A discussion elsewhere on how large people's GSDs are got me thinking.

I have small GSDs, even for GSDs. Both Luc (68lbs when adopted, and 'perfect' as per vet) and Teagan (70lbs when adopted, and chunky) now weigh in the 53lb range.

What are the chances that I would have two GSDs that are (in my opinion) perfect at 53lbs? People comment that they are thin, and they are, but I like 'em that way.

I have met GSDs that looked exactly like Luc (except they were girls, and even then, bigger). I've had GSD breeders tell me he looks purebred. American lines perhaps, as he certainly isn't overwhelmed with masculine features? Then I've had random people guess he was part Mal (given his lack of drives, if he's a GSD/Mal cross, ouch - though I guess 3 years in a shelter could screw up any dog's drives). I don't see Mal in him at all. People usually think Luc is a female dog, and then when they find out he's a male, they think he's a puppy (he is goofy) - he's 6 years old.

So, Luc:
When I adopted him:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a384/mitchthecat/FirstpicofLuc.jpg
Some other pics, more recent:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a384/mitchthecat/Lucontrail.jpg
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3332812&l=90fb8b928d&id=630190844
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3332813&l=665872650c&id=630190844
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2337612&l=dd6a8c6285&id=630190844
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2335522&l=9e29949393&id=630190844

Teagan was listed as a full GSD at the shelter. However, when we were doing French Ring with Neb, she came along a couple of times and we worked afterwords with the trainer on some of her behaviours. When everyone saw her first, just her head, they all said 'Tervuven!' and then when they saw her body, said 'long-haired GSD'. So again, I am curious.

When I first got her, not only can you see how fat she was but what her coat is like from the top:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a384/mitchthecat/Teagan/DSCN0328.jpg

And more:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2335625&l=5e757426c7&id=630190844
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3057341&l=c5609ef764&id=630190844
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2750573&l=9d33c865d7&id=630190844
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2335389&l=26e5b156a2&id=630190844
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2688485&l=15958e2057&id=630190844

One of my all-time faves of Teagan:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2688305&l=c3a75c9258&id=630190844

Well, apparently the standard for GSD females is 22-32kg, or 48-70lbs! So Teagan IS in standard, if on the small size.

Danke, depending on the time of year, weighs between 60-67 lbs, or 27-30 kg.

In the winter I try to bulk her up a little, in the summer she is very lean. She's on the "small" side when compared to the average GSD, but she's actually correct per the breed standard, and the historical sizes of GSDs.

Do they look PB GSD to you? Or a little something else?

no facebook links!!!
I can't get to them at work!

lol

 Quote: wendy lefebvre

no facebook links!!!
I can't get to them at work!

lol

Ditto

From the pics I did see, I'd say Teagan looks purebred and Luc looks like what our rescue calls "high mix" meaning more than 50% GSD. Not sure what other breed(s) are thrown in there. Possibly another herding breed (border collie?) of some sort or Husky?

I have learned, since I rescue a certain breed that is very hard to identify by looks, to judge by the dog's character.

Edit: I'll try and remember to look at your facebook links when I get home.

Hmmm, Teagan's character: intimidating if she doesn't know you, sweetball if she does and you're OK.

Luc's character: Is it bad if I say 'goofy and stupid'? In all seriousness, his character - sweet, sweet, and sweet some more. Not the smartest dog, but very loving and sweet. We call him the 'Golden Retriever of German Shepherds' - his GSD moments do come out sometimes, and they always startle me.

It's honestly too hard to say from photos.
Perhaps if I had stacked shots with something in the background for size reference.

 Quote: angela burrell

 Quote: wendy lefebvre

no facebook links!!!
I can't get to them at work!

lol

Ditto

From the pics I did see, I'd say Teagan looks purebred and Luc looks like what our rescue calls "high mix" meaning more than 50% GSD. Not sure what other breed(s) are thrown in there. Possibly another herding breed (border collie?) of some sort or Husky?

If he's a mix, it'd have to be another breed with a recessive black (or dominant black) gene, since black is a recessive gene in GSDs.
So... what breeds are dominant or recessive black?
Labs? Unlikely. His ears wouldn't stand.

Belgian Shepherds (Groenendaels) carry dominant black.
(This occassionally crops up in Mals, and is a good indication that a Goenendael is somewhere down the line... which is really irrelevant in Europe, but the AKC gets pretty butt-hurt about it.)

That's a possibility.

Schipperkes also carry the black gene.

Either of those crosses would make sense with Luc, the Belgian more than the Schipperke. Any other breeds would make it unlikely that he has the build, ears and tail he does.

Assuming he's not purebred, which I'm not ruling out.

I don't see anything besides Am. line GSD in Luc, honestly. And since you mention "Golden Retriever" personality, well, then that's probably what he is, lol. Golden in GSD suit...aka Am. line.

Teagan I don't know about. Longhair or Terv cross maybe. I don't see much to contest GSD in her face.