Page #6 - Show Quality:

Does a show quality puppy make a better pet?  What is Show Quality?  What is Movement and Structure?

The short answer is “no", a show quality puppy doesn’t make a better pet. Regardless if you are looking for a family pet, breeding stock, or show prospect a good temperament should be the first item on your list. Some breeders will over look a weak temperament because the shepherd has good show structure or they are breeding for a solid color shepherd. Those breeders are setting themselves up for a future heartbreak. When their well structured "star" shepherd comes along with a temperament too weak for showing, it's truely heartbreaking for any breeder.  It’s our attempt here to act as a guide for new comers to the breed and show ring to help them bypass some of the mistakes we have made in the past. This information covers only the first step of how to recognize a show puppy. Pedigrees, Bloodlines, structure problems are not covered here.

First of all, a show quality puppy/dog needs to meet all of the basic standards and have no disqualifying faults. Missing teeth, incorrect bite, problems with erect ears, incorrect color, (males) no missing testicles, etc would disqualify them from being shown. These standards are listed in shepherd books and on the German Shepherd Dog Club of America’s web site (click here).  Any dog or puppy that means these requirements CAN be shown. The big question is Can he or she win the necessary points to become a champion by beating some of the best shepherds being shown?   Of course appearance, coat color, fullness of coat, richness of hair pigment, ear set, darkness of eyes, attitude, structure, gate, true coming and going, size, weight, and a multitude of other things to be worth the effort to show and dog. Basically an ideal representation of what the breed should be.  A champion is a dog or bitch who has been judged by multible judges and given the points to advance them to their championship.   Being a champion is basically for breeding purposes to guide the breed in the right direction. Not having champions in your dog’s pedigree will show up in his or her appearance and structure.

After appearance and attitude we need to look at the dog’s structure. A dog that takes long fluid step verses a dog with short croppy steps will spend less energy and can work longer days with less effort. American breeders are basically breeding a long distance runner. Any long distance runner will need longer legs to take a longer stride. Just having longer legs does mean the dog can be taller. The height of a German Shepherd is 25 to 28 inches at their wither (the high point of their shoulder). The rear legs of a Shepherd that can cover a lot of ground will look like a runner in starting block when he is stacked. A Longer upper leg bones in the front normally gives a dog the looks of a larger chest because it sets their front leg back on his body. Their ability to reach out with their front will also depend on the angle of their front shoulder blade. Correct angle and length of certain bones can give an advantage over another dog.

Above is a good example of how to tell an American Show structure (upper left) and a pet quality (above right).  A shepherd with a flat top line is called a "Square" dog.   Notice the hips on the Show structure (above left) is lower than the shoulder while the hips on the pet quality are level with the shoulders. The "Square" shepherd (like most all other breeds of dogs) have straight front and rear legs. The length of the upper and lower leg bones as well as the length and angle of the hip (or croup) will determines how well the dog will gate. A well bred American shepherd's rear legs should zig-zag like a spring. Americans are breeding for a herding dog that needs to work the fields all day and cover long distances. Just like a long distance runner, they need to cover as much ground as possible with each step. Lengths of certain bones can give one shepherd an advantage over others.

The American German Shepherd is the only dog bred for a "floating gate" and suspension (some what like springs on your car).   The picture above is no camera trick.  All 4 feet are off the ground at the same time.  The young male pictured above is a son of our Harry Potter and the picture is compliments of our friends at Red Rock Shepherds.  

When breeders use the term "Show Quality" they should be referring to the bone structure and a shepherd's movement or gate as well as all the things mentioned above and a nice personality.  Some breeders use this term very loosely.    Most puppies produced are “Show-able”, meaning they don’t have any disqualifying faults.   Due to the steep composition in the shepherd show ring, a winning show dog does not come along everyday.  True show puppies always come with conditions, agreements, and contracts.  True show breeders aren't going to let go of their best puppies without a very involved process and understanding.   Most state in their ads "Serious Show Homes Only".

Above is a picture of HeartStar’s Harry Potter at the age of 15 weeks. We will try to explain some of the things to look for in a show puppy's movement or gate.

#1 - First notice his “top line” or back. His or her hips should be lower than their shoulders and not level. His back should stay straight while he gates and does not dip, or wiggle.

#2 - Notice how far his rear legs trail behind him.

#3 - Notice how far his rear feet are coming underneath him. This is called “under drive”. His rear feet are coming up beyond his front feet. This is called “cross over”.

#4 - Notice how far his front foot is coming out in front of him. At this age, coming up to his nose or beyond is good. This is called “reach”. Notice how much his shoulder is opening up. His front legs are forming a wide inverted “V”.

#5 - Notice that his front legs are covering as much ground as his rear legs. It’s important for a show dog to have a matching front and rear assembly in order to have a “balanced” movement. If a shepherd has a better rear than front or a better front than a rear, he would be unbalanced and would not be able to gate as smoothly as a balanced dog.

Above is a picture of Grand Victor Champion Trafalgar’s Full Throttle in full extension of his gate. Notice how his front shoulder opens up to cover as much ground as his rear legs. This type of movement does just happen. It takes careful selected breedings to produce a movement like his.

Above is our HeartStar's Harry Potter.   Comparing the picture of Harry and GV Full Throttle we are on the right track.   We will be taking better picture of Harry's movement later this year (2009).

Please note:  That picking a show puppy is not an easy task. Many things can change as a puppy grows and many do not turn out as expected. Most families don't need to go to the extra expense and trouble to purchase a show quality shepherd. Most breeders will require a show contract before selling you their best show puppy. Showing a shepherd is very expensive, it takes a lot of work, and travel to put a championship on a dog. Showing a shepherd (or any dog) takes a lot of dedication and may not be for every one.