European line German Shepherd Dogs
SV and AKC
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.
