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Interpretation
The German Shepherd, like any recognized breed, has a single official standard (currently separated into long and short hair), validated by the FCI (International Cynological Federation).
It is the only reference document for the evaluation of dogs of the breed.
Consult the FCI standard for the German Shepherd (no. 166)
Despite its clarity on many points, This standard is subject to various interpretations, often influenced by fashions or the preferences of certain judges or breeders. These readings have sometimes led to structural deviations which move away from the very foundations of the breed, yet defined from the outset by its creator, Max von Stephanitz : " The German Shepherd is above all a functional, enduring and balanced working dog.
A striking example: the back line
The standard states that the back should be “ solid, straight and firm ". The word " right " leaves little room for interpretation: a straight line is a straight line.
However, in some show lines, we see dogs emerging with an exaggeratedly curved spine, with a sloping croup and overangulated hindquarters. This type of construction is not only contrary to the standard, but above all unfavorable to the biomechanics of movement.
The thoracolumbar area must ensure the efficient transmission of energy between the hindquarters and forehands. A back that is too curved, sagging or unstable disrupts this transfer, limits the efficiency of the stride, and predisposes to locomotor disorders (particularly at the lumbar or sacroiliac level).
The same applies to the hindquarters. The standard describes a posterior angulation moderate, with precise relationships between the femur and the tibia. When the latter becomes too long, we speak of overangulation — a morphological drift visible in certain show dogs.
This overangulation often produces a excessive overstepping at the trot: the hind foot extends well beyond the footprint left by the front foot. Contrary to popular belief, this is not a criterion sought in the standard of the German Shepherd. Max von Stephanitz himself considered this phenomenon as a default, because it results from an unbalanced construction.
From a biomechanical point of view, excessive overstepping is energy-intensive : it requires significant muscle expenditure without any real gain in endurance or efficiency. In the long term, it causes premature wear of the joints, particularly in the hocks and hips.
The working dog, not a show-off machine
In our selection, we try to return to a faithful and functional reading of the standard, as more and more specialists, and in particular the federation, are trying to do RSV2000 in Germany :
- a firm and stable back line,
- of the balanced angles,
- A smooth and economical trot,
- and above all, a construction that allows the dog to work sustainably without getting injured.
It is with this in mind that we select our breeders. Not to respond to trends, but to ensure that the German Shepherd remains what it has always been: a dog functional, enduring, intelligent and balanced.
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The pedigree
A pedigree is an official document attesting to a dog's genealogy. In France, it is issued by the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) under the name LOF (Livre des Origines Françaises).
This document certifies that the dog comes from confirmed breeders of the same breed, and that it complies with the official standard recognized by international canine organizations (FCI). It indicates the puppy's genealogy over five generations, as well as the health and competition results of the ancestors.
Having a dog registered with the LOF with a pedigree recognized by the FCI is a guarantee:
-A clear and verifiable traceability of ancestors
- Rigorous selection work, particularly on health, character and aptitudes
-Real belonging to a race, beyond mere physical appearance
Of course, all this has a cost for the breeder and imposes standards that must be respected.
“German Shepherd type” dogs without LOF offer no guarantee of their origin, their aptitudes or their stability.
In recent years, many names have emerged:
"Altdeutscher Schäferhund", "Old Type German Shepherd Dog", "Straight-Backed German Shepherd Dog", etc.
While these terms are appealing because of their promise of a "return to basics," it is important to distinguish between marketing and canine reality.
In truth, The well-selected working German Shepherd, registered with the LOF, is the direct descendant of the original dog as intended by its founder, Max von Stephanitz.
The "straight back" is not an official breed or subcategory:
It is simply a morphological characteristic desired by the standard and selected in working lines, particularly in opposition to German beauty lines where the very sloping rump was excessively favored.
Similarly, the term " Old German Shepherd Dog » (literally: "old German shepherd dog") is used to designate long-haired, straight-backed dogs, without there being a separate official standard recognized by the FCI, and therefore resulting from a much less regulated selection.
(young male intended to become a breeder selected by the Des Crocs Véritables breeding compared to one of the first German Shepherds selected by the creator of the breed Max Von Stephanitz)
The true original lines (old, with a straight back as the standard recommends...) of the German Shepherd are those which have been maintained with a concern for balance:
– Joint health
– Stable temperament
– Physical and mental aptitudes for work
– Hardiness
– Versatility
These are the lines that we favor in our breeding., all puppies have a pedigree (LOF / FCI) and come from parents tested for their health and behavior.
Their natural morphology, with a solid back and a functional gait, is in line with the initial idea of the German Shepherd: a versatile, enduring, balanced and loyal dog.
