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Ann, there is a site called The Illustrated Standard of the German Shepherd Dog by Linda Shaw that was originally from the Schutzhund USA Magazine. I am sorry, I don't know how to post a link <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

http://www.shawlein.com/The_Standard/Index_Page/Index_Page.htm

http://www.workingdogs.com/lshaw1.htm

Thanks Connie. I just went through that site again. Ann, I did not see the skeletal overlay I thought was there. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

This is just an unrelated aside, but...

I found the "similar breeds comparisons" interesting -- However, it should be noted that when the dog & wolf genomes were recently compared, it was proven that the various (so-called) European "wolf-dogs" are NOT wolf hybrids at all & are in fact far removed from wolves, genetically speaking...

Of the breeds which were tested (this did NOT include all dog breeds from every country) it was discovered that the wolf's closest doggie relatives are in fact the Akita, Basenji, Chow Chow, Shar-Pei, and Shiba Inu <:-)

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Hi Jeanne, i have a West German showline dog and he doesn't have a roached back at all, far from it, he's super athletic (can run all day and he does) and has an excellent temperament, fun dog to own, just my experience,
AL

Hi Al,

I was responding to the OP which made no sense whatsoever. You can't compare the breed standard for American dogs if you are discussing roach backs. American dogs don't have roach backs. If you are discussing roach back dogs, they are German Showlines. I never said all German show line dogs have roach backs, of course there are ones without it. I also own a West German showline dog without a roach back. He is a very nice dog who excels in looking fantastic and not much else. I will never get another one. I'm going to stick to Mals in the future.

http://shawlein.com/The_Standard/12_Type_Comparison/Comparison_Types.html
Skeletal overlays, I think that's what you're looking for.

(Tongue firmly in cheek)
AKC standard for the GSD:

Head: Weak, fine boned, feminine in type, large satellite ears, skinny skull.
Neck: Held up high.
Topline: Sloping down at a good angle, a ball should easily roll off the dog's back.
Forequarters: Fine bone, down pasterns.
Hindquarters: Very weak, small in size due to the sloping back. Dog should stand with one foot in plantar position ideally, near-plantar is accepted.

Movement: The dog should appear slightly drunk and off balance when walking, placing each paw in a sloppy, near-plantigrade style. A back end that appears very unstable and loose is preferred. Turns and agile moves should be difficult and time-consuming to execute. At trot, the dog should appear to fly though extremely low to the ground.

At least that's what I think they should change the standard to because that's exactly what it seems the breeders and judges are aiming for. It's such a shame, they complain about working dogs not having any type when in fact they're dropping their pants all over what the breed was originally designed and built for. And then some of the West German showlines have very odd toplines. I've noticed that there are a lot of west german dogs that, if they're not V or VA, they look very "off." And yet there are those that aren't VA that look wonderful. Such a disparity amongst the types, and that's just on the outside!

Here is a great link to show you

http://www.gsdca.org/Noframes/standard/IllStan1.htm

Diana, ROTFLOLF.....then cry because it is so true.

Diana, I am also ROFL with tears because, sadly, it is all too true.

connie, barbara and diana--thanks for the link, just what i was looking for--now saved into "favs". <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />