just curious as to why there is no conformation category on this site? it is rather dissapointing considering structure is very important in our breed <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Structure is very important. If you look around, all the dogs featured are typical of the breed in size and weight, in general conformation, in angulation. They're very nice and harmonious German Shepherd Dogs.
What they aren't are dogs bred and dedicated to the goal of winning conformation titles, neither German nor American ones. While I'm sure a dog turns up that could do decently in the German show ring, the truth is competitive conformation is a sub-specialty of dog fancy and to succeed, you must make breeding decisions that aren't necessarily in the best interests of other aspects of that breed of dog.
In many breeds succeeding at conformation and any other goal is merely tough: in German Shepherd Dogs where the different 'arenas' are deeply divided, it's all but impossible.
That's why there's no conformation section. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
IMO there are precious few resouces/boards for working dog folks, but there are lots for conformation ppl. This board seems to draw the folks who are actually out training working dogs and consider *utility is the true criterion of beauty*--Max von Stephanitz.
If you mean ack conformation, I'd be rather surprised to see that here.
Hear, hear. My experience on other lists has shown that once the conformation junkies show up, they invariably take over the list and begin to ignore all discussions that have to do with working ability. There now seems to be a groundswell beginning to move things back toward an interest in working ability (especially for the GSD breed). And not a moment too soon. Yes, conformation has its place--but those of us whose primary interest is in working traits need a place to exchange information and ideas too. It's great that Ed has provided us with one.
You're right, Pete. *Form follows function* is good enough for me. If we start hearing about *typey*, we are in big, big trouble.
The reason I come here is b/c it's one of the few places that does provide a forum to discuss real working dogs.
If anyone wants to see true beauty, I can mail you my pup's prelim xrays.
I would agree, although it is too bad that conformation is looked at as 'typey'.
A structurally correct dog is important but that does not necessarily have anything to do with how pretty a dog looks.
In order to have good function you will need good strong basics in form as well. (again..nothing to do with how pretty a dog is, but more about a strong back, tight feet, good pasterns, full mouth of teeth (and I am sure others could add a few).
*Typey* is an ack conformation show term <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
I think any breeder who sincerely strives to produce good working dogs is going to consider structure in the context of how it improves the dog's ability to work, ie endurance, speed, power, agility, etc. rather than what is the fad de jour in the show ring.
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