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About this same time (GSDCA National Specialty time) almost 15 years ago, I wrote an article entitled, "Parenting" and "Tough Love."  I was a member of the GSDCA Orthopaedic/Hip Dysplasia Committee, had done research and published various articles on the subject of hip and elbow dysplasia for several years.  In this article, I proposed the GSDCA adopt measures to meet world GSD standards, to include OFA hip and elbow certification, Training degrees, proof of breed-worthiness, etc.  While this article was refused publication in the GSDCA REVIEW, it was was snapped up and published in the German Shepherd Quarterly and the Canadian and British GSDC publications.  (In fact, GSQ republished it in their "Best of the Last 10 Years" hardcover book)

Ironically, here we are years later, and although the rumor I mentioned in my December 1998 version of this article (Falling on Deaf Ears) DID prove to be just that - rumor - the WUSV (World Union of German Shepherd Dog Clubs) IS requiring the GSDCA to correct their Breed Standard to comply with that of the SV (considered by the FCI to be the original Breed Parent Club).

Sadly, the 1998 GSDCA National came and went, and little or nothing was accomplished along those lines.  A GSDCA committee "paper" presented the matter to the membership as merely a WUSV request to modify the standard so it reads as closely as possible to their own, and asserted that essentially the GSDCA only needs to "modernize" their standard, not "change" it.

There is much uproar over this issue and Home Pages and "lists" carry articles and statements, pro and con, daily.  Tempers have flared, chests are thumped, but little seems to have been done to resolve the issue.  Supposedly, three versions of "the Standard" are being compared and contrasted, with much talk about the "German" Standard...In my searching, I can find only two Standards that are involved - that of the FCI and that of the GSDCA.

The so-called "German" or "SV" Standard is, in reality, that of the FCI and is clearly identified as such in official SV publications.  To my knowledge, the most up-to-date FCI version Nr. 166 is dated 1997.  Unfortunately, unless one can read German - you're forced to rely on various English "translations" or interpretations, and all too often, there's a great deal lost in that process! If I find the time before the October 1999 GSDCA National (here in Del Mar, California), I will translate the 1997 FCI GSD Standard and put it up on this site.

The real issues (stated above and in my article) are NOT part of the WUSV request for 'change.'  However, they ARE a major factor underlying the request, and they are not going to die or just disappear..  It seems to be a 'given' that the FCI and/or WUSV will, sooner or later, force dealing with them....specifically because the 'look' of the American bred "Specialty" GSD is diverging so widely from what is acceptable and RECOGNIZABLE as a German Shepherd Dog to the rest of the world GSD Fancy.

In his recent article, "Quo Vadis, Pastor Canem Germanus?" (Where is the German Shepherd Dog headed?), Breed judge Fred Lanting points out the very REAL danger "that the FCI will someday soon require a split in the GSD breed because of the tremendous differences (downplayed by the anything-goes crowd, but obvious to most people) between the American type and the International type. Perhaps FCI or the World Union of GSD Clubs (WUSV) will require a different name be used for the breed in those countries that refuse to adhere to the Standard (such as the U.S.)."

Fred goes on to remind us that the FCI has already split the Akita breed into the ‘Akita of country-of-origin', and the ‘modified Akita.'  When AKC slammed shut the studbook door almost as fast as it had been opened, the scant gene pool contributors we had in the U.S. (brought over by servicemen and travelers) did not accurately reflect the breed as developed in Japan. They did the same to the Shiba. The point here, is that the FCI has already set precedent........

Following that unsavory morsel to chew on, is further food for thought...From information recently brought back from the SV by USA's Breed Advisory Chairman, the SV is currently working with the FCI to take control of the GSD breed internationally to standardize the practices for the breeding and evaluation of the GSD.  Countries and registries that do not conform will be precluded from breeding the internationally-recognized German Shepherd Dog...Dogs bred under non-compliant registries will NOT BE CALLED GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS........

and So - before that time gets here, give some thought to what is SURELY "in the best interest of the Breed," and do right by it.  If it comes to a vote, vote in favor of the requirements.

Bobbie Impellizzeri