I agree that it's better to find a working line dog that also has correct conformation. Look at the worst case scenario for both show / working lines.
In the working line - If you've got sound temperament and nerve you may have some pups with less than perfect conformation but still function well.
In the show line - You MAY have good conformation throughout the litter but are unlikely to have more than 1 or 2 pups good nerves and drives to work... or, more likely, the whole litter will have mediocre and weak nerve.
I have a show/working mix female. I call her my black and "blonde". She has the energy of a working line dog, but the ability to control it of a show line dog. She wants the toy, but won't sit for it. She's too "ugly" to win in conformation (although she can move without falling over), but doesn't have the stuff to be trained. She barks, not when someone in on the property, when either she sees someone on the road or hears the doorbell (as long as burglars use the doorbell we are safe).
And my personal favorite, because of her angulation and brains when trying to get out of a fiberglass bath tub instead of turning and then jumping out, she tried to jump and turn in mid air causing a 3 inch hole in the tub side that resembled a hock. Now I'm poorer and the bathroom doors stay closed.
If you want I can post a link to her picture and pedigree. I'm very glad that I have her instead of an all show line dog, but compared to a working line dog she's a joke (don't worry, I love her anyway).
"Dog breeding must always be done by a dog lover, it can not be a profession." -Max v Stephanitz
Originally posted by Lauren: I'm very glad that I have her instead of an all show line dog, but compared to a working line dog she's a joke (don't worry, I love her anyway).
Quote:
Originally posted by Sable_Lvr: sure sounds like it lauren <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Yep, sadly she's smarter than a lot of all show line dogs.
"Dog breeding must always be done by a dog lover, it can not be a profession." -Max v Stephanitz
Sable or Skye or Sheila - your site looks a bit different, I guess you have updated it - I have to admit I giggle about a dog named kitty. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Lauren,
My male is extremely smart and looks great.
Hip problems and temperment are the main faults he picked up from the AKC Show side. One good thing is that his stance is working dog. I almost put him down when he was younger, but glad I didn't. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Most times he's smarter then I. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Once they become part of the family we all make do best we can.
Butch, Auster has what's called "street smarts" in humans. She knows what the keys mean and what sit means. However, getting her to sit is a completely different story. That makes it even harder for me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> . She looks okay according to what's in the ring, but she has a roached back and I would like a dog with less angulation. Nothing outright wrong with her except for her health problems (okay, she's a little short on nerves) and I love her dearly (Do I go to Cancun for spring break? No, the nut goes home to see her Auster). If she weren't spayed I'd enter her in a few conformation shows just for the shock value.
"Dog breeding must always be done by a dog lover, it can not be a profession." -Max v Stephanitz
Lauren,
You are not missing much in Cancan. Auster will
be happier for you staying home. How old is she??
The nerve thing can be worked on. TIME/TIME and more TIME.
DavidStevenson Webboard User Reg: 12-01-2001
Posts: 116
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My first GSD was from a show line. I trained him from puppy and we did several Schh 3 trails but he did well only on the home field. My other GSD was a mix show/work and he was worse than the show dog. He was not even able to do protection.
Was a real coward. Now I got a pup (3 month old) of a pure working line and I see already the difference and I ask myself why I wasted my time with show, mix show/working lines.
I won't do it again!!
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