The current state of the GSD

[Vicky]

I hope this is in the right place as I wrestled with myself a little bit about where to put it. (:

Everyone knows that the GSD is a split breed. We have the severe American show-line shepherds, the crazy drivey working shepherds, and everything in between that. Despite the unbelievable amount of type in this breed, there is a clear standard available to us about what a proper GSD should be. Not everyone agrees wholeheartedly on this but there are some basic, important things we can certainly agree on such as the amazing versatility of the GSD and sound hip structure.

What sparked me to post this is that one of my best friends has had German Shepherds for the past few years now, usually two at a time. She is a foster home for the Seeing Eye program where you raise a pup for a certain period of time and then send it back to the school for formal training. She's raised 6 or 7 dogs now. These dogs have a Labrador personality and I don't think that is acceptable at all for this breed. Of course our breed should be able to work in as many venues as possible, but do we have to sacrifice the entire breed and split them to be able to embrace that versatility?

I am not looking to offend anyone here, but rather share opinions on the subject. I realize this can be a very heated topic, so please stay civil. I have an open mind and am able to see any other side of the discussion if someone is willing to present it.

So, what is the ideal GSD in your mind? How do you feel about the split of the breed? What should the "true" GSD be able to do? What should it not be able to do?

[carmspack]

This is not a phenomenon exclusive to GSD . It happens in any breed, from bird dogs , to sled dogs. "Bred for Perfection"

Bred for Perfection: Shorthorn Cattle, Collies, and Arabian Horses since 1800: Amazon.ca: Margaret E. Derry: Books

Bred for Perfection: Shorthorn Cattle, Collies, and Arabian Horses since 1800: Amazon.ca: Margaret E. Derry: Books

is a scholarly look at public registry and breed selection priorities.

Carmen
Carmspack Working German Shepherd Dogs

[Lucy Dog]

Here's a recent thread... enjoy! Lots of opinions there.

Warning Sign?

[cliffson1]

Don't worry folks I'm not going on a dissertation on this. I'll just say that the primary reason for breeding GS today is what people want to do with them, or what they think the breed should be to them....and it is no longer about what the breed is; accepting that for what it should be. No more, no less. People's likes, egos, and emotions; about something that was already established before they got involved. JMO

[JakodaCD OA]

Temperament / a sound dog is my top priority, with it, everything else falls into place, without it, well no dog is perfect

The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand. The dog must not be timid, shrinking behind its master or handler; it should not be nervous, looking about or upward with anxious expression or showing nervous reactions, such as tucking of tail, to strange sounds or sights. Lack of confidence under any surroundings is not typical of good character. Any of the above deficiencies in character which indicate shyness must be penalized as very serious faults and any dog exhibiting pronounced indications of these must be excused from the ring. It must be possible for the judge to observe the teeth and to determine that both testicles are descended. Any dog that attempts to bite the judge must be disqualified. The ideal dog is a working animal with an incorruptible character combined with body and gait suitable for the arduous work that constitutes its primary purpose.

from the GSDCA standard

[martemchik]

Well just from the OP, you say they have a "labrador personality" what is that exactly? That breed can go from your well behaved service dog to the hyper, over active hunting dog. A GSD should be the perfect service dog, just read the description from the GSDCA, it sounds like a great service dog to me. I think sometimes people get too caught up in the protection work that a GSD can do and forget that you can channel those same drives into other work. I went to a herding instinct test with my dog and a lady sitting next to me saw my GSD and said, "Oh, a German Shepherd, I didn't realize they were herding dogs" (She had a border collie).

[Samba]

I have come to believe it is difficult to find A GSD to suit me these days. I have lovely dogs. People are often trying to ger me to give one of them up to them. They are intelligent, trainable and companionable. For these reasons, I think I sound like a humbug regarding the breed. But, there is something missing too much of the time for me. A certain quality.

[PaddyD]

She didn't think a German SHEPHERD was a herding dog.
Now THAT's funny!

[martemchik]

Oh yeah, I resisted the urge to spell it out for her, but the next guy over couldn't! It was quite funny.

[BR870]

Originally Posted by Vicky

So, what is the ideal GSD in your mind? How do you feel about the split of the breed? What should the "true" GSD be able to do? What should it not be able to do?

In my opinion (and to those who disagree, remember it is just that... Mine)

In my opinion the GSD should be either what the Working Line Shepherd is or going back to what the breed was before the split. There is variation in what WL shepherds are like, from crazy over-the-top faux-linois to middle of the road pet family WL shepherds. Their body type has not been so distorted by show ring extremes.

In my estimation the Showline Shepherds show us that Max was right. The breed should always be bred from utility not form. And before anyone gets bent out of shape, Abbie my female is likely from a majority SL stock (atleast she looks very AmSL), and I have been training her with a local SchH club. She is doing okay, so I know they can... But I can still see the differences between her and the WL pups her age.

Again, just my opinion...