I do have to just put in my two cents worth.

I do think that the AKC breed standards are detrimental to a couple of breeds. German Shepards come to mind first.

Those low sloping back ends can cause all kinds of trouble for them. A lot of the Shepards purchased for police work come from Germany becuase the US ones are too suseptable to hip problems. It seems to be more suited to the show ring than to actual work.

Basically it seems to me that certain styles go in and out to a extent.

It's always been my belief that an AKC show standard often looks very different than a successful working dog of the same breed. These show dogs are supposed to be pretty.

Ok, I've rambled enough....but JMHO.