Whidh One?

[LaneyB]

I have a showline dog, and I don't think your comments are at all offensive. People here may be able to recommend good working breeders to you if you stick around.

[jocoyn]

I definitely think seeing dogs in person and doing more research is in order. Both the European working and showlines must have working titles as it is required by the SV. You really should be able to do very well without going for an overseas dog and have working titled parents/lineage.

Though even there, the titles and koer are a sign the breeder is investing work and getting objective verification the dogs are good breeding prospect. But a lack of titles may not necessarily mean the parents are unsuitable. Several dogs in my pup's lineage are working SAR dogs and Police K9s without sport titles but I knew a lot about the extended family on both sides and what they were doing.

So it would be good to get some more insights on the different types. You can get a good German Showlines dog and a Bad Working Lines dog-it comes down to the breeding, then the individual pup (though my preference is definitely for the working lines). A good WL pup also tends to cost less than a SL pup)

I am not sure where the AKC showlines are going these days. I know they went far afield for awhile after the 80s but thought they were returning to a more moderate dog..but I don't know; have not actually had one since 1985.

[GsdLoverr729]

From what I'm meeting they are beginning to return to more moderate dogs. At least in my area.
But, as with the other lines, there are breeders who breed for the most extreme conformation and ignore nerves, pedigree, temperament, etc.
Great post, btw, Nancy!!!

OP- You can start researching here: (Types of German Shepherds, by Wildhaus Kennels )