It sounds like Ann and I came up through the same school for learning the breed that I did. <G> I'd wager that this story is familiar to many of us. Tom Langlitz ------------------------------------------------- In a message dated 7/9/2005 1:42:22 PM Central Daylight Time, edangsd@xxxxxxxxxxx writes: I think the standard is clearly written and easy to understand if you have an eye to look at a German Shepherd . I remember going to look at my first show prospect a "few" years ago, I had read and reread the standard, practically had it memorized.I was going to buy the perfect puppy. Well when I looked at that puppy, nothing that I had memorized helped me to know if it was a good puppy or not.I bought it and it wasn't. IMO, you have to develop an eye and it may take years. You have to talk to experts, go to shows and study the catalog and the dogs in the ring and find out why one won and why another one didn't. You have to study litters of puppies at all ages, not just yours, but other people's as well and then remember which ones turned out and which ones didn't. Then the so called experts that you talk to must be truly knowledgable. Just because someone has bred a champion or two doesn't make them an expert. I know people that have bred several champions and still don't have a clue. Then you have to have a little luck and you just might get that star. Ann ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================