Geel

There is some importance to how a dog bites even in sheepherding isn't there???? of course it isn't the most important factor. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

From reading through many threads you will find that experience people here will agree that schutzhund alone is not a true test of working ability. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I hear that you work with the olderhill bloodline dogs in south africa. I don't want to start a debate here <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I just wanted to ask out of curiosity if there are any notable differences between them and the European working bloodlines in your opinion for use in real life applications???

Cos their are definately some good working bloodlines out there that aren't overly aggressive and hyper. There are also hundreds of them in police forces worldwide working in real life. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
I don't like the structure of show GSD's but I know that Karl Fuller of Kirschental kennels has German showline dogs that herd all day. So obviously the structure works but I don't think its necessary nor is their any proof that it's better than the original look.
Thanks
and i can't send you a PM becuase your message box is too full.

There is some importance to how a dog bites even in sheepherding isn't there???? of course it isn't the most important factor.
Well, it can be the most important factor in whether or not you will use/breed/keep the dog. The place of the grip and the type of grip is EXTREMELY important in the gsd and sheep herding. First, you want a nice full calm grip. This is what shows control to the sheep and does not do damage. Second, the placement is CRUCIAL and genetic. You want the dog to grip on the neck, side, rump of the sheep. This is the place that has the most wool and muscle. You want the full mouth grip so that it does not 'tear' the sheep.

GSD's that grip on the face /hock of the sheep are a pain!!! And I usually spend a lot of time glueing and stitching my sheep when they do!!! It can be VERY frustrating. My dogs grip correctly and I have not had to 'tend' to my sheep afterwards. However, I have worked others who constantly grip on the inappropriate places. Blood, deep wounds, cuts, abssess(when you pull the wool from the skin you can get absesses), puncutures and LAME sheep.