Dogs then and now ! - Page 4 - Poodle Forum - Standard Poodle, Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle Forum ALL Poodle owners too!

SECRETO · 09-21-2009, 01:50 PM

Im not defending the way the GSD's are bred now, Im just saying I dont know that it's effecting the GSD's performance. I like GSD's based on the temperment, protective nature, size and intelligence. I definately wouldnt want a GSD that is litterally walking on its hocks. The female puppy I had carried her rear end like that but she wasnt walking on her hocks. If you didnt watch her movement closely, some may think she was because it almost appeared like she did. The amount of hock that comes down certainly is close to actually walking on it. Im sure some do and thats no good...for any breed of dog.

However, the dog in the moving pic hasnt actually put that rear foot down yet. Its still in air but because of the grass it looks very close and it is very close. I did see other pics of the father when I picked her up from the lady that bred her. He didnt show any sign of walking on the hocks like you would notice from a dog litterally walking on the hocks...soars etc.

SECRETO · 09-21-2009, 01:56 PM

I should been more clear...when I mean she isnt walk on her hocks, Im talking like actually placing all weight on the full hock. Sure some of the lower hock near the foot obviously touches the ground wehn walking/moving...just not the full hock even though thats what it appear's to look like. lol

I do think that the hocks are getting really really close to the ground and breeders should try and breed the hocks up a little. I dont see why it needs to be so extreme.

Harley_chik · 09-21-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PonkiPoodles

Dog breeds will keep changing as time passes.... the reason being that many of the sport/work a lot of breeds were originally bred for is being banned by animal activists etc. Just to name a few: dog racing, bull baiting, dog fighting etc.
So, I would assume that if you owned greyhounds (as an example) and it no longer legal for you to race your dog, why would you keep breeding dogs that can do 45 mph in 3 strides... you probably won't... you will start focusing on other aspects of the dog and thus you'll end up with something completely different than what you started out with, just because the original function is now irrelevant.

You raise some interesting and valid points, but there are (humane) substitute dog sports that test working ability. Instead of dog racing, which IMO is often cruel, there is lurecoursing. The dogs love it and it requires little training, there not much excuse for a sighthound breeder to not test their dogs in this sport. There are several sports that test working ability of breeds formerly used for bloodsports; weight pulling, "Iron Dog Competitions" and schutzhund. The idea is supposed to be "form follows function." The original purpose for the dogs is what made what they are. If you start disregarding that purpose, you change the whole dog.

PonkiPoodles · 09-22-2009, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harley_chik

You raise some interesting and valid points, but there are (humane) substitute dog sports that test working ability. Instead of dog racing, which IMO is often cruel, there is lurecoursing. The dogs love it and it requires little training, there not much excuse for a sighthound breeder to not test their dogs in this sport. There are several sports that test working ability of breeds formerly used for bloodsports; weight pulling, "Iron Dog Competitions" and schutzhund. The idea is supposed to be "form follows function." The original purpose for the dogs is what made what they are. If you start disregarding that purpose, you change the whole dog.

I agree, there are substitute sports for certain breeds, but not for all. I haven't really seen bulldogs compete in anything. They no longer have a function other than a companion animal (which is not what they were originally bred for.)

roxy25 · 09-22-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PonkiPoodles

I agree, there are substitute sports for certain breeds, but not for all. I haven't really seen bulldogs compete in anything. They no longer have a function other than a companion animal (which is not what they were originally bred for.)

IA this is why they are so deformed.

I would also like to not when I speak of GSD I am not saying all are like that. I have seen some AKC dogs that did walk on the hocks. Again not all akc dogs will have that. If you go to you tube and search german shepherd show there is a video of GSD at in indoor show. You can see their movement. The does featured do not walk on the hocks. The first dog has pretty strong legs.

Once I figure out how to upload raw files from this new camera to view I will post pictures of the black GSD we took a picture of. His legs where weak when the handler would walk him they turned in a lot and when he would stack you could see it.