I went to their web site( the AKC) and I am suprised to read that they want :Temperament according to the AKC.The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand. The dog must not be timid, shrinking behind its master or handler; it should not be nervous, looking about or upward with anxious expression or showing nervous reactions, such as tucking of tail, to strange sounds or sights. Lack of confidence under any surroundings is not typical of good character. Any of the above deficiencies in character which indicate shyness must be penalized as very serious faults and any dog exhibiting pronounced indications of these must be excused from the ring. It must be possible for the judge to observe the teeth and to determine that both testicles are descended. Any dog that attempts to bite the judge must be disqualified. The ideal dog is a working animal with an incorruptible character combined with body and gait suitable for the arduous work that constitutes its primary purpose.) I wonder if they follow their own advice. I have seen a few GSD from show lines. They look great but are nrevice as h@ll. I personaly would not want to have one of thease dogs. I would rather have a dog that is all WORK and not all show. Would some one please tell me why thay are so confused or trying to confuse other people. Matbe it is just me

I went to an AKC show 3 weeks ago for an Obd. leg on a clients dog. Against my better judgement, I let my friend drag me over to the GSD conformation ring. What a bunch of inbreed spooks those dogs were!
One of the professional handlers actually came over to yell at us because we were standing too close to the ring side and his dog was spooked by our presence ( both our dogs were in a plotz and did not even look at the dogs in the ring ) We just laughed at him and told him to bring the show superindentent over if we were doing something wrong or illegal ( which of course we weren't) The guy got so pissed I thought we were going to end up in a fight ( which would have been fine with me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> )
How do people own "show dogs" that are frightened of other dogs? Are there no standards left at all in the AKC? Wait....*sigh*, I already know the answer to that question <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Here is a question I hope some of you will find interesting! There is a lot spoken of nerve within the GSD which equates to their abitilty to work but not so much about physical appearance....

In what direction should the physical appearance of the GSD go towards....... Larger heads maybe, broader chest..taller, shorter, heavier, thinner, squarer looking.. what do you guys think?

For my part I very much like the old DDR look with the larger head, but thats just me.....

what do you all think??

Take a look at the working line dogs, that is the direction the show dogs should "go".

DDR dogs were too much, I don't like them at all.

If I wanted a Rottenwhiner, I'g get one.

I like the way Bernd and Bodo Lierberg looked, apparently so did a lot of other people as well. . .before the fad show looks set in.

How about an overall balance in conformation and movement? Generally speaking when you have a balanced dog you do have a nice easy and natural gait, which in turn leads to better stamina and fewer stress related injuries and skeletal problems.

For the life of me I don't see how those dogs walking on their hocks can hold up for any type of work for very long nor can they be very agile... oh well, could go on and on. Guess they might be comfortable to ride if you weren't going very far! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

hey Will,

You know what Bernhard says...thin head, thin bones, thin nerves..

I really do think it's true! I saw an Italian Greyhound (in the stands) at the North American and it had a bigger head than some of the Am. Bred GS dogs I have seen!!!

Oops, forgot to say in previous post.... most of the GSD I have seen in the show ring are goofy. I am definitly a "to each his own" kinda girl, but the show shepherds have gotten way off course. I almost feel sorry for them, it's as though they have no dignity anymore.

I kinda like the 50s Rolf v. Osnabrücker-Land, 70s Marco vom Cellerland and Arko von der
Hohen Metze, are nice looking dogs. This is the look and temperment I'd like. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />