Working line German shepherds Working Dogs

When i see how active Moobi is when i see how active SB is i see happy contented dogs .
Both have a purpose in life ...

I want a dog that's a challenge, and I would really like to give schutzhund a go. From what I've read it just seems the show type are lacking in that area a bit, regarding getting distracted easier, working things out etc.

Are you trying to say that because I own the dog that it won't have a purpose like sb's and moobli's dogs do?

Ok ...
The future is the place to dream about .

I don't understand what you are getting at? :?

I think if you are realistic, most dogs don't have a "purpose" beyond that of being a companion.

Surely you are not suggesting that you should be breeding for phenotype rather than genotype Murf?

That is why we have a split in Labradors, ESS, CS, GSD etc.

People want the LOOKS of the Ferrari but the engine of a Robin Reliant.

Same applies to horses etc.

For me personally my view is that if you select a breed knowing what its predispositions are, then you should be able to handle it, if you cannot, get one with a smaller engine!

Yet, you say you think a Weimaraner may be to much of a challenge for you...

Dont you think if you see aWeimi as to much, a working line GSD may be one step to many!

I do, ;-) ..............

Because after talking to people, sb in particular about weims, and after reading about German sheperds, it seems to come across that although both intelligent dogs, a Weimaraner is a much more independent dog, being a hpr breed, in fact ir been told about other hpr breeds being harder to train as they have their independent streak and work far away from the handler because that's what's in their job description. A gsd comes across as more loyal (certainly what I got from reading threads on here about them, that they please the handler because they do what is asked, where as the Weim seems to say "If I do that whats in it for me"

Yet again, it seems like im getting jumped on for asking questions about a breed. Yet people get told when trying to find a breed make sure you do your research, look into everything and see if the breed is suitable. Which is exactly what I'm doing. There are lots of breeds I like, I'm trying to find a larger breed suitable for me, is that such a problem?

If you don't have anything constructive to say about the breed I'm asking about then I'd rather you not comment. As you aren't helping me come to a decision at all.

Perhaps you could visit breeders/owners of both the breeds you like, spending time around them may help your decision.

As I haven't owned either, I can't really help.
I think I understand where you're coming from though somewhat. As much as I want a Csv and will have one, I had to be honest and accept this time wasn't the right time.
There are loads of breeds I like, so sifting through them to find the right one, wasn't easy.

You will find what's right for you, it maybe a gsd, a w or something else completely.

All the gsds I`ve had have been active, responsive, alert and willing. I`ve never had a lazy one. In fact, I`ve rarely met one who didn`t want to work.
It`s like Collies. They have work bred into them.
You`re not going to win UK Schutzhund with your first dog. You and the dog have a steep learnig curve first. So provided your dog is healthy, I wouldn`t worry too much about `lines`, personally.

Thanks My list is pretty vague at the minute as all I know is I want a larger breed, one with higher energy levels than what the cresteds have, an have a low Maintence coat care

In only looking at lines as I prefer the look of working lines. And as people have said different lines have more drive or higher energy etc. I don't expect to win schutzhund. I want to give it a go.

are you not having another cc then Clo?

I`m not having a dig. I`m just pointing out that it is possible to get a nice dog you can work that isn`t from a specific ` working line`.

Although that is true, I do think there is a difference between working line GSD's and showlines and particularly if the OP wants to do Schutzhund then I would not get a showline.

I am afraid that the notion that even a showline GSD can do well at Schutzhund is just that, a notion.

We get showline GSD turn up at clubs all the time and most of them would never get the MINIMUM required for the protection phase of Schutzhund (80%) which makes for either an unhappy dog and/or an unhappy owner.

Like everything in life, it is much easier if you get the RIGHT tool for the job.

Sometimes you have actually have to have COMPETED in a sport before you can actually give advice on either IT or what would be a suitable dog.

Yes I know what you mean
Although I would never say to anyone to get a dog just for their hobby, at the same time if you are prepaired and have your heart set on a dog that you are going to take the time to train and work with, you have got yourself as ready as you can be for a focused drivy dog then having a waterd down version firstly might not make you happy and also really does nothing in the future to prepair you for the dog you really do want

If you love driving really really fast and want to learn how to do it properly you wont be happy for very long in a little 0.8l fiesta

Agree with the two above. I think what you want to do with a dog will obviously influence what line you get, hobby or not - show jumping is just a 'hobby' of mine (albeit an outrageously expensive one), I'm not going to get a Thoroughbred or on the other end of the scale a gypsy vanner and expect it to jump round a 1.20m. I'd go and buy a sports horse type, even if i might have to start off round 60cm with it.