21 replies to this topic

[terrecar]

I understood the video had German-bred dogs, that was what I found so surprising. I'm used to seeing a fair number of AKC GSDs around and know their (awful) look. Comparatively, Abby is a functional, sound, breath of fresh air.

I think the finer point I was missing is the German show- vs. working bred distinction. For some reason I thought you couldn't breed just for show in Germany and all breeding stock needed to show proficiency of some sort in Schutzhund.

Yes, you are right re: the Sch requirement. I added an ETA to my prior post that addresses that. I think requiring a working test is better, but I think the conformation bit still influences breeding decisions, sometimes to the detriment of the breed. If I were to get another German Shepherd, I would still go with German lines because my experience is that they have sounder temperaments. I would just make sure I saw the parents first. There are German show dogs that are more reasonable, for instance the dog I mentioned, Jim. I really liked him.

[Laurelin]

Papillons are definitely going down that role...in the 15 years I have had them I have seen teh breed dogs move towards smaller, fluffier and more skittish.

Very disheartening. My mom showed our first papillon and he's a fairly moderate dog. I used to go to dog shows and since then (the dog is now only 7 years old) there has been a big shift towards the flashier imported dogs (either Swedish/Finnish or Japanese). I have seen enough truly bad health in these lines that I really am beginning to worry since they're so prominent in pedigrees now. Hair dragging the ground and short in the legs (notice this in BCs too). No moderation at all, they take the phrase 'slightly longer than tall' and run with it.

Every time I see someone talking about a 4 lb or less dog having a gorgeous head type and thus being worthy of breeding I just want to cry. Does no one pay attention to the what is good for the DOGS?

My dog is not 'typey' enough. 11 inches... too big. Not hairy enough. I had someone tell me outright that her quality was just not up to par compared to other dogs.

If old style shelties truly existed, I'd have one in a heartbeat. But they just don't exist anymore. One huge drawing factor for border collies for me is that there is a group of people not dragging them down that road too. And to think I used to want to show dogs... I guess you learn as you go.