Well, this has certainly been quite educational for me. I can't say whether it has been good or bad. But, judging by the posts and private e-mails (with the exception of a few), it would appear that the breed has zero problems and everyone outside of the GSD world (and myself) are nuts. I can see with my own eyes how loose the hind legs are and how the dogs can't walk normal. So, you can all tell me that I am nuts and they would make the ideal herding dog but I don't buy it. I have to agree with everyone that has approached me about this GSD condition. It's not ok. If this is what wins in the AKC and is the only thing than I am not interested. I can't do it. My first GSD as a kid (an unregistered white) didn't look like this and he was athletic, sound, and healthy. As I start to show my GSD puppy, I was hoping that this look wasn't required but every year that goes by I see it more and more. I just don't know why. I wanted to express my frustration over hearing all the negativity from outside the GSD world (which I agree with) and the fact that I have had experienced breeders tell me that they can't get majors on their dog as it's too political. So, if they can't do it how will I ever be able to do it? Will I have to be in the breed for 50 years before I can finish my own dog? Maybe all breeds are like this. I don't know. I don't care as I only care about my breed. So, sorry I bothered everyone trying to understand why this is all happening in the breed and how it will effect me showing my dog. I truly find it upsetting. But, I guess it doesn't concern the majority of people. Likewise, I suppose over the last 3 years I must have also been blind witnessing the poor temperaments in the ring. I don't know. I want to have thick skin but at the end of the day..I just don't need the stress. I don't. Why does it have to be this way? Maybe the GSDCA isn't the right fit for me (which stinks as I am a new member and just joined a local GSDCA club). I am still shocked at bring called "smug" and hearing "this breeder sells her good dogs but wouldn't to you". Blah-blah. I don't like being called a liar either. Why is it important what other people think about the breed? Maybe because where there is smoke there is fire. I had to sit through a whole freaking show with people coming up to me (who had met me at UKC) and ask me why the breed is ruined and so deformed.. I DON'T KNOW. Everytime I am out walking my dog or attending a performance class, I get asked the same questions. I DON'T KNOW. This is my first exposure to other GSDCA members outside of the woman I met at a show from the club I joined and the club members I met at the meeting to vote me in. I can't say I am not disappointed. I just wanted answers and I have no secret agenda. I apologize again for bothering everyone on the list with my concerns as a new person entering the breed and show ring. To the few people who sent positive e-mails to me, I thank you. To the rest, your negativity is just too much. Truly. I wish everyone much success in their breeding programs..... Take Care, Sara ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2011. 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. Each Author is responsible for the content of his/her post. This group and its administrators are not responsible for the comments or opinions expressed in any post. 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@xxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org SUBSCRIPTION:http://showgsd.org/mail.html NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================