shows . The dogs I had did not even look like the same breed -- VP 1 as puppy at a german style show - was not even looked at . I knew it . I didn't care . I was there to make the people in the audience think about things. Funny thing is that after the judging people would rush to see my dog , ribbons or no ribbons.

There are better ways to promote the wonderfulness of your dog than sticking out like a sore thumb in the AKC ring. There won't be any "oh now I have seen the light" moments.

so sorry it has come to this point
Carmen
Carmspack Working German Shepherd Dogs

[Mrs.K]

Originally Posted by carmspack

Mrs K , save your money.
I know what you are trying to do , but that is not what the in crowd wants and you won't make a dint. All you would do is increase the "points" another dog defeated.

I know the AKC / CKC ring. I did a lot of handling -- include dogs that became selects . I produced many champions , ROM's, dogs still in the genetics of some select dogs. The gene pool came from the "Mike" lines , a counter point to the Lance .
As time went on I would continue to appear at the shows . The dogs I had did not even look like the same breed -- VP 1 as puppy at a german style show - was not even looked at . I knew it . I didn't care . I was there to make the people in the audience think about things. Funny thing is that after the judging people would rush to see my dog , ribbons or no ribbons.

There are better ways to promote the wonderfulness of your dog than sticking out like a sore thumb in the AKC ring. There won't be any "oh now I have seen the light" moments.

so sorry it has come to this point
Carmen
Carmspack Working German Shepherd Dogs

But how is ever anthing going to change if we won't show our dogs? They more working line dogs are showed, they more they have to recognize them, or not?

[holland]

I am taking a show handling class and we are both really enjoying it-if we show I don't really feel that I need to show people what a GSD looks like-think its ok if they look differently-and hope we could just enjoy doing it even if we didn't win