Hi my name is Dan,

I am a fairly new member and a first time GSD owner. This is me and my new boy Chief.

I have to admit I didn't do things the preferred way. Chief is not a registered GSD, and I got him from a backyard breeder, but it doesn't mean I love him any less. Both of his parents were registered, however. (His mom is not from the US, but I forget now where she is from.) He is a good boy so far, and if nothing else I have learned that maybe I got lucky this time, and not to try my luck next time.

I notice his back doesn't slope as much as the AKC standard. I am not sure what this means, but he has a very level back. Both of his parents were on site, and neither of them had the sloped back either. Maybe some of the members can weigh in on this?

Chief loves fetch, hiking, and chasing the birds on Fiesta Island. We are working with the Drive and Focus video, and he seems to me like he has a ton of prey drive. Playing fetch has probably hurt his bite, however, because he is mouthy.

I love the forum thanks for letting me share!

Me and Chief. He is 3.5 months here:


7 months here:

Hi Dan and welcome. Cheif is a good looking dog. Love the puppy photo of him at the bottom.

Sandy

Welcome!

You could check with the GSD folk, but I would prefer your dog's structure (for working and for looks) over any AKC champion I have seen of late.

Sounds like Cheif is a real keeper

Welcome Dan.

Nice boy you have there.

Thank you all for the kind replies. I sure am having a lot of fun with him. This being my first GSD, I have a lot to learn. I have seen huge differences between his tempermant and my lab mix, Justice.

I have really enjoyed the videos I ordered from this site and have learned a lot already, but I have lots of questions still. Some I am getting the answers with time. Others, members here have answered for me. I really want Chief to grow up to his potential. I have been trying to soak up info as fast as I can, but puppies learn faster than I do it seems. LOL.

Thanks again.
Dan

 Quote: Daniel A. Young

I have been trying to soak up info as fast as I can, but puppies learn faster than I do it seems. LOL.

Thanks again.
Dan

LOL....well said.
I agree with you.......

Dan and Chief, welcome to the forum. Chief is a handsome fella. As far as AKC registration is concerned, if both his parents were registered, he can be as well. I'm not sure how all that works but you can get a paper filled out by the breeder so you can register Chief. May or may not need that paper (has to do with limited or full registration), others may know. I got a paper from the breeder.

About his back - better for a GSD to have a straight back than an exaggerated sloping back. You will find this site by Linda Shaw extremely information and interesting. I consider her one of the foremost experts in GSD conformation and standards: http://www.shawlein.com/c_the_breed/shawlein_standard.htm

Just for curiosity's sake, I'd like to see a picture of Chief from the side, not standing on a sloping area like the picture you posted. Remember too that he is not standing "stacked" as it's called (one hind leg back, one slightly forward), but is standing square on all 4 legs.

I've just recently been to Fiesta Island with my GSD, Lear, and I'm familiar with the area where you took the picture. It slightly slopes to the bay water, like a beach and Chief's rump is on the upward part of the slope, making his back look straighter than it probably is. I took Lear to that huge closed in area, closed in by high sand walls, where they store the sand they use to fill in the beach. Let him run loose in there. The picture below is of him on top of one of the sand walls. Fiesta Island is a great place to take a dog. But I had to stay away from the loose dogs there. We went early on a weekday so it wasn't too bad. Made it a one day trip from Phoenix - ouch.

Dan
Your pup is a cutie. I am also a first time GSD owner and also having a blast. This definately will not be my last.

I have read that the angulation you talk about can be a negative health wise down the line.

Sounds like you hit a home run first time to bat.

 Quote: Michelle Berdusco

I have read that the angulation you talk about can be a negative health wise down the line.

Actually, some slope to the back is preferred and is the standard. Just not to the extreme we see in some American showlines.

 Quote: sandy moore

Just for curiosity's sake, I'd like to see a picture of Chief from the side, not standing on a sloping area like the picture you posted. Remember too that he is not standing "stacked" as it's called (one hind leg back, one slightly forward), but is standing square on all 4 legs.

I don't know if I am allowed to post another picture in this thread, but if so I will try to get a better one with him standing stacked and on level ground. If I am not allowed to post another picture, I can try to get a link posted.