Akc conformation with a working line dog? - Page 5

Why of course you are welcome and now I have a question for you - why are you so concerned about showing dogs in conformation?

Is there at time limit to read here and like or dislike a post? Seems it happens to me all the time too. Actually I haven't even read the thread about Nan's dog today.

Simple actually my dear, the show ring has destroyed every breed that came near it, including this breed that you proclaim to love so much. Show GSDs, show labs, show Dobermans, show Rotts...and here I was thinking we only had ONE type of each of these dogs, little did I know..

As far as "is there a time"? Indeed there is, its right when the conversation is taking place, same as when talking to a person, you dont allow a point to go on and on and 4 days later decide that you need to go through the "back door" and argue, yes? When you make your point clear right there and then, there is room and opportunity for rebuttals, something you seem to not want...may I be so bold and ask, why?

Ok. Why not just let each of us enjoy what we enjoy with our dogs?

PS: As far as I know the GSD database is open to anyone with an interest in the breed. It's not only for working or showlines or trainers - it's for everyone. It seems almost impossilble to have a discussion about showing in conformation without some nasty comments about how that venue is ruining the breed, etc.. I don't ever recall reading a thread about workinglines lines being interrputed by showline breeders in that way. The conformation forum was generated I believe specifically to give showline people their own forum to discuss showing in conformation.

Ok, I in no way, shape or form started the thread to bash any particular type of GSD. I enjoy doing things with my dogs, not just Schutzhund. I thought we might have a little fun doing something different. A change of scenery if you will. I know darn good that he will never place in the akc show ring. He doesn't look like the dogs that are winning.  I was thinking akc because there seem to be so many more available.  That is all. I think we will try our hand in ukc show in October. If there was an SV show close then we would do that. There are a handfull of different sports I plan on trying with my guys (I'm sure hubby will be thrilled with our new pet rat!). They're supposed to be able to do it all, right? I appreciate any dog who can work, regardless of its ancestors. I also like a good Rott, Beauceron, Mali, Spaniel etc.. if it can work :) 

Melissa

I will tell you why Blitzen, because the more "we enjoy what we have with our dogs", the more you imply that there SHOULD be a difference, a schism if you will, in the breed. That the reason this or any other breed was created does not matter anymore, so long as everyone is happy with what VERSION of the same supposed breed they own.

PDB has nothing to do with this and you are right, working dog people are hurt raw because of what showlines have done to this and many other breeds. I have been told in here that "If you know where to look", you can find a working GSD. I find that to be an excuse of the worst kind. If you are breeding a WORKING breed, if you call yourself a breeder, every litter you produce should be with the goal of producing WORKING dogs with the structure and temperament to do the job they were created to do, not to produce dogs to parade around some ring. That means I should be able to go to ANY GSD breeder and buy a dog to WORK, not have to know where to look to find one, end of. 

This desire to screw up breed after breed because you want to participate in fly ball or agility and you MUST do it with a St Bernard, as an example, is what is ruining this and every other breed. This desire to breed for the ring and not regard the temperament of what is supposed to be a working breed, is what has ruined this one. Why would anyone want to own a Lamborghini with a Yugo engine is not something that is easily understood, but, hey, like you said, why not let us enjoy what we enjoy in our dogs...enjoy Blitzen.

"If it can work", Amen Melissa, Amen!

What it all boils down to is, People/breeders and buyers may all have different opinions, and thats ok. Why can't we all accept the fact that its ok to disagree and respects each other and opinions even if it is different from our own? The breed as a whole just might come together and good things might be the result of that understanding if we could all just get along.  JMO

Good idea in theory, Hutchins, but in reality it never seems to work well for one reason or another. We can always hope....

Blitzen, it was worth a try.  

I have been on both sides of the breed. SL (American) and WL. I must admit that while there, I looked at the other side of  both and always thought that the working dog was not structurally correct and the show dog although it may have more of a correct conformation,  could not work as the WL dogs would. I always did think that if there was only ONE ring for both show and work, it would be so much better for the breed.  Anyone that wants to show a working dog should do so. Anyone that wants to "work" a show dog should do so also. Make the effort and show the other side just want your undesirable dog can do.  

I think perhaps ALL breeders need to concentrate more on breeding a structurally correct dog that can work.  Then and only then will the big gap between the two will come together. I still have faith in the breed.  JMO.