Workline GSD as a pet Working Dogs

Interestingly, I saw on a Working Dog forum a litter of working GSD pups for sale, that were advertised as only suitable for sport or service homes. Over the weeks, these pups obviously weren't being spoken for quickly enough by the various police/prison dog sections or the Schutzhund folk (despite being well bred) and then a lady on a GSD forum I am on, came on to say she had bought a workline GSD pup and lo and behold, it is a pup from the litter above.

I asked this lady whether she had set out to look for a working line and she said she had not, but had happened upon the advert for the pups (not on the working dog forum but on a free site I believe) and had bought one without possibly knowing exactly what she was getting into. The breeder did admit on the other forum that he had sold one to a pet home and he hoped they would cope, and that at least they were local so they could get advice and help if needed.

To be fair, the lady does seem to be doing well with her pup so far (and she has never had a GSD before) but it did make me realise that perhaps with more workline pups being bred than service or sports homes for them), there are bound to be more in pet homes.

Where are you again?

There was a beautiful young wl sable male near me a couple of years ago, but the family sent him back to the breeder. Not sure why though, as he seemed a cracking dog with a lovely temperament. Of course he may have been returned because of circumstances in the family for all I know. he was a real head turner though.

In the Lammermuirs, between Edinburgh and Berwick.

Do you think he could have been too much for them? As you say, it could be any amount of reasons.

Did he come from a local breeder?

No idea where he was from. I spoke to them a few times, then say their son out and he said the dog had been returned to the breeder.

this pic shows how max got darker.. as he go older.

Lovely photo - what a handsome lad

he was gorgeous. thank you. and thanks for your help in putting pics up.

Brilliant! If you compare him to Corrie who ate a hole in my carpet and chewed everything else and Jim who chewed the bottom stair carpet, he is an angel lol. No excise for Corrie and Jim either!

Are you concerned about sheep or is it something and nothing?

That's answered my other question. I'm assuming the WL breeders are breeding a dog for themselves and then selling the rest? Are more people involved in the sports that they excel in?

Helen

Oooh I'm sure I could find a reason to come over that way!

Haha but Jim and Corrie were just being pups

No, not concerned about sheep at all. I think my wording may have been misleading. By saying he shows little interest in sheep - I meant he shows practically NO interest in sheep at all. He was scared of them initially, as I took him into the pet lamb field and they all come charging over looking for food , and I think he thought they were going to attack him Since then he has seen sheep running away from us and has shown a passing interest - ie just looking at them, but has not yet shown any inclination to chase. I will continue exposing him to the sheep though, to remind him they are not to be bothered with.

The WL GSD breeders used to be very careful about who the pups went to, and most of the top, reputable breeders still are. They either don't advertise their pups at all (and sell through word of mouth, or to other sports/working homes) or they advertise them on specialist websites and publications etc. I can't see that changing, but can see less reputable breeders jumping on the bandwagon and selling to unsuitable homes IF the WL does become a more popular pet dog. Sounds a similar situation in in working setter breeders too.

Ooh another setter - lovely. What colour is Sid? When will you be getting him, if you do? Where is your boss keepering at? And can't he use a setter in his work?

Yes, I assume the breeders are breeding to keep one or two for themselves and then selling the rest to other sport/service homes first and perhaps the odd pet home.

Excellent Bring Jet and Copper and we could go for a walk

these are pics of jeager

When Rocky had joint problems it made me think about the whole proportion/weight of dogs, and I think I would prefer a dog that isn't carrying too much weight - as it's just easier on the joints.

ah, I put "a" in front of it and thought you said he had shown "a" little interest in sheep!

Have you started any training with him yet? How different has he been to the others?

Helen

Awww what a sweetie

Doesn't necessarily mean getting a small dog though? Just get a WL GSD and keep them in fit, hard and lean condition