I don't understand what the problem is. If the SV does accept the "stock coat" now into the system, whats' the big deal? The coat gene is very simple and easy to control in a breeding program. The worst problem is that usually the best structured puppy in the litter is the long coat and most judges will not award it the points. Pick your best puppy based on structure, if it is a long coat just breed her to a male that does not carry the gene for the long coats. JMO, Mary In a message dated 6/5/2008 3:07:04 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, cnnpmm2@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes: Carolyn & Norma No L, The long *stock* coat is not a problem as the outer coat is *not* silky. It is the same coarse texture as that found on a normal coated dog. Also, a dog with a stock coat does have an undercoat. This is the definition of a stock coat. I'm betting most people on this list have not come in contact with a true long stock-coated dog. Having owned German & German crosses for a long time, I've known many such dogs and their hardiness has been "field tested." In case you guys missed my earlier post on this subject, I've included it below. BTW, I'm *not* advocating the approval of the true long coat for just the reasons Carolyn mentioned. Anyhow, here's what I wrote in that post... I wish the long stock coat would be accepted by our Standard and not considered a fault. I have owned both the true long coat, i.e. soft, silky outer coat & no undercoat and the long stock coat. The long stock coat is exactly like the standard coat - coarse outer coat with the typical undercoat. Only longer. My dog with the true long coat had skin problems. He was harder to dry, but the main problem was that silky outer coat. It seemed to pick up dust like one of those magnetic dust mops, and everything got tangled up in his coat. Burrs, leaves, twigs, you name it! Burrs were the worse because they had to be cut out. We live in the woods, so I don't ever want to own another true long coat. My long stock coat experienced none of these problems, and would have no trouble doing field work. Plus, a dog with a long stock coat is often *very* pleasing to the eye. Paulette McGuirt, GSDCA Member Allemande German Shepherd Dogs Qui Me Amat, Amat et Canem Meam ----- Original Message ----- From: "Carolyn Martello" <marhaven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: <gsdramey@xxxxxxx>; <grnram415@xxxxxxx>; <denwil2007@xxxxxxxxx>; <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2008 2:04 PM Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: long coat revision to the standard by FV Everything is minor until you have a problem with it. <G> Try getting the velcro stickers or fox tails out of a silky coat when you've had it out herding or working in a field or in Search and Rescue dog in a disaster setting. Also try drying and getting out the snow balls that has frozen to the hair of an avalance dog. Let a blind person try to deal with any of it. Incorrect coats do not repel water but the harsh double coat will. Two shakes and they're almost dry....<G> It's all a fault for a reason is all I'm saying. It's a Standard for a working, herding, service dog. It's really NOT about personal taste. The only one I can't see a reason for other than appearances is the light eye........? I love our Standard and our Breed...... { :o) Carolyn marhaven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx www.Marhaven.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Norma Ramey To: marhaven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx ; grnram415@xxxxxxx ; denwil2007@xxxxxxxxx ; showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2008 6:01 AM Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: long coat revision to the standard by FV Carolyn has brought up some goodies - but - the differences (small IMHO) in the actual coat coarseness, fine silkiness, length, etc. really are minor differences. Like so many other things, individual tastes prevail anyway. I learned in studying an animal encyclopedia as as a young Whippersnapper that the Poodle coat & clips were important for what they originally did. (A German breed, BTW; hunt and retrieve)! The stickers & foxtails etc. would only adhere to the outer protective fur and not the dog as in a short coated one) Also, the thickness repelled the water easily. I feel more is better, but thatsa me and the fantastic undercoat of our GSDs truly IS an insulation to heat & cold times. Norma no L ----- Original Message ----- From: "Carolyn Martello" <marhaven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: <grnram415@xxxxxxx>; <denwil2007@xxxxxxxxx>; <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2008 12:08 AM Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: long coat revision to the standard by FV It is a "fault".....no matter how awesome their structure...but so are soft coats & open coats. There are different types of long coats......but they are still "coats"......and they are all a problem when you live in the Country where there are stickers, fox tails, a lot of dirt, or out in the field herding and working. Even snow balls up on their coats and sticks. We've all had 'coats' that are really nice....but I wouldn't show one........too much effort just to get a good dog or a great dog shown without wasting time and money on a coated one. You can already show them at AKC shows as long as they are not trimmed. They are mentioned in our Standard........and considered a fault of the coat! <G>. Why change now? The GSDCA, Inc. doesn't decide what we can show or not show. If you have an AKC registered dog you can show it......it can even have disqualifying faults....( it's your entry fee to throw away ) you just will either lose or be disqualified. <G> I sure hope we don't start tinkering with our Standard to fit coat faults? We have a great Breed......and a great Breed Standard. Why would we want to start splitting it into varities of coats and colors and light eyes, and dark eyes, and blacks and sables etc. This is a working / herding breed and there is a definite reason a long coat is not desired. Though a beautiful Breed ( as long as we stay vigilant ) .our Standard addresses the best qualities for easy maintenance and all aspects of a working dog, service dog and a herding dog ( again, as long as we stay vigilant ) whether it is the coat, the feet or even the long saber tail for balance. JMO Carolyn marhaven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx www.Marhaven.com ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2007. 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. 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