Yes, the GSD started as a mix. Many breeds did, such as the more recently recognized Leonberger. (Just using them as an example) But, the Leonberger breeders kept careful records, established stud books, etc. to gain AKC recognition. This will no longer be necessary. Any mix can get a registration number and as the spay/neuter requirement stands now, they can be bred. Karen Teplitzky In a message dated 1/18/2010 10:36:37 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, elg440@xxxxxxx writes: Wasn't the first GSD a mix? I thought Von Staphanitz was unhappy with the purebred dogs at the dog shows, and went ahead to mix two dogs to form a new breed, German shepherds. Or, am I wrong? ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2009. 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://showgsd.org NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================