Westminster Dog Show and German Shepherd Dogs
64German Shepherd Dogs at Westminster
The 135th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show begins on February 14, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. According to the official show site, "Westminster pre-dates the invention of the light bulb and the automobile, the building of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Washington Monument, the invention of basketball and the establishment of the World Series."
Westminster is the pinnacle of dog show achievement. Animals shown at Westminster are all Champions, winners in show rings many times over. The German Shepherd Dog has had a very modest record at Westminster, with only one best-in-show win, in 1987.
I'm a dog lover and have owned German Shepherds for years, but I don't recognize the German Shepherd Dogs shown at Westminster anymore. GSDs are herding dogs, but the physical characteristics that appeal to show judges are hardly herding animals. The low hips and awkward angles are for display only.
The video below shows the 2010 Westminster judging of the German Shepherds. Around 7:45 minutes the dogs pose for the judge. Take a look at the hips and legs. To me, they look crippled. How long could a dog like that last running the fields?
I recognize that few German Shepherds are herders anymore. Most are family pets or working dogs in police, rescue, military or protection roles. Schutzhund training has become very popular as a demanding test of German Shepherd endurance and agility. But what strength and power could come from the show dog posture? How long could a dog like that last with a child leaning on the animal's hind quarters?
2010 Westminster German Shepherd Judging
Working German Shepherds
The German Shepherd breed seems to have split into show dogs like those in the video above and working lines, with a more upright posture. These dogs are capable of work. Two of my dogs are pictured below, both with the classic lines as I know the breed.
I'll take a German Shepherd with athleticism and power, original traits of the breed, over one with a Westminster resume any day.
Classic German Shepherd Posture
What is your preference? Show or Working GSDs?Loading...
I think breeding the noble German Shepherd as a show animal is crazy. I believe they are wonderful working dogs that love their people. To rid them of their life purpose is cruel indeed.
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B Muscat 3 months ago
Loved this post! It makes me cringe watching the shepherds walk so much on their hind legs. It can NOT be good for the dog either.