French's German Shepherds Refuse To Breed Dogs With Bad Temperaments
German Shepherds with poor or unstable temperaments are bred all too often. There is a genetic component to temperament. These poorly bred dogs have given the breed a bad name. Such poorly bred dogs have injured and hurt many people. These dogs are not assets, rather liabilities to their owners and the general public. Dogs often bred with poor temperaments often end up in pounds and rescues. Any ethical breeder will always take back a dog they have bred!
Temperament As Defined In The Breed Standard
"The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand. The dog must not be timid, shrinking behind its master or handler; it should not be nervous, looking about or upward with anxious expression or showing nervous reactions, such as tucking of tail, to strange sounds or sights."
"Lack of confidence under any surroundings is not typical of
good character. Any of the above deficiencies in character
which indicate shyness must be penalized as very serious
faults and any dog exhibiting pronounced indications of
these must be excused from the ring. It must be possible for
the judge to observe the teeth and to determine that both
testicles are descended for a male. Any dog that attempts to
bite the judge must be disqualified. The ideal dog is a
working animal with an incorruptible character combined with
body and gait suitable for the arduous work that constitutes
its primary purpose."
Good Breeders are continually seeking to produce sound dogs. An understanding of temperament is crucial in developing a breeding program that preserves the breed's proper attributes, rather than breed more pets into an already overcrowded world of unsound dogs. Defining Temperament becomes more difficult when many breeders have different ideas, philosophies and definitions.
When referring to temperament, we are referring to a collection of drives, thresholds, traits and instincts that are inherited and innate. Temperament is a function of genetics. It is inherited, not developed. A dog's core temperament never changes. Some behaviors can be modified through training, but the temperament itself never changes. Some people confuse the terms temperament, lack of socialization and aggression. They are all different. Read about aggression in dogs and learn about Elements of Temperament - Drives, Thresholds and Nerves.
In Schutzhund, all trials begin with a temperament test for all dogs known as a Companion Dog Test (BH). The handler must walk the dog through a crowd of strangers while the judge observes the dog’s reaction to being approached closely on a loose leash. Dogs that show shyness or aggression are dismissed from the trial. This basic temperament test must be passed before each and every trial. This his to demonstrate that the dog is safe with strangers, and in a crowded situation with other people and other dogs. To perform well in Schutzhund, dogs must have a solid temperaments Visit our Schutzhund page for more information.
On many holidays especially Independence
Day, we hear about fireworks and dogs. The sound of gunshots
and fireworks will not scare or make a
German Shepherd with a correct temperament be unpredictable.
A German Shepherd cannot be gun shy, or it will fail the
GSDCA Temperament test. This is why our breed is used in military, police and
protection work.
Temperament and Character are often confused by many people.
Issues with German Shepherds are often caused because of
lack of proper training and socialization.
Temperament is the nature and ability of what the dog is
born with, it's inherent inclinations. Character is a
configuration of learned behavior or habits influenced by
it's
environment which includes
Temperament. Character is a learned disposition while temperament is
an inherited predisposition. Watch the video below to see an
actual
GSDCA Temperament Test:
Loose Leash Temperament Evaluation
Procedure
1. The loose leash examination must be the first physical contact made with each dog.
2. Double handling must be discouraged during the temperament exam.
3. There should be a predetermined place in the ring where the handler takes the dog and stops. The dog should not be posed, stacked or given any command. The dog may walk around or stand naturally by the handler. Although the leash is loose, the handler is to remain in control of the dog.
4. Without staring, the judge should approach the dog from six to ten feet, and speak in a friendly manner.
5. It is the judge's responsibility to decide if a dog may be safely approached. If in the opinion of the judge, the dog is menacing or threatening upon approach, he should stop and excuse the dog.
6. After the loose leash evaluation is completed, the judge may have the handler present or pose the dog.
7. The judge must be consistent, treating all dogs equally. He should continue to evaluate the temperament of each entry the entire time it is in the ring.
8. Dogs can be aloof but never fearful. Unsound, shy dogs must be penalized. Awards must only go to dogs that are completely sound.
• EXCUSE: dog is menacing or threatening
• DISQUALIFY: dog attempts to bite the judge
• DISQUALIFY: dog attacks the judge or another person in the ring
• EXCUSE: dog attacks another dog in the ring.
AKC Temperament Test Guidelines For Handlers
Fun Facts: Some famous male celebrities who own or owned German Shepherd Dogs: Rudolph Valentino, Clark Gable, Chuck Norris, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jack Lelanne, Pierce Brosnan, Michael Jackson,
Gregory Peck, Ben Affleck, Bob Hope, Tyler Perry, Charleton Heston, Roy Rogers, Taylor Lautner, Enrique Iglesias, Liam Hemsworth, and Tom Hanks.
