Hock walker? - Page 32

"Sunsilver has been around long enough to be an expert at identifying the different lines. I may not agree with her 100% of the time, however she deserves the respect gained by her knowledge. I would be saddened if she were to leave this board as I know without a doubt that she has saved the lives of dogs by her timely posts."

No one is asking Sunsilver to leave the forum.  I got my first GSD about 40 years ago so I might have picked up a little knowledge about the breed myself...

Based on what I have seen myself, IMO, none of the lines in this breed are in very good shape. That's not likely to ever improve as long as breeders can't see what they need to do to improve their dogs especially if it means bringing in some new blood from a different "line".

I know 3 generations of most of the dogs behind my dog,  gave her g-grandam a retirement home, knew her g-grandsire, know her grandam, and her sire intimately. All but her sire are 100% GSL's and pretty damned good dogs. All are/were HOT Sch3 with advanced OB, herding, and agility titles. G-grandparents competed at the Sieger, the female received a standing ovation for her bitework there, I understand that is not a common thing considering the dog was never campaigned in Germany and was owner handled by an unknown American. Her ASL ancestors were selected for breeding not because of their show wins, but because they were temperament tested by the breeder before being used with the GSL dogs. Selection was based on conformation and drives and spooks, hockwalkers never considered. A low pecentage of those dogs were AKC "type" and completed their Championships. Most were "more Germany", not shown in conformation. So far 3 or 4 have Sch 3's, 2 UD's 3 CDX's, agilty, tracking, herding titles and at least one is a service dog for her hearing impared owner.


Like begets like.




 

What's your criteria, Daryl?

Thanks for the good luck wish with the IPO1, Vonissk. She will be my first effort at that so that will be a big disadvantage for her. I've never been comfortable talking about my own dogs, especiallly on a board where ASL have such an ugly reputation.

I think she beautiful too LOL. She's my best friend

Reputations, in dogs or men, are pretty much earned.

jmo,
Rik

"Reputations, in dogs or men, are pretty much earned."

Indeed.

What's your criteria, Daryl?

I favor all of the same ideals in a dog as Fellofher does, but my personal criteria for breed selection  is conducted on a case by case basis, none of the details of which I care to post here for your ridicule.  My "aim", if you care to know, is a versatile dog well suited for the environments of SPORT, WORK, and FAMILY.  It's my opinion that too many dog's might be well suited to one or two of these areas, but not as often all three.  I enjoy a dog that's energetic on command, cooperative, relentless in fight drive, good natured, clear headed.... but who doesn't?

Ridicule? Because I think that ethical breeders should xray, health check, and title their dogs before breeding them?

Talk about beating a dead horse, call me unethical if it makes you feel better.  If you want to point out my failures, then let's hear specifics.  I'll admit my unorthodox ways, and remind you it's none of your particular business what I do.  Spare me your outstanding rolemodel philosophy, because pointing fingers isn't going to get you anywhere with me.