German Shepherds history

[Mugwump]

[wallace]

Some nice pictures in that video.

[LizStreithorst]

It's interesting to see how the breed has changed over the years.  I like the older ones better than the extreme ones of today that have been ruined by the show ring.

The greatest change, and it has nothing to do with the show ring. They are no longer used for herding.  The AKC had them in the herding group, but IMO they should be in the working group.  But heck, the AKC has cocker spaniels in the sporting group.  That dog can't hunt!!!

One day I'll go off on a huge rant about the AKC and why I love it and hate it.  The words need to form in my head and who knows how long that will take?  I have another rant working about people who breed dogs.

[BallAquatics]

What do they hunt with cocker spaniels Liz?

Pop had a brittany spaniel that was a fantastic bird dog.  Grouse in southern Ohio and pheasants in Kansas.

Dennis

[LizStreithorst]

They used to be bird dogs, but those dogs don't hunt anymore.  You can blame the show ring.

[greydragon]

when looking for a good German shepherd pup what are some good questions to ask the breeders and what are some things to see that are bad.need help choosing a good pup soon thanks in advance for your help Robert

[LizStreithorst]

When choosing a pup of any breed meet the sire and dam of the puppies.  Make sure that they have good temperaments and that they are sound.  Hip dysplasia is a big problem in GSDs so ask the breeder if the dog's hips have been checked.  Most pet breeders don't do this, but you may get lucky and find one does it.  I'm sure Mug will have more advice because this is his breed of choice.

[wallace]

Are they breeding them to have shorter back legs? Some of the dogs look like the back legs are very short.

When we got Rooster the parents were certified not to have dysplasia problems. I don't know what she spent on the dog and didn't ask.

[Mugwump]

The slope back, I believe are the American breeding...(for show?)....the flatter backs are of the German breeding lines. We prefer the 'flat' back German bred Shepherds....and they are much more solidly built. The other thing 'I' look for is soft eyes....Jan has gone along with me and now prefers them too. Plus, she's way more up to date on dog breeds than I am......but as for the GSD's....we want females with German breeding, and soft eyes.....over 46 yrs...it hasn't let us down yet....

[LizStreithorst]

Hip problems came with those sloping backs.  Everything is taken to the extreme in the show ring.  A level or just slightly sloping is more sound.