"only dogs wt ScH title r allowed to breed so that the utilitarian abilities of the dogs (in this case=GSD) can be preserved for our continued use. "
i don't suppose the above apply to malaysia GSDs, doesn't it :/ ?
Hunter,
Maybe I can help here. Hope I'm not barging into your discussion here. In the case of SV and WUSV, yes SchH is designed to test out the working ability to ensure the utilitarian abilities of a GSD is preserved. In other words part of a licence to breed.
But not all SchH title you see on a dog carries the same value there. I hope I didn't confuse you here but let me just explain a bit more for you to understand better. SchH itself has 2 different sets of standards in the way it is carried out for Showdogs and working dogs. The format is the same but in a showdog, it is a very cleaverly manupulated excercise where the helper (the bad guy) is a friend to the dog. The dogs knows this helper from a lot of practise therefore the test is a game of play for the dog and the dog will not get stressed. Most of the time this helper is either the owner of the dog or one person taking salary from the owner, he has in his interest to see this dog pass the test. The test is also carried out, in the field where the dog normally trains in therefore again no stress. Under these circumstances, a lot of dogs will pass and get those titles.
On the other hand, a working dog or sports dog are tested with a helper not known to him. This helper is a stranger and he puts stress into the dog. He stares into it with direct eye contact, put on a very challenging posture to the dog....these are very high stress. The trial is most often held in stadiums where it is also strange place to the dog. Then the spectator and noise will also add further stress to the dog. Therefore under such enviroment, the dog whom does not have a strong nerve and strong temprement will not be able to perform this test.
In Malaysia, we would be happy if a breeder even xray his broodstock not to say SchH titling them unfortunately. But there are some serious ones who does the training and titling and xray too. These poor breeder unfortunately cannot do those in Malaysia. They have to travel with their dog and get their titles from overseas trials. So any dog under this circumstances and still get back a title is a very proven dog. There are also failures due to the travel stress among others. That is why a real GSD breeder in Malaysia is a poor breeder indeed and unfortunately, personally I don't see any of them in Malaysian show ring today. Those are rich breeders The poor breeders you can search them out by word of mouth or recomendations. They usually don't advertise either.
PSD
Quote
"Take this trouble for me:
Make sure my shepherd dog remains a working dog, for I have struggled all my life long for that aim ."
Rittmeister Capt. Max von Stephanitz (1864-1936)