Shoot! I've just discovered the terrible thing that is the American German Shepherd. I had thought those slope backs were strange if not downright unattractive! I had not realized they were the pride of American AKC! Yikes, I really need to do more research. I noticed from the pictures of my dog that there is a bit of a slope to his back, I had not thought it as severe as those in American dogs. I have yet to see him in person, though I'd really like to get some second opinions on him. Dare I ask, is he one of those slope backed spooks that Ed speaks of? (However I think he is flawless and awe inspiring in every other way)
Diana Matusik Webboard User Reg: 04-27-2004
Posts: 456
Loc: Central FL
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Oh nooooo no no. This dog is stacked in an extreme manner, for the life of me I have no idea why, but the structure appears as though the dog's a typical working line dog. His unextended rear leg stands normally and not flat footed like in American dogs. I think you're fine with his structure without knowing hip/elbow xrays, you know, just by looking at the photo. Eurosport K9?
Also, photos aren't allowed in this section, only in the member bios & photos section. You could post the link to the photo instead of the actual pic, I think that would still be ok.
Pictures can be deceiving...wait until you see him in person! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
I'm sure there are pictures of me that give me the dreaded slope/hunch back. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> ...(kidding)
I don't think so either. That dog does look "extremely stacked." Plus givin the coloring (correct me if I'm wrong here) in your dog, you don't see that too much in the American Dogs. But there are certainly more trained eyes here than I.
On a second note. I was thinking Eurosport K9 as well <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />...cause that dog looks crazy similiar to mine (from Eurosport).
Either way, as long as the dog is working well and doesn't have problems associated with the back, I was under the impression it didn't really matter to much either way (whether it was sloped or not). From a working standpoint.
my dogs back bone slants downn at the end so can you
be more direct or specific in the question?? AKC and reality ???? Working dogs and AKC get real!!! I hate to be political correct or even spell correct but I will stop there.
Those who would give up essential freedoms for the temporary feeling of safety deserve neither!!
Stop worrying, the dog has been placed in a stance with his back leg pushed back. ( a typical stance for a picture ) the dog has a nice head from what I can see, and is and short coupled, I would say at a guess he is from working lines. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Aww, thank you so much guys! That nearly brought a tear to my eye! I'm quite the novice with GSDs even though I love and respect them beyond question. After reading Ed's article on the AKC I was shocked to learn that severe angulation in the back was not the intended structure for the GSD, and I'll admit it was my least favorite trait. I'm extremely glad that I didn't mess up in choosing my new partner. I was looking for a working line over a show line, and thanks to your learned input it appears that I have it! Shush about Eurosport though, you guys are much too perceptive! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge, Brooke <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
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