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European (SV) vs
American (AKC) Lines
Many people
have asked us about the difference between American and European
Lines. This is very controversial, and you will get as
many answers as people you ask.
A well bred
dog is a well bred dog regardless of its point of origin, however
much depends on the integrity of the breeder.
In general
European lines have had more emphasis on working abilities, and a
thicker, stronger shaped head; less rear angulation and less of a
slope from the wither to the croup. Their bodies tend to be
slightly shorter and more substantial, their temperament more
correct.
American
lines have been selected for generations for fluid movement.
They have a more refined head, and are a bit taller in
general. The most noticeable difference is the more extreme
angulation's of the hind legs, and a greater slope of the torso from
front to rear.
American Specialty Line German
Shepherd
European Line German Shepherd
We
feel that the SV, which is the organization that has developed
this breed and governs the breeding in Germany to this day has been
able to control the quality of the German Shepherd dog. We
also feel that the AKC has been unable or unwilling to do this in
this country, and this lack of adherence to the standard has greatly
damaged the quality of the breed here.
For this
reason we have found a greater satisfaction in our exclusive
devotion to the European lines. We strongly feel that the FCI
standard for the German Shepherd is the true guide for breeders who
are truly interested in the total German Shepherd
dog.
The
difference in American and European lines means that a top winning
dog in the European style shows (SV) will not necessarily be any
kind of a winner in an AKC show, and vise versa. So if you
plan to participate in conformation shows with your German Shepherd
dog, you need to decide which arena you will compete in and buy the
appropriate dog. Those who think that you can overlap wins in
both AKC and SV shows with any consistency are only fooling
themselves.
In SV style
shows, typically you get a critique of your dog by the judge after
he has positioned the dogs. This is done at the end of each
class. It is a verbal critique, and every one hears it.
This we find very beneficial and as breeders, it allows us to
see if we are breeding in the right sphere. This we feel would
also be very beneficial in the AKC ring, as it would undoubtedly
improve the GSD American lines.
Another major
difference between SV and AKC shows, is the placing of the
dogs. Of course one is first, and one is last, but it really
is the rating of the dog that truly matters. In the SV ring
your dog is placed in certain categories, and this depends on the
age and whether your dog is Schutzhund titled or not. Males
compete against males in the same age range, and the same is true
for females. You will not see a puppy compete against an adult
dog. Your dog could finish 1st or 4th or 6th (depending
on the size of the class), and still get a very good rating.
The ratings are set by class, with dogs less than 1 year of age,
competing for the rating of very promising (VP), promising (P) or
less promising (LP). For dogs between 1 year and 2 years of
age or over 2 years without a working title, the ratings are very
good (SG), Good (G), sufficient (A) or insufficient (M). For
dogs over 2 years with a working title, the ratings are,
excellent select (VA) (this title is only awarded in the Sieger show
), excellent (V), very good (SG), good (G), sufficient (A) or
insufficient (M). Sometimes what separates the 1st from the
4th or 6th or further back is a only a slight or very minor fault,
but that is up to the judge ( and remember when showing a dog, it is
that judge's decision on that day). But the classification of
a rating is certainly very important for a breeder, and really
reflects the breed ability of his stock.
We at Le
Chenil Belge believe in the "Golden Middle", and strive to breed
German Shepherds that are as close to the FCI standard as
possible. A beautiful, intelligent, trainable companion for
life. | 
