are they for real?? - Page 5

yes, they have lost their way,  but why put the blame on the judges?  they can only judge what the breeders take to them.  So it is really the breeders who have done this. 

We've had more conversations with American GSD breeders & a couple of judges, over this past year than I can remember in the past.
Some  American GSD breeders, are realizing that their bloodlines are in "dire straits" by being sooooo closely "wound tight" that they have no room to breath.
The dogs have lost.....type, strength, and temperment.  They must work fast and diligent to save "their" breed style.

They are looking into bringing "European blood" into their lines.  Some have even discussed our dogs.

I don't know what exactly the "formula" is??......I, unlike my husband...do not know much about American bloodlines.
But I have seen American dogs that I have liked in the past... (15+)years ago....and some of today.
I wish them success.

Robin

NO Uberland......in this realm of things......you are misinformed.
The Judges "control" the breed style.......the breeders "conform" to the Judges.
The breeders "produce" the "type" of dog, that the Judges say is desired.....by placing them in the top show groupings...period.
No breeder in their right mind.....would continue to breed...or for that fact....have ANY success....if they did not produce what "pleases" the Judges in that era............(.NO absolutely!  The judges control the breed changes.)

Robin

so then it goes from breeding for the betterment of the breed, to breeding for what wins the ribbons?

I think you can still breed within the parameters of a V rating and not conform to trends?

It goes to breeding, competing , titling, investing in the breed you love....period.
But the GSD of 30+ years ago is not the GSD of today.......it, like every other living thing "changes".
You can either choose to change with it, or choose not.
We must keep the breed "capable" of doing the original tasks that it was originally bred to do......however; those "original" tasks have little to no bearing on their everyday lives today.
Most dogs do not herd flocks on a daily basis,....yet it's the job this breed was "originally" designed for.
Most dogs do not "compete" in the sport of Schutzhund,......yet it's the sport, that was designed for this breed.
Most dogs are not asked to "guard" our country through a war........yet, they had a huge part of them in the past.

Being "capable" is what this breed should be required to be..............some will excell.....fantastic!
You better the breed by keeping it capable to perform the tasks that it was originally bred for.
This is the reason Germany still requires the min of a ScH1, kkl to be breed worthy.

I as a breeder/exhibitor will continue to conform.

KCzaja,

I agree with you..........conform & breed to the standard....without following only a trend.
That is what I mean by "capable".......

it should be about time for "vultures" to circle......or even better........The tough working dudes & dudets.
I refuse to engage in "cyber debate war" over working vs show.
Here's a tidbit of info.........Had & have working lines too!.....yep, love & appreciate them the same.....but it's mostly my husband's "cup of tea'.

Uberland, Sunsilver......I enjoyed posting with you....even if opinions are different....I respect yours.
Robin

Robin, I've read your posts over several times, and I'm still not quite clear on what you're saying. What do you do if you feel the current trend does not conform to the breed standard, and may actually be harmful to the dog's working capabilities?

Will you follow the trend, or conform to the breed standard at the cost of not winning as high a placing?

Sorry if I'm a little slow on the uptake tonight! 

The breed standard...is the standard.
It remains "written" the way it was originated.........the "interpretation" of the standard is set forth with changes the Judges' make over the decades.
Each judge has his/her own interpretation, therefor not all dogs place the same with all judges.....
A trully well structured, balanced dog will place well with any judge....(provided politics & financial status) don't fall into play.....wow...that never happens!

We personally do not believe in breeding dogs that we do not trust conform to the standard.
I know the correct angles, fronts, toplines, croups...etc.....that this breed is supposed to have, so we try to breed accordingly.
A trend follower.......no.........but I do know a correct dog when I see one.
AND theres a "type" I personally like......and my husband likes another......ha....try to live with that!

did I answer your question?......sorry...I'm tired now too.