We love this breed and will do anything to protect it.Remember the reasons we fell in love with this breed. We love the German Shepherd Dog because it is beautiful, loyal, energetic, playful, faithful, protective of its owner, strong, fast, athletic, just an all around great dog. No matter where the dog came from, what we train for, breed for, at the end of the day he/she is the German Shepherd Dog we love, enjoy, take pride, and enjoy. We all have different views of how the dog should look and what we like. We all have a different preference of what we look for in a dog.

For me, my dogs didn't come from breeders or anything. They weren't bred for a certain trait or anything. They aren't breeding quality, working quality, show quality. or anything of the sort. But one thing that is for sure, they are beautiful, loyal, energetic, playful, faithful, protective of my family and me, strong, athletic and all around great dogs. To me they are a German Shepherd and thats what they always will be. I love them for them, I love them because they are a breed I love, cherish, enjoy and take pride on owning them. I love them, they love me. Thats all that matters.

For them they don't care whether or not they are show quality, breeding quality, working quality, all that really matters to them is that you are happy and love them, if you are happy and love them, then they know they did their job. I am not saying no one here doesn't love their dog or dogs.

After all, a dog is a man or a woman's best friend.

Just my 2 cents. And now I will go an hug my 2 beuatiful, loyal, athletic, protective, energetic, playful, faithful, and all around great German Shepherds.

 

I have heard and seen enough in a variety of places involved with evaluating the dogs, that I can attest to Cliff's pervasive and overreaching influence! If it were not for him, I am sure all would be well and happiness would abound!

 

I have done good without Cliff.lol I don't know him. But I don't evaluate dogs.lol

 

I think that you forgot your meds?...
There is nothing in my post "directed" AT you personally...except an answer to the hypothetical question you stated....regarding a 7yr old dog...etc..
ACTUALLY....I was posting WHY I ask questions regarding statements and opinions.....perhaps you should have read better?!
I also stated that because I am not a hypocrite NOR follower....I ask such questions and have such opinions.
AGAIN...let me state factual...."Many posters whether this forum or others, will comment about venues or services being worthless...but their dogs themselves do nothing."....hence the comment: "I find it hypocritical to suggest doing nothing is better than doing something"....
I am confident with my own dogs...they can and do perform mutiple tasks and venues....as many other breeders dogs do also.
I do not agree or simply "not" ask questions & debate people, just because I may respect them or not....again, not a follower....nor do I feel the need to "fit" in.
I think YOU had a nerve hit?!

So..understand what you may....no nerve could be hit...and the shoe can't fit.

 

At my age, there isn't any nerves left; the only people following me are the guys in the white coats; so you don't follow nor care to fit in - are you an island unto yourself? Why doesn't the shoe fit - you got no feet?

 

I also wanted to make a point to say....IF I had directed anything to you Doc or anyone else personally.....I am completely self assured enough to make it noted as such.
Robin

 

General reminder to please keep this civil and impersonal.

Admin Lisa

******

 

Lisa,
I guess because I decided (against my better judgement) to post...asking questions and being the "odd ball in"....it became a "personal" conflict to some.
..when someone does not agree with the majority, they are "troublesome", go against the grain, or are aggressively commented to....(it becomes a hostile envirement)......what a shame...
I'll continue to refrain from commenting, requesting answers & asking questions.....after all...I don't want to rain on any-one's parade.
Please carry on with your topic....

 

Robin, that was a "general" reminder meaning a reminder for everyone. You need to not take everything written as being personal and directed at you.

Admin Lisa

*****

 

I think any dog can be great at something if their owner is willing to get involved too. But just because the dog comes from lines of excellent Schutzhund parents doesn't necessarily mean he will be a great Schutzhund dog too, he may be great at something else like agility or something.

 

Very true, but if both parents and a few of the grandparents and other relatives were great at Sch, the odds are higher that he will be great at Sch than another dog without relatives that were good at Sch.

That is, we would believe this if we believe that the ability to do great at Sch is influenced by the genes contained in the individual dog. And this may also be true for jobs other than Sch as well.

 

Yes Doc....I am on an Island...or at least enough farm land, that even Jesus himself could lose his slippers.
And as for footwear....my personal choice is hiking boots....:shrug:

 

:headbang:

(I have always wanted to use this icon!)

 

You might this one from my private collection...

I so enjoy threads where information, ideas and opinions are shared. We can each use our brain in discernment regarding information. The fun seems to stop with the "you" types of communication challenging people personally gets going. That takes the discussion off track to personal issues where people try to explain the experiences that lead to their opinion... that is all fine and well. But to continue to challenge the "yous" after an explanation has been given seems a quick way to shut down interesting sharing for all members, JMO.

 

You might this one from my private collection...

I do like yours better!

 

I think that they might be able to be trained to do some things; but will not be expert in many of them and would be better replaced by dogs bred to have the built in characteristics to do the work!

The point isn't to be an expert. That idea needs to be let go. These dogs are supposed to be GOOD at "everything", not great! Heck, Strauss pulled a dog sled when we were in WI!!

As far as the winning in the breed ring, what is a "Southeastern Regional USA conformation show"? Is that an AKC sanctioned show or one of the smaller dog organizations?

USA would be the United Schutzhund Clubs of America. It is not easy for a working line to win in conformation in any of the venues. I'd say it's quite an accomplishment. Congrats, Cliff

 

It is not easy to win any conformation nod with a working line dog. To breed a dog with working abilities and also to consider its conformation is a challenge. So much has to be considered and balanced when breeding a more whole or more complete dog.

As to what conformation esteemed in various rings best suits a working bred animal, that is another conversation. But, to have the accomplishment of correctness to the dog acknowledged, good deal!

 

not many people know why or how they came up with it, but it's the breed standard. i've heard rumors about german police not using german shepherd anymore due to the slope that might affect their working abilities and alot of them are switching over to malinois which have straight back. But personally i don't think it's natural for dogs to have a sloped back, when you look at a cheetah(fastest running animal), it's got a straight back.

 

Dead thread arise! Arise!

 

Resurrected by misinformation! :lurking:

 

Night of the Living Dead Threads!

Is that what they mean by a Zombie Apocalypse?