In a message dated 12/2/04 7:53:39 PM Pacific Standard Time, WLFHRTGSD@xxxxxxx writes: > So now I've come back to my original point - a dog that meets the standard > should be able to do it ALL. I agree with Kelly, but my point is that we are breeding for a purpose, not a truth that exists outside what we are trying to do. If you want to allow dogs to "free breed' they will eliminate the fatal genes in but a few generations. As with any breeding herd, they will kill off the weaker ones, and the ones that survive will be the strongest. My point, which as normal I did not make clear, is that we have established a target, and when the breed deviates from the target, it is a breed problem FOR US AND OUR GOALS. It may not truly be a breed problem except for what we are trying to obtain. The standard is what we decided to make it. A white shepherd is a breed problem in conformation. A missing tooth is a conformation breed problem. Neither of those are breed problems in obedience. We should not lose sight of the fact that we establish what a breed problem is, except for something that affects the health or well-being of the breed. The rest is what we make of it, or decide to all a problem. The final word is that a breed problem is anything that causes me to lose in the ring. Therefore, I suspect my handling ability could be called a breed problem. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Evan Asgard German Shepherds http://www.asgardgsd.com/ Where Type Movement and Temperament come together ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2004. 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 ============================================================================