Well, speaking as a newbie, when I started looking for my first pure bred GSD, I did look for Champion lines, but preferably Champion sired. I don't know if we give the "buying" public enough credit. I get probably 3 calls a week for people looking for pups and 2 of the 3 want to know about bloodlines, first question is usually about hip/elbow certification and the second is bloodlines, how many champions, champion sired and so on. I find that they also like information on the breed and if I can point them in the right direction I do. As far as finishing a dog at any cost, it seems to be something that no one particularly cares for but some very big names in the GSD world do just that. Look at the testicle discussion, didn't someone mention that the testicles descended late, they were advised not to breed them, yet they were advised to go out and finish them? Why finish them? This is supposed to be our breeding stock, so if you are not going to breed them, keep them home as wonderful pets. To me that is lesser quality and screws with all of us. Pam In a message dated 12/6/2008 12:32:51 P.M. Central Standard Time, Showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes: Msg: #3 in digest Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2008 09:26:53 -0800 (PST) From: Joan Fox <campaignersgsd@xxxxxxxxx> Subject: Re: MAJORS I wonder why some want to finish a dog at any cost. Going to lesser quality areas for cheaper majors, etc. What do they have when all is said and done? The showing public does not breed to them or by puppies from them and the public will not pay more just because it says CH. Joan **************Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and favorite sites in one place. Try it now. (http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp&icid=aolcom40vanity&ncid=emlcntaolcom00000010) ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2008. 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/ ============================================================================