Correct temperment, What is it? - Page 7

I've already asked him one question that he hasn't answered. If he reads here again and feels like answering me he will.

I have to go feed my gerbil again, it has a voracious appetite for such an insignificant critter.

Hell I'm 60, how old is Jim Engel?
I hate labels, show line, working line, it don't mean shit to me.
There are some fine dogs in both camps I'm sure, I know of a couple living in someone's back yard too, imagine.
I don't think anything is lost Sunsilver, i think it's just harder to find, I think some don't even know what to look for, they only know what part they'd prefer, one part's all they care about.
I agree people like Fidelco have seen change, or maybe it was just a couple of bad apples only that created concern, either way they had to watch out for their own interests too.
Another broad label as far as I'm concerned, doesn't mean shit.
If someone can't find a correct GSD with all the bells and whistles, I suggest they are looking in the wrong places.
 

I believe you got to give respect before you get respect.

True, KitKat. I just want to keep this discussion....which has been very good and informative up until now....from heading any further south!

And I'm sure you know how I feel about show lines. A good dog is a good dog, regardless of pedigree.

Respect is not a trade, you must earn it.
 

Thx Sitasmom, I respect you for acknowledging the obvious, that is supported by the production of show and working dogs coming from same dams and sires during that period of the breed. Some of us have not deviated from that concept even up to today. ( I include you in that group because the most important aspect of breeding starts first with the mindset of priorities the breeder has in breeding ). Other than that, I have little to contribute to topic....take care!

Blitzen, I was not bashing dock diving or looking down my nose at it.  And I'm definitely not against OB or agility, as I have done both and have even put CGCs and a TDI on my dogs before doing Schutzhund and Police K-9.  Believe me, I am all FOR versatility.  I apologize if I came off as a bit snarky.    My entire point was predicated on those who screw the original working dog standard that was so thoroughly delineated (in relation to temperament) in Dawulf's link.  I'm not saying you do, I'm just saying there is a general trend toward that.  In other words, I'm against how the GSD is being turned into a Lab in many cases.  I wish more people would read and understand the concepts described in Dawulf's link--and Jim's as well.  When one really examines what is needed to test nerves, drives and thresholds, it goes WAY beyond the dog being "whatever we want it to be."  That's not a standard. 

PA K9, no offense taken to what you said. I didn't appreciate the gerbil comparison or the little old lady sport remark. I am, I associate with and I train with GSD owners and breeders who work hard 24/7 to breed and train GSD's that can get their breed surveys, earn IPO titles, PAM's, AKC OB, rally, agility titles, dock diving, serve as service and therapy dogs and in one case, one Sch 3 has earned an AKC CH . We don't ask to see pedigrees. To have that work demeaned by someone who has never tried it is well, nothing more than bullshiit. One of our best dock divers is a Czech dog. We love and honor her the same as my ASL CH. To suggest otherwise is the worse form of kennel blindness.

When I said a GSD can be anything we want it to be I didn't mean a lab-like dog. I think most here knew that or should have. The will to serve.......

in those of us that live in countries where dogs are being bred for something other than food products we have a thing called freedom within the law to pursue any lifestyle and means to financially support it we choose - SO if there is a demand for pet/show/flyball/manstopper/LEO quality dogs then SFU and let people buy and own them.

you guys are way late, the "breed" is technically a bunch of sub-breeds around a central theme, stop wasting yr time fighting reality and go train yr dog.

VK4,
the breed standard still stands, and if you have never seen one that's not my fault.
Sub breeds my ass.

There is weakness in the breed, same as there is weakness in every other breed, including your hounds.
That doesn't mean that there is not a true representation of any breed in great enough numbers to ensure the survival of that breed, according to standards.
Especially the German Shepherd Dog.

Moons.