Mike did describe structure, not type. Type is many things...each defined in the standard for the breed. Type is what makes a breed recognizable. Sidegait as we seem to want it in the GSD is more extreme than in other breeds, even though most seem to want to compete with the Shepherd in this regard. Sally, what you are talking about is style, not type. There is only one type. Again, it is what is described in the Standard. However, there are many styles...as evidenced by the entry at any given show. A German Shepherd is more than just good working structure and sidegait, true...it is a breed with a character that is explicitly described in writing; with rich colors preferred; with secondary sex characteristics clearly obvious; with a long tail that touches the ground when the dog is standing; etc. All these things are described in the Standard and are what constitutes type. Interestingly enough, the dictionary definitions also seem to say it all: type (noun): 1. A number of people or things having in common traits or characteristics that distinguish them as a group or class. 2. The general character or structure held in common by a number of people or things considered as a group or class. 3. A person or thing having the features of a group or class. 4. An example or a model having the ideal features of a group or class. versus style (noun) (these are the two that I think may define it the best for our purposes) how something is done or how it happens; the popular taste at a given time; In other words, Bernd von Kallengarten and Lance of FranJo were both obviously German Shepherd Dogs... they possessed type. BUT - they were certainly a different style each from the other. If you want to make it more modern, Scoop is a different style of dog from Honky Tonk Man, and Rollins is still another style...but they are all obviously German Shepherd Dogs. Peggy Sally wrote: >I would like to know what other people give as the definition of "type" I >also feel there are a lot of different types in our breed > > ============================================================================ 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 ============================================================================