Working vs Show lines for a GSD beginner

[GSD Fan]

Hi, GSD Fan here, also the member who asks a million questions!

Any way, I know everyone here knows one of my goals is to start a siberian kennel, BUT I still plan on owning a GSD one day.

I really like what I hear and see of German Showline Breeders, BUT, I have a question.

From your experience, if you had to recommend lines to a beginner GSD person, what lines would you recommend? Would you recommend working lines or showlines for a first time GSD owner?

I like what I see of West German Show lines, but one reason why is because of hearing how "hard" and "drivey" working line dogs are. I don't think I have experience with a drivey or working dog.

[Uniballer]

Go meet some dogs. Watch them train, if you can. Watch a schutzhund trial with show and working line dogs entered, if possible. Watch an SV style show and/or breed survey, if you want. Within no more than a few years you will have an informed opinion (it might not take that long .

[GSD Fan]

Originally Posted by Uniballer

Go meet some dogs. Watch them train, if you can. Watch a schutzhund trial with show and working line dogs entered, if possible. Watch an SV style show and/or breed survey, if you want. Within no more than a few years you will have an informed opinion (it might not take that long .

I was actually at a dog show not too long ago and met my first GSD. He was friendly and I actually liked him. I forgot to ask what lines he was.

But okay, I get the picture. The next dog show I go to I will see if there are GSDs there and ask about them and what lines they are.

[Uniballer]

You are not likely to meet many German show line or working line GSDs in an AKC conformation ring because their owners do not expect to be competitive there.. You might find them in the obedience ring. I would try to find a USCA or WDA or DVG club. AFAIK, all of these clubs sponsor working trials, and some of them sponsor SV-style breed shows or breed surveys.

[GSD Fan]

Thank you for links, mate. I appreciate them. I see a schutzhund event I can go to in November in AL, I will keep an eye on it.

[Josie/Zeus]

I was wondering about this too. Although I am not new with GSDs, I will never take on having a working line gsd in my home.

I am happy with WGSL- if you pick the right breeder, the dogs can DO the work.

What is working dog anyway? If you are not going to use the dog for real work- what's the point?

But that's just me.

[Anja1Blue]

Not all working line dogs are hard (which should translate as resilient) and drivey. Not all show lines are working wash outs. I've owned both, and while my preference now is for WL, I started out with a long coated WG showline. He had a lot of working ability, was high energy - but like the dogs I have now he had an "off" switch and could change hats quickly. He was a very biddable, sweet dog, would do anything to please, so he was the absolutely ideal first German Shepherd. We adopted him at age 3 from a respected breeder who had taken him back from his original owner when that individual decided he didn't want him any more. (Reputable breeders can be a good resource for a first dog, even if you aren't going the puppy route.)

I agree it's a good idea to go to different shows/working trials and not only look at what is there but talk to owners and ask a lot of questions. Apart from anything else, there are many health problems associated with the GSD, and while I would say that overall WL might have the edge over SL dogs in this department (not as prolifically bred) they still have issues. Decide what goals you have for your dog based on what you learn, and go from there.

I was always pleased with the fact that I didn't start out with a puppy - an older dog, one which had basic OB, was well past the chewing, nipping baby stage, was housebroken etc etc gave me the opportunity to objectively evaluate what the breed was all about and if it was right for us. Much easier to go on to a puppy later if that's what you decide you want.

And FYI - a GSD is VERY different from a Siberian Husky, I can't think of 2 breeds which are farther apart......
________________________________________
Susan

Anja SchH3 GSD
Conor GSD
Blue BH WH T1 GSD - waiting at the Bridge

[Josie/Zeus]

Also, if you can find a PSA club in your area, go and watch them train as well, it's fascinating.

[GSDAlphaMom]

Originally Posted by Anja1Blue

Not all working line dogs are hard (which should translate as resilient) and drivey. Not all show lines are working wash outs.

Nice post and a true statement. It's nice to see a WL person make such a statement. The constant SL bashing by a couple of people on here gets old.

I've seen weak nerves in both lines and I've seen solid nerves in both lines.

GSDFan I know you recently attend your first confirmation show. Be aware these are American showlines and there is a difference between them and the German showlines as there is with working lines. Get to know all of them and with any you choose most important will be choosing a reputable breeder.

[GSDAlphaMom]

Josie sent you an email.