Pam, I think the point most are trying to make is that focusing on any one thing could be detrimental to the breed. Especially when you consider that this issue appears to be polygenic in its inheritibility with (BTW between hips and elbows, I think elbows are far more damaging to the breed then hips and a bit easier to pin point genetically) I for one applaud the positive way the PC is using awards to accentuate those animals with good hips and elbows, which translates into animals being used for breeding stock. I don't believe in restrictions, but do believe in honestly presenting the facts about your lines(both good and bad). M ============================================================================ 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 ============================================================================