How did you decide? SL vs WL

[Verivus]

So I'm on the fence between getting a WGSL or a WL pup. I love both, and I plan on having both one day, but I just don't know which to start with. This would be my first GSD (though definitely not my first big dog) and I don't plan on doing any showing/breeding/competition sports. I might TRY Schutzhund, but it's not on my agenda at this moment and is not an important part of making my decision.

So for those of you who were also faced with this decision, how did you decide? And what advice would you give me?

[KZoppa]

i dont think i have anything to offer you in the way of advice but if BOTH lines interest you, why not look for a breeder who combines the lines? I've come across a few WGSL/WL breeders who did all the health testing and titling but with what i know of WGSL, they work and title their dogs so i guess it would probably boil down to how much energy do you want the dog to have?

[Verivus]

The thing is, I'm fine with however much energy the pup may have since I'm active myself. And just to clarify, when I say WL I'm talking about East German/Czech working lines. I guess the only main difference I'm seeing personally is the coat color and topline (which, as long as it isn't severely roached, isn't much of an issue to me)... hopefully someone can give me some sort of advice.

[MaggieRoseLee]

Think it's great you are looking into this early.

This ends up being such a personal decision I think you'd do well to find Sch clubs or breeders that you can visit and talk to people. Along with meeting their dogs so you can see, up close and personal, which type you prefer.

[JakodaCD OA]

It is a personal decision , as MRL said, go out and meet some dogs/breeders see what interests you and go with that.

I have always had working lines, just what I prefer

Good luck in your search

[onyx'girl]

Originally Posted by KZoppa

i dont think i have anything to offer you in the way of advice but if BOTH lines interest you, why not look for a breeder who combines the lines? I've come across a few WGSL/WL breeders who did all the health testing and titling but with what i know of WGSL, they work and title their dogs so i guess it would probably boil down to how much energy do you want the dog to have?

I truely do not think this is the way to go or good advice. Combining SL/WL is not bettering the breed, IMO.
I would look at pedigrees and see which ones will fit your lifestyle. And as posted above, go to GSD venues and see the different lines doing what they do best, talk with their owners and breeders if possible.
Either SL or WL's can have lots of energy, the biddability and work ethic in the lines would sway me towards the WL. It all depends on what you want in a dog, lookwise and for a great companion. If you want a dog that is not high drive, the DDR's are another option and gorgeous.

[GSDAlphaMom]

As stated by several already, this is totally a personal decision. Go with YOUR preference. I love the showlines so the only decision I had to make was finding quality breeders with quality dogs. Narrow it down to your personal preference and then start looking for quality breeders. You will find good/bad in all the lines.

[Emoore]

I fostered a working line dog, fell in love, and adopted him. Now that he's at the bridge I'm buying a working line puppy.

Really the best way to decide is to spend time with the dogs. You can't figure out which one you want by doing google searches and talking on message boards, you have to spend time with dogs.

[atravis]

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

I truely do not think this is the way to go or good advice. Combining SL/WL is not bettering the breed, IMO.
I would look at pedigrees and see which ones will fit your lifestyle. And as posted above, go to GSD venues and see the different lines doing what they do best, talk with their owners and breeders if possible.
Either SL or WL's can have lots of energy, the biddability and work ethic in the lines would sway me towards the WL. It all depends on what you want in a dog, lookwise and for a great companion. If you want a dog that is not high drive, the DDR's are another option and gorgeous.

And widening the riff between the two sides, further isolating the gene pool, is?

Both sides could due to benefit from the other. Its thinking like this that has created these massive splits.

[KZoppa]

Originally Posted by atravis

And widening the riff between the two sides, further isolating the gene pool, is?

Both sides could due to benefit from the other. Its thinking like this that has created these massive splits.

agreed.