Show line German Shepherd - Page 5

"Yes I believe they can do the job as it is natural and instinctive with them; you can not take away or ruin natural instinct."

Yes you can.

@GSDSRULE , thank you. How is your experience with them ?

 @ Manjeet:

A good dog is a good dog.... when you speak on any forum about capabilities you can only talk in generalizations.... however when it comes down to the actual real life experience it is always going to be about a specific individual dog....

There is no end to specific wonderful examples of showline and working line dogs.... the one key to getting a specific dog that serves your purpose whatever that may be is ... rather than speculating about showline or working line... to spend time researching to identify a specific breeder who can guide you with committment and integrity....

A good breeder has spent years learning about the breed......choose a breeder who has an established track record of acheivement in the kind of dogs that serve your intended purpose. Such a breeder can help you acheive your goals.

Example if your purpose is to excel in the conformation ring of dog shows then go looking for a breeder with that kind of track record.

On the other hand if you desire a dog that will work reliably (assuming it is provided the appropriate training) then look for a breeder who has acheived in that arena....

As far as possible try not to mix your purposes up since it is unlikely that you will get a product that will serve reliably in either area simultaneously..... Of course you can become lucky just as I can also win the lottery (indeed I actually did).... but even then I did not plan on that to pay my monthly rent....

Best of luck.... and always remember that a dog... indeed any dog is far more then a perfect score, a prestigious conformation rating or a perfect set of hips and elbows.... it will be the closest thing to your soul... so enjoy and respect that....

Ravi Iyer

Wow YR,  havn't talked to Evin since a year ago Christmas,  nice pic...

Hi Ravi :)  I have missed seeing you around. Hope all is well with yourself,  family, and dogs.

 Hi GSDNewbie,

I have been fine as also the family and dog.... enjoying a more relaxed pace these days with the simple pleasure of playing with trusted friends and the safety of anonymity....

Which by the way... you possess too since I don't have the pleasure of knowing who it is that has been missing me all this time?

Ravi

Iwill pm you so I am not off topic.

Very good questions and great answers...I can't find one reply to this thread that I do not agree with.  I think that if we look at the differences in strucure and dimensions of a Work Line and a Show Line GSD, the main differences are that WL GSD tend to be smaller (and probably lighter) in order to enhance agility, responsiveness, and may result in endurance that is easier to maintain.  A SL GSD is usually larger, with a less "convenient" coat (requires more care on the owners part) and and are heavier.  At the end of the day, I would imagine that any SL owner probably wants to see their dog titled in Shutzhund to ensure the conformation of their dog (to be able to do what GSD's were bred for).  Now, in comes the element of Temperament and Drive, which I think is easier to find in a WL GSD if you are looking for superior Drive.  Like KCzaja said, "you need to know what you want in a Dog" and always remember that Shutzhund is not Personal Protection (in the commercial sense), even though a main part of Shutzhund titles is the "Protection" part.

Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong, as I am always learning from expers like yourself.

Thank You all.