[ SHOWGSD-L ] The Way We Were
- From: James Barnhart <jim@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:59:20 -0800
I wish I were more articulate and less inclined to hyperbole in my
original post that started this thread (probably shouldn't have had
that second eggnog). Yes, long striding GSDs still exist. I own
one. I got my first GSD in 1962 and finished my first GSD in 1965. I
have been to a lot a dog shows including many nationals. Maybe you
have seen me with a video camera taping animals as they move. I don't
claim to be an expert on gait but I have always been interested in the
dynamics of movement. Ever since I attended an day seminar with LaMar
Kuhns in 1982 I have tried to understand the complex nature of human
behavior involved in the sport of dog showing that he called the
"Bandwagon of Winners". I remember being shocked when he said, "the
Standard is kaput!" I thought he was being cynical when he said, "The
future of the Breed is in the hands of self-promoters." He could be
wrong because after the last National I read post after post about our
Breed being in good hands and how deep the quality is now. Going
back to gait, I again refer to Mr. Kuhns who described a GSD who
looked like it could "gait on eggs without breaking one and yet move
with strength and power." Here's my humble take: I see GSDs with
good structure; I see long striding GSDs who even have a period of
suspension. I see GSDs that have smooth transmission. I see GSDs
that can move at all speeds. Something has changed in terms of the
engine that drives our dogs. I believe there is a complex series of
events that goes on at a cellular level in the bones, muscles and
ligaments and tendons of a dog when it is gaiting. Check out the
video: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIFpKL0qRQ0) that created
quite a discussion a while back on the List. To me that rear
literally snaps with power. I just don't see it in our contemporary
dogs. Maybe it's not necessary, maybe that trait was just a fad. I
think its for the most part lost. I would like to be convinced that I
am wrong. Jim Barnhart
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