From the AKC website: "Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) Based in Belgium, FCI licenses international shows in its 72 member countries, including the well-known annual World Show. FCI maintains breed standards for all its 341 recognized breeds. It does not operate a registry but accepts pedigrees for show purposes from the registries of its member countries. FCI has a reciprocity agreement with the AKC, the Canadian Kennel Club, and The Kennel Club (of England), which are not members."
The American GSD is bred primarily for a trot and with little consideration for working ability. Not all breeders agree with this but it is what it is. It's very depressing to see dogs which should be sturdy, agile workers walk with floppy hocks/feet and possess the turn radius of a Hummer limo. As for the other lines, many German showlines are bred for a different physical extreme and many working lines are bred for high sport competition. As stated, extremes in any direction are not correct but overall I think the working lines best fit the standard with the exception of the rare German showlines with excellent physical structure (per the standard) as well as working ability. IMO, the majority of American line GSDs turn me off or bother me, same with a lot of German showlines, both for different reasons. I've seen just a few American showlines I really liked but quite a few more German showlines I'd love to own. We all have our personal preferences and while I don't agree with it, there is a GSD for everyone (even though not everyone should have one).
I think a true GSD should match the FCI standard but first and foremost should have working ability along with family life ability. As far as extremes go for the working lines, I don't agree with it to produce a sport dog that doesn't work "for real," but I completely support breeding an extreme dog that is bred for use as a PSD, PPD, narc dog, etc. In other words, it serves a true purpose instead of bringing a handler to the podium of a national competition. I feel the same other working dogs- if the best cattle dog for aggressive cattle is too rough to live indoors with family, I think it's just fine since it can serve its intended purpose very well.