The GSD at Crufts

M

MyBoyChe

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Just read the last post on the thread about his handler and didnt want to steal the thread so thought I should post this separately. Before I ask, I admit to knowing nothing about the breed as such and am in no way looking to cause any upset or start a scrap,but could someone who does understand the breed please explain to me why, assuming Elmo was a good example of his breed and obviously he was, they are bred to be that shape, conformation wise. I thought he was an exceptionally handsome chap, gorgeous coat and lovely kind eye, but, I cannot get away from the fact that I thought he looked 'wrong'. To my, completely untrained eye, he looked uncomfortable. Again, I cant stress enough that I am not looking for trouble here, it is a genuine question as to why being set so low behind is desirable in the breed and the history behind them. Ive always been a gundog girl so have absolutely no knowledge of GSDs, except that as a child my farmer Uncle had the biggest, fluffiest, cuddliest Alsation (as they were then) that Ive ever seen, an absolute softy which was a shame as he was supposed to guard the farmyard!!
 
The Crufts thread doesn't mention WHY they have to have the slopey back though. Only that the breed standard says that. I too am curious as to why this is desirable and how it improves function. OR is it highlighted more as they seem to show them with one hind more underneath their body?

*disclaimer* I know nothing about GDSs at all and have never shown. So apolgise if these are stupid questions.
 
MM, thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Have read through the Crufts thread and have to agree with Katikins, it doesnt say 'why' exactly, just that this is the standard for the breed. Im glad Im not the only one who feels this way, I thought I was probably going out on a bit of a limb but not so! I, like everyone else, I think, am not aiming a direct attack on Elmo or the breed in general, it is, as I said before, a genuine question. I have lots of issues with many different breeds for lots of different reasons, its just that this particular dog really stood out for me, obviously because he was on the TV and was being talked about in glowing terms. I appreciate the fact that he is a very talented dog that has many awards, but that does not explain to me why the breed standard is as it is!
 
spaniel said:
I will admit I too looked at him and thought he was deformed....sorry.
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Do you think the dog in my sig looks deformed?

Have you read some of my other ramblings about the work that goes into getting a dog like Elmo to that standard of working qualification?

Don't want to start a row - just want to assure you, the dog is not deformed.
 
CaveCanem said:
Actually Kirstyhen has explained it pretty well, especially for being a spangle owner :p
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Yay :D Just goes to show CC, all your brain washing has not been in vain :p Good job that having a Spaniel and therefore only having to remember the command 'OILEAVEITYOUHORRIBLEDOGANDGETHERENOW!!' leaves a lot of room for other useless doggy information :D
 
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