| Subject: ARE WE ON THE RIGHT PATH |
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DR
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Date Posted: 19:44:29 06/25/09 Thu
„Are we on the right path?“
Development and Consequences
stemming from higher than regional select dogs
in the area of show and trials
from Walter Hoffmann
and with help from Karl-Heinz Baumöller
1. Introduction
Our now over 100 year old Club for German Shepherd Dogs, the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (following named SV) grooms with much engagement and strict organization the breeding and training of our beloved German Shepherd throughout the world. It is not relevant if we speak about showing, breed surveys, trials, trophy competitions, agility tournaments or in the area of the family dog, search & rescue, K-9s or seeing-eye dogs. Definitive is the fact that people actively occupy themselves with the versatile and endearing German Shepherd.
A look back on the beginning of my activities in this attractive hobby go back more than 40 years…..a time when the activities were pretty much the same, yet not taken so seriously as today.
Especially the conflict between the form value (show lines) and working qualities of our German Shepherd that always slip back into the discussion and often leads to unnecessary disagreements.
With the sincere wish to reduce these conflicts to an acceptable degree und to bring the German Shepherd back to a unified standard, we need to pose and analyze the question “Are we on the right path”. Impetus is given for this viewpoint based on 40 year of being active in the working part of the sport leading to 6 times participation at the German Nationals and winner of the WUSV European Championship in 1979.
I would like to thank Karl-Heinz Baumoeller from Grossheide (Germany) for his extensive research, who himself has been active for many years and is a successful breeder and handler in the SV.
2. Fundamentals
2.1 By-Laws
The basis for all activities in the club is the legal club parameters anchored within the By-Laws of the SV. In this regard the direction the club takes is influenced under § 3 (2) Purpose and Duties. The duties are clearly defined. Without question it should be noted that our SV placed the working ability of the German Shepherd in the foreground.
In § 4 the responsibilities and legal platform will be written. The rules issued by the club are the basis for the breed and training of the German Shepherd. From our perspective of particular meaning is the “Breed Survey” and the “Judge’s Regulations”, because it is through this that the fundamentals are laid down for a clear and honest dealing with the standard without compromise, acceptance and attitude in the club. When viewed consequentially it gives rise to many reasons for conflicts.
The acceptance of oversized or medical manipulation, erroneous placements at shows and breed surveys, sloppy or unfair awarding of titles, as well as other irregularities in the breeding (false information, which now partially have been held in check due to the DNA process), lead to heavy loses in a responsibly managed club. Only by observing all criteria for a good foundation of the breed will we once again win back the lost trust.
2.2 The International Sprectrum
The activities within the SV are watched very carefully from the international community. Steered and managed by the SV, the WUSV essentially follows the standards of the SV und follows the resolutions. From the international spectrum’s point of view, the preservation of the standard rests with the SV.
2.3 The breeders in the SV
In order to concretely define the terminology utility for the breeders in the SV, let us analyze the various perspectives of the breeders. We will now look at the definition of form-value of the breed (falsely annotated as show lines) and the other side working-lineage. A small portion of breeders do not follow any of these two criteria to any degree. They should be considered as “neutral”.
The “Hochzucht” – show lines, define for the most part the value of well-bred house pet – in this case the German Shepherd – the ultimate perfection. Of course, part of this includes the genetically established characteristics of the working dog.
The portion of dogs that are consider show lines lies at about 65-70%, the working lines at about 20-25% and those annotated neutral by roughly 10%. The majority if the progeny stem from the show lines.
Just alone from this information, it lies in the best interest of the clubs to continue to exist that they pay attention to breeding along the show lines, as the modern working requirements are adequate. No one expects that exhibitors are required to have “high points” or that the working line breeders have a lineage with V ratings. However, indisputable is the fact that a standard measurement for the minimum breed requirements must remain.
It is especially noticeable in this day and age that in each field of perspectives an individual marketing concept has been defined for one’s own customer base and interest groups.
Show lines
Selection of the breed partner
determined by the anatomical criteria
Less attention given to working
qualities
Orientation to the show
Marketing/customer base
Working lines
Selection of the breed partner
determined by the working
predisposition.
Less attention given to show
values
Orientation to working events
Marketing/customer base.
Neutral
Selection of parents done randomly and not goal-oriented
No conflict of interest
Orientation towards their
own dogs
Marketing within their own region or circle of friends.
2.4 Breed Markings
We devote special features that we call breed characteristics. Herewith is the standard defined. Basically it can be stated that whether show or working lines this standard is upheld. We especially define the “appearance” and the “temperament”.
“Appearance”
Medium size
Slightly stretched
"Measurements"
Males 60 – 65 cm ///
females 55-60 cm
"Temperament"
He must have courage, drive, self-confidence, stress tolerance and hardness in order to be suitable for either a companion, watch, protection, service and herding dog.
Ideal for showing
include:
stretched body
long upper arm
good angulation and
ground-covering gait
somewhat higher
level of action
(threshold)
Best for working dog include:
medium sized
less stretched
short upper arm and abbreviated angulation
less overall firmness
slightly lower action
(threshold)
2.5 The Action Potential/ Sensitivity Threshold
The definition of action potential is rather well-known. In any case it is of special meaning, in that attention is paid to a medium sensitivity threshold with the German Shepherd.
Especially in today’s day and age mistakes cannot be made in this regard with the breed. Only a dog that has a medium sensitivity threshold, one who is self-confident, not apprehensive and has good nerves and is good-natured can be accepted for the future. Mistakes in breeding lead to serious consequences.
3. Development
3.1 Membership
The headquarters office has offered an in-depth report about the development of the members in our club. Whoever is interested in this can contact the Homepage of the SV and read the information.
The trend backwards with the loss of 100,000 members down to approximately 70,000 is sad, but corresponds with the general trend within the club membership. Likewise the increased difficulty to maintain the dog, rising costs for having a dog, dog laws, amongst others, has led to a reduction of membership. We will just have to live with these facts.
3.2 Participants at the German Sieger Show (BSZS)
The constant rise of participants at the largest main event, the German Sieger Show, is temporarily influenced by such problems as rabies embargos and other influences. At no time was it caused by the judging of the protection phase, that bore out most of the response. Again and again the exhibitors were drawn to this large goal even when the demands were tightened.
It should not matter at all who judges the protection work at the Sieger Show. Threats or boycotts were driven into the sand from the broader perspective. Noticeable on the following diagrams is the high rise in the last several years despite the trend upwards in the increasing demands made in protection.
3.3 Participants at the German Nationals (BSP)/ WUSV Championship (WUSV-WM)
The trend of the participation at the German Nationals and since 1975 the European or since 1988 the World Championship is due to the strong influence of the SV and their committees. Concrete goals are duly influenced by guidelines for participation. Under the current pre-requisites there is a high degree of stress in the way of concentration and conditioning for not only the participants, but also the judges and especially the helpers at the major events.
3.4 The German Shepherd
The development of the breed in general was in general constant for the German Shepherd well into the 70’s and based on natural conditions. Medical influences were very limited and manipulation seldom.
There were always differences between the shows and trials, but the dogs were more versatile and in retrospect had more demands placed on them by the handlers. It is wrong to believe that the demands have increased over the years. Remembering the 60’s:
SchH3 tracks with acute turns and cross track in change of terrain without any visible pattern,
Obedience with a 2 meter high wall (high demand placed on the structure)
Protection helpers with adventurous protection materials.
This often really hard work on the dogs is unthinkable in today’s age.
Despite the high demands placed on talent, drive and stress-tolerance these dogs not only withstood the stress, but also were healthier and lived longer.
The rethinking in the preparation for trials started intensively with the theoretical approach to dog training, analyzing defense and prey drive, and the improper use of always improved upon technical measures. That one could earn money with seminars and that it brought monetary uses when less than suitable dogs earned titles spread rapidly. Now the door was opened for less than stress tolerant dogs. Modern training was used improperly by people, because it did not lead to any advantage for the pure genetics of the breed.
Since this time the stress-tolerance of the German Shepherd has declined. See the following analysis.
4. Analysen
4.1 Working Qualities
The analysis of the terminology “Utility” for the breeders began in the 60’s. Especially in the 60’s it was determined that ideas to promote the stress-tolerance in the area of breeding was normal. There were also valid strong connections to the police dog officials, because these offices were provided with good dog material by the SV.
The basis was the participants at the German Nationals, actually the dogs, who through their special working qualities stood out amongst the rest. From which blood lines do these dogs stem? The pedigrees of the participants at the German Nationals (fathers) should provide the information.
In 1967 one had the courage to integrate the protection work at the Sieger Show. There, of course, was controversy, today we know that this was a step in the right direction in improving the quality of the German Shepherd. Finally this promoted the basis for this development.
At that time the Sieger “Bodo von Lieberg” was the idol for working and show lines. This is the way it was meant to be. With this Sieger we had not only an anatomically correct dog but also a dog that could increase the working ability.
The 60’s and 70’s
The ideas for promoting the stress-tolerance in the breeding area
Implementation of the protection work at the Sieger Show
Unrest in the breeding sector due to the shifting of breedings
Basis was accepted for increased demands
The Analysis from 1960 to 1969 shows without a doubt a high acceptance of dogs at the Sieger Show as opposed to that of the German Nationals. At this time approximately 50% of the progeny were sons or daughters stemming from the Sieger Show.
This picture changed slightly in the years from 1970 to 1979. It still shows, however a large acceptance of the dogs at the show arenas. It also needs to be taken into consideration with the dogs until 1980 that registered dogs started at the German Nationals and a high portion of such pedigrees need to be taken into consideration, whereby the fathers of these dogs were neither presented at one event nor the other.
From 1980 to 1989 the element of trust was lost in the exhibition sector and one starts to build their own working lineage. With increasing measures so-called “working dogs” were used for breeding despite the increasing anatomical faults.
From 1990 until today these secondary sex characteristics have strengthened considerably. The breeders in this area predominantly use their “own” dogs stemming from the working lines and find their select dogs at the German Nationals.
Remarkably the truth of the matter is that at the last German Nationals 80% of the presented dogs were breed surveyed. Half of these were even koered in KKL1. So actually these dogs cannot be that bad as the critics often state.
4.2 The Bloodlines
The lineage of the males from the Sieger Show in 1967 showed a variety of different bloodlines from which the V-dogs stemmed back then. At this time there was no large amount of blood in one lineage. It could be that this was just pure luck at the time. My knowledge of this at that time was also the fact that in-breeding was scorned.
Somewhere in the middle 70’s one began to systematically avoid the B-Litter of Lierberg and suppressed this genealogy towards improving the anatomy. Then merely the B-Litter of Lierberg appeared in the pedigree.
The 80’s and 90’s brought an enormous increase in the demands in not only the anatomical area but also in the working lines. No one could really follow this fast development, if he did not concentrate on both sides of the camp. And it was now that a clear division of interests happened. Especially in the area of show lines one concentrated more on closer in-breeding and paid less attention to bloodlines, especially such lines as Canto, Quanto Wiernerau, Mutz Peltztierfarm.
What is left today is the Canto – Quanto lineage with nearly 80% of these dogs presented at the Sieger Show. Only n the area of the working lines, and that is the nature of the beast, is the broad scope of genealogy definitively larger. It is here that in the last several years concentration has been placed on individual progeny. Also here mistakes are being made.
The mutual trust of the breeders amongst each other has split into two camps. The appearance of the German Shepherd does not make this readily noticeable.
4.3 The Comparison
4.4 The Universal Concept
The implementation of the Universal Sieger in 1997 gave rise to more possibilities to halt the growing worry within the club concerning the further development, yes even improve it. One can see how difficult such a thought process is based on the low numbers of participants that qualify in both areas.
But yet it is the right path to take. Not only that the participant at the Sieger Show presents a good working dog, but also the fact that with the implementation of the Universal Sieger once again old blood will be reinstated.
Are we taking a chance? In any case, the “Universal Sieger” concept is a step in the right direction.
If it is enough, only time will tell.
5. Order to the Bredder
5.1 Fundamental Thoughts
In no case can it be our goal to present or market the German Shepherd as we have in the current format. Financial aspects are, of course, important, but should not become our main focus. By staying goal oriented into the future, we can gain public acceptance, especially focusing on those who are considering obtaining a German Shepherd.
Only if it is possible to win back a uniform picture and a standard uniform quality, everyone will have success.
The working ability must remain in the foreground as
opposed to subjective anatomical improvements.
What predominantly separates us?
The comparison is quickly recognized that a lot of thought has to go into this process to be suitable. Those at the SV level ( Executive Board, Koermeisters, Breed and Working Judges) will be definitely be taxed in order to find a way for this to gain acceptance. The task of the breeder is clearly defined, and certainly not to have financial gain to promote the German Shepherd as a working dog.
5.2 Thought Process for the Future
The pre-requisite for transferring new ideas, thoughts to find innovative ways, despite the contrary picture that was drawn, can only be by obtaining a German Shepherd. Whoever has the idea to disassociate oneself without any consideration for the basis of the club falsely represents something. This cannot be our ultimate goal.
The talents of the working dog in tracking, in obedience and in protection work
as well as the service to mankind are essential.
In order to define the request to the breeders, one first has to determine what separates us…are we talking about show lines or working. On the one side consideration has to be given to anatomy and secondly to appearance, while on the other side strides are made to improve structure, whatever that is supposed to mean.
A consequential testing of the protection work is not enough. Neglecting to promote the talents of an independent, goal-oriented and solid scent work, an animated obedience and the necessary drive together with difficult protection work mistakes are made in breeding, which are detrimental to the German Shepherd.
6. The right way?
6.1 Promoting the Universal Concept
All of those, who are trying to divide the German Shepherd into two populations must be clear that this never was the basic thought process to have a uniform breed and this type of thinking cannot lead to a certain future. We need to continuously intensify our joint efforts. It serves no purpose if on the one side only high show line dogs are produced with no emphasis on work and on the other side to have the so-called working lines who do not meet the breed standards.
With the implementation of the Universal Sieger we have made a step in the right direction. Already today we have a number of KKL1 dogs represented at the Bundessieger Competition and the Sieger Show. It would be desirable if those who have a KKL1 dog entered into the Bundessieger Competition to have the courage to also show at the Sieger Show to promote the universal thinking.
It has been determined that the participation in the Universal competition has increased. Is it, therefore, only a matter of time when the breed will be unified anatomically and utility wise?
6.2 The breed value figure
After a relatively short period if time, the Hip Classification was implemented as a fundamental basis for the breed. In many areas, the breed valuation variable is erroneously used as the only definitive measurement in selecting the parents.
The question has therefore been posed, if this type of variable can be implemented for all evaluation criteria. Individual variables for Hip dysplasia, anatomical uniformity, predisposition for working, etc., could be weighted and channeled into one overall variable. A not such outlandish thought, which could offer the smaller breeder a more sensible structure.
6.3 The Acceptance
As always our clubs has been formed by virtue of the main events. That is why a large number of breeding partners have crystallized. If the common goal of breeding can be done through the acceptance of both “populations” is will then only be a question of time when the German Shepherd will have a uniform presentation. Therefore, it is totally trivial if on the show side or the working side the hobby is intensified and a dog is prepared for the major events. The exhibitor on the one side and the working dog handler on the other can present his dog – as he wishes – wherever he wants.
Decidedly, it is the quality that has to be adequately brought out, so that the average dog for everyone, whether from his appearance as well as from his working ability, can be an all-round working dog no matter what the employment.
7. The Goal
All characteristics belong to the German Shepherd that have made it the most beloved dog in the world.
Extreme imbalances hurt the breed.
Anyone, who knowingly or unknowingly hides or manipulates anything on the dog (in this sense is meant medical operations, devious trials, taped ears, incorrect hip evaluations, etc.) does not serve the common goal to breed a sensible, a good, a valuable German Shepherd.
What once is lost to the breed is hard to recoup.
It is therefore that we should draw on the knowledge in the cynology of other breeds.
WE ALL
– ESPECIALLY THE BREEDERS AND FUNCTIONARIES –
ARE PUT TO THE TASK WHETHER IN GERMANY
OR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.
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