The only explanation, surely, is that the Kennel Club - which claims no editorial control over the TV footage - vetoed it being shown, embarrassed at the state of the dog.
The bitch, Cruaghaire Catoria, really was a shocker, and very stressed by the occasion. She was nervy in the breed ring earlier in the day, too.
But of course it wasn't just her temperament.
Below is footage of her winning Best of Breed at Crufts today - alongside the just-as-awful Best Dog, Ch Yupp Vom Hammelsbacher Hof.
The Crufts Facebook page is being bombarded with complaints.
It is just heart-breaking.
How much longer can we stand by and not insist that something is done about the state of this breed?
See also:
They could have just started with Hyenas and bred them down.
ReplyDeleteAnd both so stressed. I thought the male looked like he was just waiting his chance to jump the bitch. In season? out of aggression?
And these are the custodians of OUR breeds?
The bitch was indeed in season, which is probably why the dog was distracted and not showing properly either.
DeleteAlthough the rules for conformation competition (unlike obedience or agility where the animals are off-lead) allow this, it's considered to be unsporting by many - even bitch owners! - and so they get left at home.
Watching these clips/results..... I think we need to start over with out these damaged lives. They have no value left to give, unless you value being needed.
ReplyDeleteNeuter and retire to some quiet parlor that makes no physical or emotional demands.
ReplyDeleteThere are plenty of sound GSDs to carry on the lineage.
Has already had a litter...
DeleteI just want to bring that bitch home and feed her up, shower her with love and affection, possibly something she's never experienced. The owner needs to be stripped of the win, he doesn't deserve to get rich off the back of it... it's not the dogs fault, bless her. She could come and live her life out with me and my 17th long haired, straight backed, none deformed GSD. He's been castrated and she would be done too... she couldn't bear puppies, feed them and be strong herself... but that's the life she's got to look forward to with that God Awful Owner - he should be banned from ever owning another Dog of any description - it breaks my heart to see my beloved breed looking so disgraceful when they are such a beautiful, appealing, stunning dog to look at and with gorgeous gentle natures too... well, every one of mine has.
DeleteThat's one of the most distressing and heartbreaking animal videos I've watched in a long time... and it breaks my heart that it involved my all time favorite breed. In my lifetime, I've had lots of Shepherds, 2 & 3 at a time - I'm currently on my 17th who is a 2 yr old stunner, he's gorgeous and would have knocked those two out of the competition. I know I'm biased, but my dogs are my best friend, not a money making machine! The owners/Breeders and Kennel Club all need prosecuting if they don't take this seriously and do something to save our beautiful GSD. What's so wrong with straight-backed GSD's - they certainly don't have the hip and leg problems of those apologies on show! I'm utterly appalled and disgusted after watching that footage. Please listen to everyone here and do something about it... that was just too painful and cruel to watch. It's really distressed me.
Deletetotally agree with you,I have had the honour of owning two of the most amazing GSD's, I love all dogs, but none can beat the GermanShepherd. The distressing example shown at crufts broke my heart.The morons who have breed them should be banned from ever keeping let alone breeding ANY type of dog.I am totally amazed that Crufts even allowed them to be shown, they have an awful lot to answer for, an utter disgrace. I will not watch the show ever again unless they grow some moral fibre and think and care about the dogs not the ridiculous, selfish, heartless human egos
DeleteI totally agree with everyone on this website, when I first saw the German Shepherd on Saturday TV her eyes were on stalks,and she was panting heavily & as most dog lovers know thats a very distressed nervous and frightened. It looked weary of the handler and the judge and the weak spine and deformed curve was painfully awful that dog I'm sure was in pain and was being forced around the area with the handler yanking on the lead to pull the dog up on those painful back legs. This was pure cruelty the owner breeder and handler want locking up. And the inhuman judge who must of seen the bad health of the dog and showed no disgust at all in fact wanted the breed to look like that, that judge is sick and cruel and wants to be named and shamed and possible fine or prison sentence! To me that's what cruelty such as that deserves. I wish I could give that poor German Shepherd a home too. She needs all the care she can get. I've seen dogs in Battersea Dogs Home that are in better health than that poor German Shepherd on Crufts. I'm appalled!
DeleteI watched with interest to see the GSD. I wasn't expecting good things, but I was interested to see what level of extreme they were going to allow this year in wake of all the increased awareness of the GSD's plight. I guess a tiny bit of me was hopeful that maybe it wouldn't be a complete disaster of a dog? If only to save face, if not through actual concern for the breed?
ReplyDeleteWhen we saw a fleeting glimpse of the GSD, and in most of that the handler was re-arranging her hind legs, I was kinda heart broken. Not just as the physical state of the dog, but how distressed she obviously was.
When they swiftly moved off the GSD and onto the next breed, I actually shouted out loud 'oh, we can't see it move, what a surprise!'
This is so incredibly obvious to anyone. Why would the GSD be the only breed we don't get to see move, if only for a few seconds, given what a popular breed it is?
Its bizarre that they have a police dog display at crufts featuring entirely functional working GSDs and not one of them looks like the dog in the show ring; it should be obvious to anyone who saw tonights poor excuse for a german shepherd exactly why that is.
I've watched Crufts for the last 10 years, and I honestly don't think I've been more angry than I have this year. The constant pushing of the frenchie at every opportunity along with horrendous examples of the breed that Joe public will think are examples of a 'good' dog, the blatant misinformation about health of pedigree vs crossbreed, the number of distressed and anxious looking dogs this year, the head on the rottweiler (slowly becoming a DDB, apparently), the tribble winning the toy group, I could go on and on. I don't know if its necessary WORSE this year than any other, or that I expect better now than I used to, because they should know better by now with the amount of coverage the issue of pedigree dog health has had in recent years.
Even my mother said 'its almost like they've actually tried their hardest to stick a big middle finger up at everyone'.
Yep, thats how I kinda feel too.
I am not in the UK but regarding the misinformation... could a complaint be raised with any broadcasting watchdog? I know PDE was reported for spreading "misinformation", about time those who complained were returned the favor.
DeleteI totally agree, the GSD should be placed on the Kennel Club's High Profile Breed to ensure that this breed is watched carefully by veterinary surgeons. I own three GSD bitches and thank goodness their temperaments are brilliant and they are correctly constructed and excellent movement. The so-called breed judge should not be permitted to hand out CCs again.
DeleteUnfortunately and horrifyingly not even the definitive poster kid for all that wrong in pedigree dog breeding and showing, just one of the many.
ReplyDeleteThese poor dogs have to live their lives with these "breed standard" deformities. We wouldn't do that to our children - we can't let this go on. We must find a way to stop it.
ReplyDeleteThis IS NOT Breed Standard, it is FASHION unfortunately and is frowned upon by MANY decent breeders of GSD's in the UK, unfortunately there are some still that think this attractive although many feel it horrendous and are trying their very best to eradicate and that includes the KC and Breed Watch so although these poor dogs are deformed in my opinion, action is being taken and this was highlighted this evening on tonight's coverage of Crufts so there is NO COVER UP as stated above. No, I am not a breeder of GSD's but prefer to work on facts and not sensationalism. Personally, I feel that the Judge should be accountable for not Judging to Breed Standard as should the Vet who should have checked the GSD before it entered the Group Ring as I personally felt it not 'fit for function' and it should not have been allowed, but that is my opinion.
DeleteTotally agree with you this is not breed standard this is down to money, we bred and showed GSDs for years but gave up when the German type came across and started winning everywhere because the only judges that were picked for champ shows liked that sort of GSD so eventually all the old style GSDs didn't stand a chance of winning. This is not a new thing it has been going on for years but have to agree these two were shockers.
DeleteI agree 100% with your opinion on this. The GSD breed standard calls for the back to be straight between the withers and the croup. Straight doesn't mean level - a vertical line from floor to ceiling will be straight - but it DOESN'T mean curved, either roached upwards or sagging downwards. All I can assume is that breeders, jedges and exhibitors down't know where the croup is. I do agree with all pedigree breeds having a distinctive appearance to fit their original breed function but no single aspect should be taken to the extreme.
ReplyDeletePublic outrage affecting the KC finance and publicised legal challenges are the only way things are going to change in the KC. They lack the will to go against the breed clubs which have no interest in change, protecting their own little empires.
ReplyDeleteStrangely the picture shown on the KC breed standared bears little resemblence to either of these dogs. and the words in the breed standard, 'gently' and 'slightly' the same. A few years ago the GSD clubs threatened to break ties with the KC over some other controversy regarding 'type'. Perhaps they should. http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/standard.aspx?id=5106
ReplyDeleteThe GSD breed clubs are the ones driving these horrors
Deleteyes but the judge put the dog up not the breed standard....it is how you percieve the breed standard as to how you breed your dog...i like a nice straight slope to the back end not a hinge in the back on the shepherd ...but it is the judge you need to be jumpiong on...if judges didnt put that type up breeders would not breed that type...
ReplyDeleteIf the breeders were ethical, they wouldn't breed the type. Yes, the standard needs to change and the judges who place such crippled dogs are immoral scrum. But the breeders are just as responsible and shouldn't get a free pass. If someone tells you to kick a kid and you do it, you're a terrible person, yes? If you put a shiny ribbon or trophy over your dogs welfare, you're equally corrupt.
DeleteLet's face it - some of the breeders, handlers and the judges (and you know who you are) are complicit in the whole debacle - everyone knows that winning at dog shows is often a political thing and a disgrace to all the hardworking ethical people involved - the judges and breeders of GSD's appear to be as inbred as the dogs. Something MUST be done and NOW
DeleteJemima, I have been a GSD lover for many years and have always wanted a "Straight back" or "Square box" type dog and have been fortunate enough that my two current GSDs and my old boy are all Jetril German Shepherds which are very fit for purpose and bred as working dogs.
ReplyDeleteI was incredibly sad, upset, shocked and bloody angry with what I saw with the GSD at Crufts this year... How the hell can the Kennel Club defend what we all saw? Is what we saw really a responsible breed standard and "fit for purpose"?
Jemima is there any chance of getting the BBC to do a "The Kennel Club - Revisited" or update programme to look at this again and show that the Kennel Club really hasn't learnt it's lesson from last time??? SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE!!!
Well fingers crossed and here's hoping...
What makes you think the Kennel Club as a whole defends the judge's choice? I saw this video which indicates otherwise. https://www.facebook.com/jessica.baker.792197/videos/10153335794187466
Deleteif you want a great GSD then go to Shadowsquad kennels near Newbury they have been breeding GSDs since 1950 they have lovely strong level backed dogs with great temperaments
Deletehorrifying.........I watched the video along with many others and cried when I saw the painful crippled GSD slink around the ring. How can lovers of this breed let this happen. These dogs could not do a day's work and truly look like they are in pain.....so sad
ReplyDeleteDisgusting, disgraceful and cruelty at it utmost !!! Those poor dogs are being subjected to horrendous breeding and will suffer later in life as the spine will crumble !!! Stop breeding these poor bloody dogs to look like ski slopes, they're living breathing creatures !!!
ReplyDeleteYou could see her move at the youtube streamed group finals, not that it changes my impression of the dog.
ReplyDeletewhat more can i say bloody disgusting this is allowed to go on with the GSD they just look deformed !!!!
ReplyDeleteMy partner and I watched this dog win what I assume was 'Best GSD Bitch'. The entire thing was a shambles. Several of the dogs were fidgeting incessantly, lunging to the end of their leads and barking, snarling at one another, all whilst the handlers looked flustered. It was just chaotic compared to all the other judging I watched through the day.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe this dog won 'Best Bitch'. She was very nervy, and her movement was nowhere near as functional as that of the dog that was her main competitor (she still had the distinct sloping back, but was nowhere near as extreme). Imagine my disbelief when I found out this dog got into the group judging.
Something's clearly got to give in the world of show GSDs.
I would argue that there is almost a case for sueing the Kennel Club for negligence. These dogs were shown at and qualified at KC licensed shows and assuming that there are stewards, ringside monitors, and vets still in attendance at each of these shows why wasn't something done to stop them being shown, the owner/breeders reprimanded. It is animal cruelty and the KC are involved in it. If they over rode the TV company's wishes to televise the movement because they were aware that it is not a good advert for themselves, that the dog's clearly unhappy, then the responsibility for continuing these breeding practices rests with them. If they use their own image of a GSD and superimposed it on the outline of the bitch there is no resemblance whatsoever. I would even go as far as to say that if Jemima can't persuade the BBC to take up the challenge of an expose then the national newspapers would have a field day. The KC if they truly love dogs and want their betterment then they now have to be seen to do something to stop this atrocious, unnecessary cruelty IN ALL BREEDS, especially those currently suffering dreadfully.
ReplyDeleteand now because this idiot judge has put this poor bitch in the ribbons the breeders are going to the their worst and breed more to this type......heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteI was also shocked to see the state of the gsd, I seen her win best of breed only after hearing about it on Facebook. I was more shocked because I own one of the breeders dogs. Hes 6 years old, long haired (yes not a breed standard) but he has a straight back and has no hip or joint problems even though he is overly large, but his sire is also large. I have seen plenty of her dogs which are strong healthy examples of the breed. Tori (her pet name) even I will admit looked deformed and I have seen pics of her at shows. It seems that the judges at all these regional shows should be looked at as they are the reason these dogs continually end up at crufts.
DeleteIf you want to see a proper GSD then have a look at the dog placed 5th in GSD Puppy Dog at this years show. A sound dog in all proportions and in temperament and a credit to his breeders and the breed. And when they left the ring they were approached by a german lady who's comment was "Your dog was the only healthy dog in that ring, thank you for showing me there are still healthy German Shepherds". If this blog would let me I would post a picture of him to show that not all GSD's are in this state.
ReplyDeleteWhat was his name and who was the breeder I have a gorgeous gsd bitch who I used to show and would love to see what he looked like my girl has German lines but is a very good example of the breed and not weak at all
DeleteThe VHC puppy dog was Dragonburg Dark Knight, home bred by N & J Thompson. His mother, Myskies Something Special of Dragonburg was in Post Grad Bitch but not placed. I have pics of both and both of them are so sound.
DeleteAnother Kennel who breeds beautiful level backed GSDs and have been doing so since 1950 is Shadowsquad kennels near Newbury they have great temperaments too
DeleteHeartbreaking to see this magnificent breed looking like hyenas with their sloping backs. The show world has a lot to answer for
ReplyDeleteNot the show world but the GSD world ,i show dogs and i am as disgusted as anyone here as to how they think this dog is acceptable, i have a paralysed dog and even he does not look as pitiful as that poor girl did. If you look on any of the exhibitors forums you will find the majority are utterly ashamed at the breeders/ judges.
DeleteIt's true, they look like they have broken backs! Wobblers all of them. Notice the front legs paddling around uslessly in the air like the dog is drowing? That's what the judges are looking at and thinking "stunning movement"!!! Not a jot of push from behind because the whole hind end construction has collapsed.
DeleteI dont think they will be satisfied untill the dogs are dragging their hind legs like two usless dead weights. The ultimate in uphill!
Tennessee walking dawg!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDJ_shFwRZs
Since Noel Fitzpatrick is attending Crufts, it would be interesting to hear his comments on this GSD bitch. After all he is qualified correctly, not as the KC judges are, who only take the KCs qualifications, who incidently are not an awarding body, so the judges' qualifications amount to nothing. That's another reason there are so many mistakes in the judging of dogs!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree.
DeleteThe last thing I heard Fitzpatrick say was that Crufts was all about love of dogs. He also praised the Kennel Club's work. I agree there are too many cruel breeders but the KC are sanctioning their cruelty by allowing them to show at KC events and by registering their puppies as they have for years and years. And this from an organisation that should be fighting for healthy happy dogs
DeleteWhy are these people allowed to breed animals that they clearly hate and have no respect for?
ReplyDeleteIn this country there are two types of shepard, English and germanic, unfortunatly the type on show at crufts was germanic, the breeders of which claim is of the breed standard, the English type are mostly the type you see as pets, which in my view are closer to the standard, even the type most police forces use are of the english type. Crufts will not come of the fence and state which type is the standard as GSD'S are one of the biggest entries at most dog shows, and have turned a blind eye to it for decades if i remember correctly the standard is a gently sloping back line and then dipping over the hind qauters, nothing like what was on TV saturday night.
ReplyDeleteYou are wrong, there are not 2 types of GSD, there is one that is correct. The clue is in the name of the breed.
DeleteThere are not 2 types of GSD, there is only one & that is the correct type. The clue is in the name & spelt German Shepherd.
DeleteYes, I suggest you all read the breed standard, then understand it.
The bitch on show didn't display the best of temperaments but neither did quite a few dogs exhibited in the groups.
These dogs are so deformed they look like they have broken backs.
ReplyDeleteThey are not happy, their behaviour is rough. Everything about them screams 'wrong'.
Don't misunderstand me - if these were cripples and accidents due to nature gone wrong I would be the first to offer them a loving and fulfilling, hopefully, happy home. But to intentionally breed infirmity and deformity into animals - what sort of depravity is this?
How can this possibly be legal?
I agree Fiona with all you've said above, its cruel, unnecessary, morally and ethically wrong so so wrong
DeleteVery heartened F read all these comments. Watching that poor GSD made me cry. The KC rep was mealy mouthed and gave no assurances whatsoever
ReplyDeleteI have a K.c registered German shepherd Butch she is 10 years old and never been shown as I have been told she is two big for a Bitch her legs are to long and she doesn't slope enough. If this poor dog is an example of the perfect German shepherd I am glad mine is "abnormal" but a happy healthy sturdy girl
ReplyDeleteCompletely shocked, I have just watched the youtube footage. Both dogs looked unbalanced and clearly lacked confidence. Where are the proud gsds and how did these 2 get so far in the competition. The judge should be ashamed of himself and banned from judging. Obviously incompetant. Signed off, Mrs Angry
ReplyDeleteBefore you condemn anyone from the comfort of your armchair, why don't you look further into things. This "appalling judge" actually breeds & trains dogs for the Sieger shows & is internationally respected. A deformed dog could certainly not succeed in these shows which test courage, obedience & ability BEFORE beauty - a dog that doesn't perform in these doesn't ever get to the final round. We have a beautiful, healthy pup from thfamily - I have never ever had a pup so well raised, healthy & of 100% sound temperament of any breed & I have had both Belgian & German Shepherds previously. We got vetted before we even got to see the pup so how you can think he doesn't care is totally beyond me. Stop judging others & go out to live your life
DeleteCompletely shocked that a judge should do this. It encouarages poor breeding. The judge should be banned from judging, any fool could see something was wrong
ReplyDeleteThe breed standard should be changed to discourage such deformities. The judge should be struck off for his disregard of welfare, and for setting such poor examples to others in the breed.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe that GSD was allowed to win. Don't you think the Judge should be banned from competitive judging.....
ReplyDeleteSo sad, I showed German Shepherd Dogs 40 years ago when the breed divide was beginning between 'English' and 'German' types, there were dogs of both 'types' exhibiting extremes in conformation, but also many of both types were correct to the breed standard
ReplyDelete"Back between withers and croup, straight, strongly developed, not too long. Overall length achieved by correct angle of well laid shoulders, correct length of croup and hindquarters. The topline runs without any visible break from the set on of the neck, over the well defined withers, falling away slightly in a straight line to the gently sloping croup. The back is firm, strong and well muscled. Loin broad, strong, well muscled. Weak, soft and roach backs undesirable and should be heavily penalised. Croup slightly sloping and without any break in the topline, merges imperceptibly with the set on of the tail"
...and now we have come to this, a dog that no longer resembles this wonderful breed. The breed has been hijacked by extremists who are blinkered to what they have done over the past 40 years. Perhaps some good will come of this and breeders may open their eyes to what they have created and start to turn the clock back.
The problem is breeders of these poor dogs vehemently defend them and will tell you the structure is correct, good hip scores etc. I wonder do they actually have any understanding of the breed standard or even just basic structure...I think not. It is not just the breed judge at Crufts this year, but for at least the last six years.
DeleteDisgusting
ReplyDeleteI love all dogs. Dog grooming being my passion. Can't even think that an uneducated average Joe would believe the GSD awarded 'best bitch' looked OK. Looked ugly to me, what with that sloping back and all. Who on earth would pay good money for one like that? Only someone with too much money & no brain IMHO. Disgusting. Anyone thinking of buying a 'deformed' GSD wants their head examined. Fools are easily parted from their money though. What a bad advert for the breed. Very sad.
ReplyDeleteWith the KC allowing the Standard of the German Shepherd to now breed deformed dogs, this really is going to damage Pedigree dog breeding once more, whom is allowing these breed standards? Well done for allowing such bad publicity.
ReplyDeleteI love my Fox Terriers. Please dont let this spectacle appear again. Ban the judge, employ dog lovers.
ReplyDeleteMy Fox Terriers are such lively active dogs, I see no similarity with this freak of nature. Please ban the judges and get some animal lovers involved please.
ReplyDeleteThe extreme of deformity being bred in the Standard of the German Shepherd is disgusting, why are the KC allowing this? It is so upsetting too see, Dog lovers I think NOT!!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't shown dogs for 30 years, and even then not GSD. However, I remember way back then, this same discussion was being had (along with the HD question). 30 years ago! Time it was sorted out once and for all isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI am appalled that such a animal could win Best of Breed, what kind of judge put forward such dogs, obviously nervous and almost unable to stand on four legs. GSD breeders have been talking about these sloping backs for about 40 years, but the Kennel club will register anything as long as the fee is paid and both parents are registered. Shame on judges and breeders who have let this happen.
ReplyDeleteFair play to Channel 4 for highlighting this but they really should have pushed it further and named and shamed the owner, the judge and they should have slammed that KC rep. I know nothing about breeding but it's clear that this was a giant "fuck you" to the people who have been complaining for the last few years. Sorry, Crufts, selecting diverse breeds for best in show is just not good enough
ReplyDeleteMentioned today at crufts.....I think something will be done now
ReplyDeleteI was so disappointed to see the German shepherd this year. I had hoped after the publicity of the exposed program that the KC judges would be putting through healthy dogs. I am currently researching German shepherd breeders for a puppy. I would love to show, even for fun but I refuse to own a deformed hunch back ill dog. I have looked into the working line but I am unsure if their temperament is right for my family. It's a shame that such a stunning and intelligent breed has been ruined. And to the breeders that claim it helps them trot for longer... Horses are the masters of trotting and none of them need to look like this. Name one creature with the same body type of the German shepherd... The only one I can think of is a frog!!!
ReplyDeleteLauren you're right. If this structure helped dogs to trot for longer then the wolf would have evolved that way. Sleddogs cover vast amounts of distance in competitive sport and that's in the real world not the theoretical world and they are not built this way. German shepherd Frog, it would be funny if it wasn't so sad.
DeleteWe need to take action and not rely on the old school tie brigade in the kennel club to do the right thing .. Both the best of breed and the reserve need to be rescued by the RSPCA and taken to a place of safety with prosecution to follow ..
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely disgusting,by showing deformed GSD's, how can Crufts make money off television by allowing this beautiful breed to be shown so deformed and unhappy. Crufts should be banned off T.V and I shall never watch it again.
ReplyDeleteI have owned German shepherds for many years and I was horrified to see the German Shepherd best in breed . The poor dog was clearly stressed out and looked deformed as his back was slopping so much it looked like a hunch back. This cannot be in the best interest of the breed by any stretch of the imagination.
ReplyDeletethis really pissed me off. this was highlighted in previous years, I really thought the breed had gradually changed to a more healthy looking dog. But instead the judges insist on these deformities, and make no mistake that's what they are. A line needs to be drawn on how a healthy German shepherd should look, because this certainly wasn't it. Poor animal, Disgusting and Disgraceful
ReplyDeleteI grew up with a GSD and now my family has another - she was bred as a guide dog and as such was bred healthy and even tempered so looks nothing like the poor dog that won best in breed. She is probably oversize for a bitch and has a completely flat back, which give her a beautiful gait and near perfect hip scores.
ReplyDeleteI have a colleague who breeds other dogs (and shows in the pastoral group) and he says that ethical breeders are quiting showing GSDs due to the stranglehold of the slope back type on the breed clubs - it's time that the kennel club recognised a new club and a new standard for these dogs before they end up with a genetic meltdown in the ring. There are so many brilliant service and pet shepherds that the breed still has hope,just not under the current regime.
I've emailed kennel club telling what I think of them for imposing such wicked standards not just on Alsatians but on pekes pugs French Bulldogs to names but a few. The breeding standards need to be reset so that dogs can be normal, can breath and move properly. I'm sick of stupid breeders. Deciding what animals can look like purely to win money and kudos among their showing friends
ReplyDeleteIt's not just the gsd , overweight , struggling to breath dogs that have never been off a lead . All in the name of breed progression ! Ha what a joke , money money money is the only motivator here shame on you all
ReplyDeleteThere was a short clip which showed her moving, last night. Poor dog could barely walk, obviously.
ReplyDeleteOverweight, struggling to breathe ,deformed, unfit for purpose dogs that have never been off a lead ! All in the pursuit of a poxy rosette, what a joke .money money money is the only motivator here, shame on all who are involved . Call yourselves dog lovers ha disgusting , best in show contenders including a pekingese that could barely breathe or walk , a whippet ( sprint dog ) with no muscle at all and a puppy as winner ?? How can anyone take this farce seriously ?
ReplyDeleteWhat do you propose doing, Jemima? Because GS that look and move like this, are not going to go away. Other types in show such as Alsatians or AM bred are often worse! The best dogs are likely curled up in front of the fire when Crufts is on TV but they won't go to shows and neither will their owners. Their pedigrees won’t be full of winning bloodlines, or they won’t be bred by a famous winning judge, or they’re not exaggerated enough, but I betcha they’ll be fully functional dogs with strong straight sturdy limbs and a skeleton capable of plenty of muscle.
ReplyDeleteIrrespective of what we think, the truth is that whatever German SV judges think, say, or do, is all that matters to Germanic show breeders. Let’s say it as it is - the SV set the blueprint for their German showline dog for others to follow and copy across the world. What the SV says goes……and the UK KC is not going to change that. Until they (SV) decide to promote a less exaggerated dog and diverse bloodlines, nothing is going to change. The majority of Germanic showline dogs now have a downward bend from the lumbar spine and some degree of looseness and curvature to the point that it’s entrenched in most show bloodlines.
absolutely appalled by the gsd winning at crufts. the breeder and the judge should be made to read all these comments also the kennel club and han g their heads in shame and be barred from owning any dog in the future.
ReplyDeleteI watched two rounds of the GSD (dogs) and was absolutely gob-smacked at the winners. Ok, I thought, I might not know too much about judging but having been brought up with GSD's I know a good one when I see it, and it certainly wasn't either of those! Wonder what Noel Fitzpatrick thinks about it?? I bet we all know the answer too!
ReplyDeleteJudgement should also be given without scruple on handling at all shows. Accredited behaviourists must be appalled at the way these dogs were hauled off their front legs thereby being forced to give off wrong signals. No wonder they were distressed. One wonders how on earth they have been treated the rest of the time.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. If C4 continue to commission and support Crufts they need to get some qualified and accredited behaviourists presenting and not leave to to Clare Balding and other dog breeders who really have not got a clue about stress signals. Note - vets are not necessarily experts in animal behaviour.
DeleteQuote form Clare balding - 'Dogs need a good strong pack leader' is something Cesar Milan would say, not a person who actually has an understanding and the application of the ethology of domestic dogs in the 21st century. That GSD was on the cups of panicking. Absolutely morally indefensible that you would show such an abysmal example of confirmation in a stressed animal.
I was appalled to see the two cripples that were awarded BOB and BOS in the German Shepherd classes at this year's Crufts. Unfortunately this is nothing new. The GSD crowd have always been particularly vociferous participants in dog showing, and moronic idiots seem to have been too scared to stand up to the perpetrators of this cruelty. Thity years ago I remember witnessing an unsound GSD winning BIS at an open show, beating a truly beautiful champion Borzoi into second place. I wonder if the shouting and general cacophany coming from the GSD supporters had any bearing on the judge's decision ?
ReplyDeleteAs for The Kennel Club don't make me laugh, I can remember when a breeder of experimental Beagles awarded challenge certificates in Afghan Hounds and Irish Wolfhounds (and no doubt other breeds) The Irish Wolfhound people declined to enter under him, but the Kennel Club were quite happy to allow this disgusting situation to continue.
Until the "old boy" network is sorted out and everyone implicated in this cruel and unholy mess is brought to book, these beautiful animals will continue to suffer.
Come on Kennel Club, tackle the Breed standard that allows this shockng situation, and sanction the breeders and judges who facilitate this suffering. If you ignore this, perhaps it's time that it was taken out of your hands.
Two perfectly sound GSD's were shown at Crufts. The black dog is 9 months old and was placed 5th in Puppy class. The other is his mother
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/Jadesmythe10792/posts/1067598649965656
As bad as the GSD is, let's not forget the Toy winner either and make sure both are highlighted and make sure it's not acceptable.
ReplyDeleteShows what rubbish the kennel club is, will not watch show again,until gsd is banned. Was horrific to watch. This show should be banned until there is less illness in pedigree dogs and the kennel clubs takes more serious action.
ReplyDeleteBreeder should be banned from breeding, judge should be sacked, reckon he had pay off
A dog of two halves, the back legs do not match the front how on earth could this ever work or stay sound?
ReplyDeleteI watched the live stream on youtube and they definitely showed the GSD moving. It was not good at all and the commentators spoke on how it wasn't going well at all. Funnily enough, the pastoral group judging hasn't been uploaded onto youtube but the the whole day streams are, perhaps the video could be on there?
ReplyDeleteI just had a look on the Crufts youtube channel, they have a video titled "Day 3 Live" and you can see the GSD enter at 11:20:51 and then the full judging is shown at 11:42:00. The commentator calls the dog "distinctly unsettled".
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that there are dogs that make the most extreme ASL type look moderate. 8-(
ReplyDeleteAs an ex. breeder of GSD's (several Champions) I am heart broken still to see what has become of this noble breed. I stopped breeding over 15 years ago as the KC allowed this 'fashion' to continue. I still get calls today from delighted owners of our puppies wishing to purchase another dog. Sadly there are very few breeders with the traditional Shepherd left :( The KC is a commercial company, enough said.
ReplyDeleteTo the owner off the poor dog....I hope you are disgusted with yourself!!!! If you felt proud them you a poor excuse for a human and should never be allowed to keep dogs! I'm so shocked and heart broken by what I saw
ReplyDeleteCouldn't believe what I was seeing when I caught up with some of it yesterday! Crufts should get the decision overturned and the judge/breeder/handler banned from taking part in the future
ReplyDeleteIm sorry but this country pushes the extremes of every breed it gets its psycho little claws in to whether it be canine... feline...equine... and what it cant breed it obtains by mutilation (eg ear posting. ..tail nicking and docking... etc)
ReplyDeleteWhMancher, did the KC not put up the judge to explain his thinking on why he thought that particular GSD was best of breed on the TV broadcast last night. In stead, they put up a so called head of communications, to fudge an answer. She gave her best shot to distance the KC from the disgraceful decision.
ReplyDeleteWhat was interesting, was the next item on the TV programme was a piece on how many rounds a dog has to get through to get anywhere near the best in group. So why was this dog not eliminated in earlier rounds? Why? The KC are lead by the breed groups that the German slope back animals are the ideal.
As a GSD lover, I was heart broken to see such a poorly animal go through such an ordeal. It is the powerful breed groups and the KC that are sick!
Come on Kennel Club, please, please, please let's hear from the judge, let's hear his reasoning behind his decision.... No, thought not!
Don't let the Kennel Club EVER say that they have the dogs interest at heart. They are as guilty in this episode.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing at Crufts. How could a dog in that condition win BOB? I am so sad.
ReplyDeleteI am appalled and very upset with what I saw, along with everyone else on this site. The Kennel Club have to take ultimate responsibility. Their protocols and rules are at best elitist, unrealistic and behind the times. In addition, all the dog shows I have ever been to seem to be incredibly cliquey. I would be very interested to learn what relationship the judge was to the breeder of this poor GSD.
ReplyDeleteWe humans have reached an odd stage in our evolution, that of totally wanting to control all life on earth, witness the immoral and cruel breeding of dogs that can't breathe, walk or function as dogs, and now, for the rich, bored and witless, they will soon be able to purchase cutsey-wootsey little Pugs with Zebra stripes, perhaps such stuff is good for the economy by keeping us in thrall to never-ending novelty. We need some common sense, morality and kindness, not the ever expanding world of genetic manipulation for all the wrong reasons. Poor world, its a basket case.
ReplyDeleteThis just makes me sick to the bottom of my stomach , the kennel club have got away with murder when it comes to the German shepherd, I have owned this fantastic, loyal and undoubtedly the best dog in the canine kingdom in my eyes for all my life and have bred them for the past 15 years, I have the true straight back dog and I asked the kennel club when registering my puppy's could they put ( straight back) after the name German shepherd and they told me no as they do not wreck anise the straight back as the breed standard but said they would still register them ,,,,what a load of money craving Hippocrates , I then said you have it wrong as my dogs are not the show standard thank god but they are the true breed standard for sure( fit for purpose ) if any of my beautiful shepherds were placed at Crufts I would be greatly upset as I would feel I have done something very wrong to make anyone think that my beautiful best friends resemble any German shepherd at Crufts, the judges on the night at Crufts may not have had control of what shepherds were there on the night but they had full control on what was place on the nite, shame on then, we all know we're the blame is found and this was only brought to ahead by the power of the people on the nite who are the true animal lovers. Jackie Stewart , Alsace Royale German Shepherds, home of the true straight back German shepherd Dog.
ReplyDeleteOther than letting a faulty judge do this show, this isn't the KC's fault. They have put in place the means to stop this kind of breeding, via a Vet. Where was he?
DeleteI had a look at the Alsace Royale German Shepherds - aside from being over sized (the original German shepherd was a medium sized dog) they at least have nice straight backs and not too exaggerated angulation on the hind legs.
DeleteThe fact is that German Shepherd Dog Judges are also at fault for putting this type of dog up? If they didn't, if they refused to give prizes to such deformed specimens, then the breeders would have to think again and breed for better type!
ReplyDeleteHow to play right into the hands of the antis!!! However was this bitch DRUGGED? If not, how could the Breed judge have put her up for BOB. And even more as this breed is on the at risk list (still?) HOW COULD THE VET WHO EXAMINED HER ALLOWED HER TO GO FORWARD TO THE GROUP? There should be a slope from withers but NOT a roach (banana back) and certainly they shouldn't be cow-hocked.
ReplyDeleteEasy reply about the Vet checks. They are meaningless. They are not politically allowed to reject a dog as all the owners and breed clubs will band together like they did before to "protest", form their own groups and get like minded professionals to argue that it is "acceptable" and normal.
DeleteWhilst this poor dog was truly horrendous there is another very important point that all who have commented here have missed. The Kennel Club have been pushing for the last few years that all the working breeds should be 'fit for function', i.e. capable of doing the job that they were originally bred for, and judges are instructed to penalise any dogs that are over exaggerated and could not fulfil the breed's working task. Clearly this GSD bitch is not capable of doing the work the breed was designed for and for this alone the judge deserves to be severely censured. That said though how many of today's show bred GSDs are capable of working?
DeleteThis is what the breeders say about their dog.
ReplyDeleteCruaghaire Catoria or Tori as she is know at home is first and foremost a mummies girl.
She is not one for toys but she loves the water fountain however dont ask her to swim in it.
Swimming is for dolphins not dogs !
She loves showing and has been very successful thus far with ;
Best Puppy Bitch & Best Puppy in Show 2013
V1 & SG1 gradings under SV judges
2 Reserve CC's
1 CC
Vice Adult Siegerin 2015
3 Best of Breeds !
She has been an absolute joy in our lives and her first litter also showed what an excellent mother she is.
The future is very exciting for this young lady and we are honoured to be a part of it.
BVA Hip 13 Elbows 0
Breed Survey Class 1
According to the breeders of this dog, "The future is very exciting for this young lady and we are honoured to be a part of it."
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cruaghaire.co.uk/
How on earth could that poor creature be called a "Shepherd Dog", of whatever nationality? It's an insult to dogs, shepherds, even sheep! As others have mentioned, she looked like a "before" case on Supervet, requiring urgent surgery to correct a collapsed spine.
ReplyDeleteEven more outrageous than the breeder's negligence is that Crufts, and therefore the Kennel Club, believed that to be the best GSD this year. I was stunned and shocked, and shall be carefully wording a letter to the royal patron of both the RSPCA and the Kennel Club, namely the well-known dog- and animal-lover, Her Majesty the Queen.
She breeds, or at least used to, Corgis. Selectively bred, deformed dogs.
DeleteThe German Shepherd Dog was just one example. This breed has been bred for deformity for years and the kennel club has stood back and allowed it to happen. This breed should be banned from competition until the breeders start producing sound animals again. Another deformed example was the Pekinese; hardly able to breathe. Also why is the veterinary profession so quiet on this issue?
ReplyDeleteThey make a lot of money out of the deformities and conditions inherited by these poor dogs.
DeleteI was heartbroken to see that poor distressed German Shepherd bitch at Crufts being dragged around the ring by her so-called handler. The Kennel Club have no morals at allowing such a travesty. The judge, breeder and so-called handler should be named and shamed and a I would like to see a prosecution brought by the RSPCA against the breeder and so-called handler of this bitch. Watching that poor stressed out bitch being manhandled and dragged around by the so-called handler made me feel physically ill. Shame on Clare Balding and her panel for skirting around the issue so timidly. I have a German Shepherd bitch of show standard, but would not dream of showing under a judge like that. I have owned and loved German Shepherds for the past 20 years, and I cannot express strongly enough my horror and disgust at the way breeders have allowed these beautiful dogs to become so deformed. Thank god all my bitches have been normal, healthy, long-living examples of the true standards of the breed, not a banana back amongst them. I would like to know Noel Fitzpatrick's opinion on this matter, if he is able to comment. My whole family and I share my views, needless to say we will not be watching Crufts again, and can I please urge all genuine German Shepherd lovers to write to the Kennel Club expressing their disgust, and keep on posting comments! Erin's owner. P.S. Was the judge bribed?
ReplyDeleteWell said Erin's owner, they are beautiful dogs that deserve better.
DeleteHaving been brought up with, and loved German Shepherds for many years, I eagerly anticipated Crufts' Pastoral Group this year. However I was appalled and horrified to see a shambling and distressed canine masquerading as BOB. This is a sad indictment of veterinary standards, as the vet that passed this poor dog as fit for show obviously got their degree off the internet. Perhaps that is where the judge got their 'qualifications'. I would urge every genuine dog lover, owner and breeder to bring the breed back to realistic standards both for show, work and family pet.
ReplyDeleteWhy is this competition so full of snobbery dogs should be part of your family not paraded around a ring enjoyed scruffs much more and I have four labs
ReplyDeleteI had GSDs for 40 years and it breaks my heart to see what has been done to a lovely breed. There are some good ones still. This "judge" MUST be struck off.
ReplyDeleteVery sad for the GSD but the real scandal was the peke. At least the GSD could breathe and walk a bit. The peke could do neither. Priorities please!
ReplyDeleteFanciers of this pathetic sight can justify and glorify it all they want. In the end, the poor dog still looks like it's been run over by a truck.
ReplyDeleteDogs of any breed should not be for profit or show.
ReplyDeleteDoes this "handler" have a conscience?
Doesn't he have something more worthwhile to do with his time than torture animals ? The handler,judge ,vet & promotors should be jailed .What is wrong with these people??
Dear Jemima, long time no see! Keep up the good work! I have been investigating and writing about the GSD breed on a weblog (www.bloggen.be/hd) for years and have been flunked out of the GSD-association in Germany for constantly addressing the fraud, the mischief and the corruption within the association. It is all about the money! Just recently I have documented how huge the revenues are for people owning the stud dogs that have been awarded "best of breed"-prizes at the shows. Check my weblog and look for the attachment/report by the name/title of "Tiefenwahrnehmung2016". People might not understand the text, as it is written in German, but they for sure will be able to look at the magnitude of the income! 200.000 til 250.000 Euro is what the revenue is for a well promoted stud dog. After his stud carreer, he might get sold to China (where all of the top GSD are currently sold to) for amounts between 375.000 and 500.000 Euros. Call me if you have questions! Kind regards, Jan Demeyere, B-8570 Vichte
ReplyDeleteWell done to the editor of New Day for printing such a damning indictment of the 'judge', 'breeder', 'handler'and the appalling record of Crufts. Mark Abrahams' comments particularly welcomed
ReplyDeleteFrom Erin's owner - I watched my girl out on the hill today, turning, jumping, playing and really enjoying her exercise. I felt so sorry to think that poor Tori would never be capable of such movement. I understand Tori has already had a litter, so yet another generation of genetically mutilated pups on the circuit. I would never buy from the breeder 'Susan from Fife, Scotland'!!
ReplyDeleteOMG so the judge is ill now, what is he suffering from? A massive hangover or a crisis of conscience?? Wonder if the so-called handler is feeling guilty as well? So obvious the poor bitch had no confidence in him, certainly no bond between them. I would NEVER dream of dragging my GSD bitch around and manipulating her hind legs the way he did. SHAME ON YOU JUDGE, BREEDER AND HANDLER.
ReplyDeleteI was shocked and appalled to se the Gsd on crufts, even more shocked at the statement written by the gsd dog league of Great Britain, something needs to be done to stop sloped back dogs being breed. The judge was a so called breeder and had over 40 years experience of the breed. My dog would not walk the way that poor dog did under duress and am appalled that this was used as a reason
ReplyDeleteHaving bred,shown and judge gsds for over 30yrs,i was in tears seeing our beautiful breed ruined forever,this is what the kennel club have been promoting for quite a few years,i have not shown at crufts for over 10yrs due to me having the english type the kennel club only put up germanic type judges so waste of time, they will not even look at our type the correct type.so maybe next year all you english including me must all go to crufts and show the general public all the german shepherds around are not like you see in the groups at crufts,i have been saying this for years deformity breeds deformity.
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched crufts for years now after watching a documentary on the kennel club and was appalled at their flippant attitude to what distress, pain and suffering the dogs end up with for the breeder to achieve perfection according to the kennels club guide lines on the breed, not only german shepherds but other breeds as well. I have owned german shepherds for 20 years, I currently own a white shepherd that I rescued because she was being breed over and over again. Shame on everyone involved. We need to get back to dogs being dogs not show pieces, dogs are beauiful butthey are not a piece of art they are man's best friend and we are supposed to be a nation of dog lovers
ReplyDeletePedigree Dogs Exposed some years ago said it all. Some many years ago, a well respected vet. Lola Breeze from Lewes, E Sussex, invited 20 GSD Breeders to a seminar about Hip Dysplasia. 3 turned up. 17 did not want to know if there was anything wrong. They wanted to keep on breeding. Rough Collies were also ruined, with coats so dense, it made them too hot to work. Shame on the breeders and KC. from Auntie Jan
ReplyDeleteI often get people saying that they don't understand how anyone can abuse a dog. Well, I can. Take my Sibe. Bought as a cute, fluffy puppy for someone who wants a wolf at the end of the lead. Then reality hits so he is chained outside. Out of sight out of mind, owner barely bothers to feed him. He gets stressed and frustrated, so does owner. Owner takes it out on dog. (RSPCA of course does nothing until they are forced to).
ReplyDeleteBut this? Promulgating obvious deformities beggars belief. No one that I know who has seen this video, dog owner or not, thinks that these dogs move well. Most of them can see that the dog is stressed. How can people be so willingly blind to this? There must be easier ways of earning money than producing deformed dogs. What are the vets thinking that ratify this and worse?
My GSD gets a 5 mile walk every day, has two big comfy dog beds and a box full of toys and she is a beautiful, healthy, happy bitch. I wonder if poor Tori gets even a third of these comforts and attention,I felt so sorry watching her, I just wanted to bring her home, look after her and take her to my vet.I know if my bitch moved like that she would be down to the vet's surgery ASAP.
ReplyDeleteWell done to all the people who are posting expressing their disgust and concern at the state of Cruaghaire Catoria. Please keep up the pressure and maybe the Kennel Club and Crufts will do something to stop the travesties of this beautiful breed being shown. Dog breeding is big business unfortunately, but if prospective puppy buyers could be persuaded not to buy these so-called 'banana backs', we would see a return to the original standard of GSD. If there is no demand then there will be no supply! Concerned GSD owner.
ReplyDeleteThe entire idea of dogs shows in general is disgusting. The people who have show dogs don't actually care about the dogs. Year after year after year they force dogs to breed and produce grotesque deformities. Why? So they can win ribbons. The entire breeding to imporve the breed argument is invalid. I'm in the States and go to a local show a couple times a year. I saw the GSDs this weekend. There was a large entry and they all looked like freaks. Poodles, Pugs, Irish Setters all monstrosities. I thought the pug was going to die after a walk half around the big ring. This is torture breeding at it's best (worst). There is a name for it but I can't remember the exact term. Maybe the humane society should be called to come and watch some of the show dogs and arrest the owners for cruelty
ReplyDeleteI agree. I was showing my terrier in California this weekend. I couldn't believe the German Shepherds. They ALL had terrible slopes to their top lines and walked on their hocks. The Golden retrievers didn't look like they could do a days work with all the coat and the Labs were horribly over weight. Shame on the breeders. Maybe we SHOULD call animal control on these breeders.
DeleteADVICE TO SUSAN COOPER, BREEDER OF TORI - retire this bitch from the show ring, have her spayed and get Professor Noel Fitzpatrick's opinion on the state of her poor back legs and feet spine. Fire your handler and if you continue to show, at least get one who has some empathy and understanding of the breed.
ReplyDeleteADVICE TO THE JUDGE - apologise and retire.
Some of the veterinary profession should be feeling guilty and ashamed as well!
I get as angry/upset as the next person when I see abuse of dogs in all it's forms, but I get deeply annoyed when I see posts from people denigrating anyone and everyone who owns/breeds/shows pedigree dogs. My own breed has'nt been turned into some kind of deformed parody of what people seem to consider the acme of dog conformation and type [usually around 1890 or 1915]. Some may be a bit more elegant, but any discussion about current type, faults and failings is always about straying from the breed standard which was formulated to produce a dog that can work all day. Social media is full of pictures of these same 'show' dogs living the best sort of life a companion animal can. Silly comments about how all 'show' breeders care nothing about their dogs and deliberately breed for deformities just make even more of a wedge between those on both sides of this perceived divide. In the UK at least, the majority of dogs you see at shows are first and foremost family pets. And no, I am not a fan of short faced, heavily wrinkled or roach backed dogs - I totally agree with you all on that one!
ReplyDeleteThis problem won't be solved til the judges stop awarding these dogs. While ever the judges are pulling these dogs out, the breeders will keep breeding them. These breeders are not lovers of this breed. Breeders should do their best to continuously improve the breed and breed to the KC Breed Standard - not breed to what the judges are pulling out. And when the public can see that structurally these dogs are incorrect yet these breeders can't, then the GSD is in real trouble.
ReplyDeleteThe long-coat took a different path into performance events and because of this were never "interfered with" by the breed people because they had no use for them.
I show in obedience and bred long-coated GSD's for over 20 years. A lot of long-coats have better conformation than breed dogs but wouldn't be given a second look in the breed show ring. I often attended obedience shows that were held in conjunction with breed shows and my dogs would walk across the show field and turn heads. My dogs held an excellent top line and were actually capable of doing a full day's work out in the fields if required.
It is an absolute travesty that such a magnificent breed of dog has been brought to its knees by the very people that should be improving the breed.
The people that can make a difference are the KC and their judges. But they have to have the guts and determination to do it. I don't think all German Shepherds should be banned. But by sorting out the wheat from the chaff, a lot of people with good dogs will start competing again and once the decent dogs are being pulled out the breeders that breed " to the type being pulled out by the judges" will start doing exactly that because they have been given the motive to do it.
The irony is the backyard breeders of GSDs are producing healthier dogs than the registered breeders. Would take a puppy from a neighbors "oops" litter over a show bred GSD any day.
ReplyDelete