Breed Improvement Suggestions for the UK GSD Breed Council - Page 3

Beepy, unfortunately DP is probably right, it all takes time especially if we want to get it right.  However, I firmly believe that the time to get the KC to agree and enshrine it as part of the GSD criteria for regisration is now... with implementation begining 2011.

I disagree with your suggestion re: divisions though, I think we should consentrate on unity and if we get it right, ultimately, there should be no divisions we should have the correct Shepherd for all.

missbeeb, in many breeds there is some kind of division, and this will have to be accepted.  The old school English GSD will never embrace the German lines.   Also the DDR or working type will never align themselves with what they deem as the show type.  If we dont accept  this then as a breed will be not be able to go forward to the KC as a united front. 

C

Beepy, I can't agree with you on this.  Quite a few of the "English type" have seen the light in recent years (using German lines & some even showing) and contrary to what we read here, there are lots of the "working side" who use "show lines"... successfully!  I know the working lines are generally more successful but a certain amount of this comes down to handler ability.  A good dog can take a "run of the mill" handler a long way!

I wont bicker about this though because the bigger picture is too important and that must be what we put our energies into.

I cant see a problem in incorporating the BH into it.

But still believe hips should not be the total score, the dog/bitch should not be used if it scores more than 3 on one hip in a given area, if you say under 15 as a total a dog could have 6 norberg and 6 subluxation in 1 hip, its certainly a dog I wouldnt want.

The reason for giving a blanket 15 is that the german imports are just graded as a blanket grade and not given a broken down one.  Also if a dog has had an injury that has resulted in a lopsided score or possibly a poor xray there is a bit of leeway for that dog without having to get an excemption certificate.  After all at the moment the breed survey allows a 20 and the KC dont have a limit.  So this is a step forward without over complicating things.

Bancroft, yes... a working qualification (to be defined) should be necessary before any dog can be Class 1 or 2. 

I

A BH is attainable by ANY breed of dog, not just a GSD; good grief it is just basic obedience and control.

I cannot see why an AD should be excluded, as it is a sign of good stamina and endurance.  As young children will not be breeding from their dogs whether or not they can train a dog for this is irrelevant.  If elderly people are breeding dogs surely they should be physically able to control a large dog and bike it or get someone else to do it for them; there is no reason the OWNER has to bike it is there?  We are measure the fitness of the DOG not the owner.

As for people training too early, well that pplies to all disciplines etc, one cannot legislate for ****holes. 

HD testing should be mandatory, I would like to see it in single figures.

ED testing should be mandatory, 0 being eligible for survey

haemo testing.

Eye screening, no one has mentioned this yet the GSD is on Schedule A for HC on the KC/BVA/ISDS scheme so why has no one mentioned this?

Bancroft, don't be a spoilsport... a 12.5 mile bike ride... blimey what a hoot, I can't cycle 12 yards in a straight line and I'm... well... on the generous side!!!

I'd no idea what AD consisted of... we need an interpreted list me thinks.  Ta for the laugh tho'.