European or American German shepherd?

[Crayons09]

I was wondering which German shepherd do you like better the American or the European?
American:
http://www.dogsgermanshepherd.com/Andretti%202nd.jpg
link (http://www.dogsgermanshepherd.com/)
European:
http://www.jerland.com/shepherds/dogs/sommerRose.jpg
Sadie's mom (http://www.jerland.com/shepherds/dogs/sommerRose.jpg)
I prefer the European, I do not like the angle of the back in the Americans. From the americans that I have seen they do not move as smoothly as the Europeans. So which do you prefer?

[cali]

neither lol I hate hate hate the slopped backs on the american GSDs, but I also despise the roach on the German ones. the only kind of GSDs I like are ones with a level back.

[lute]

I agree with you cali! Even though the GSD with level backs (i think)are against AKC breed standard it looks like the dog is falling apart. :( I saw some GSD pups at a dog show once. 8 weeks old. they can't even walk straight. I hate what AKC does to some breeds.

[Sevaede]

European, for all the reasons already stated. :(

[Crazy-Cat-Lover]

neither lol I hate hate hate the slopped backs on the american GSDs, but I also despise the roach on the German ones. the only kind of GSDs I like are ones with a level back.

Same here! :)

[Suki Wingy]

american looks like they are walking on their hocks.

[BC_MoM]

European. My Aunt's best friend has a beautiful black European GSD, with outstanding lines that has a litter planned sometime in the future. I'm looking forward to it. Those will be some amazing puppies.

[buttercup132]

I think the American looks nice but I think it's cruel. The dogs have such bad hip displaysia and back problems:(

[Sophist]

European. I do like the look better, and I have met both European (mostly police dogs) and American (mostly pet-quality). Maybe those aren't the fairest groups to compare between, but out of the small sampling of GSDs I have meant, the European blew the Americans out of the water in terms of temperament, stability, and apparent soundness (but it isn't like I put every one through field trials and a vet check).

Even if I hated the look, I'd still go European, just because they have a lot less hip issues than Americans (or so I have been told).


Still, I like 'my' option better... a GSD mutt with a lot of the looks, a lot of the personality perks, and so far none of the drawbacks often associated with the breed.

[Barbara]

The back of German GSD's is already prone to hip dysplasia. It looks as if the American GSD's have it even more. So I suppose I would prefer a non standard healthy GSD ;)

[crow_noir]

I don't like the modern GSD, I like the old GSD... from like 20 years ago and more. I like those that are trying to breed GSD to what they once were.

AKC will tell you otherwise, but true GSD's are nothing more than lovable, trainable wolf-dogs. It's on the original breed books.

This is why i considered getting a Saarloose or Shiloh Shepherd after King passed away. They're closer to being a GSD than what today's GSD's are. I grew up with the GSD being my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE breed in the whole wide world. In the past five years though I've met one that even came close to being the breed i came to know and love. Now I'm so disappointed with the breed. Belgium Shepherds are growing on my good list though :D I just know they are the work-a-holic counterpart to the GSD... I don't think I'd ever be able to provide enough stimulation for one.

I miss having a favorite breed the way I loved GSDs.

[Marigold2]

My favorite breed. A real dog. Brave, intelligent, loyal, loving. I prefer the European as the American seems like it would cause problems with hips

[lizbud]

Of the two dogs pictures, I would chose the European GSD.There is an
interesting take on balence problems in American GSDs on Leerburg kennel site.

http://www.leerburg.com/gsd-gate.htm

[Giselle]

I read the Leerbug link and was pretty content with the way they presented their information, but I DESPISED the ending "comments and questions". I absolutely hate it when people take to name calling and sarcasm just to find supremacy in belittling others. However, the information seemed pretty solid, and it really does make me wonder how American GSDs can support all that weight.

It's a sad day, IMO, when you have to choose between a roach back or extreme angles.

Here's a quote from another forum:

A great judge once said...
"With all the generic dogs being shown & winning -
One day a dog will walk in the ring
that looks exactly like it should,
and moves exactly like it should, and,
no one would know..."