Cimarron Trails Brittany's

08/13/2025

08/07/2025

07/02/2025

To anyone who regularly works with both show-line and working-line German Shepherds, it will come as no surprise that a 2019 study (Sarviaho R, Hakosalo O, Tiira K, et al.) analyzing over 173,000 genetic markers across 330 German Shepherd Dogs confirmed that show lines and working lines are in fact genetically distinct populations.

Working lines have been selectively bred for traits like nerve, drive, aggression, and functional performance, whereas show lines shifted their focus to appearance, conformation, and movement for the show ring. Over time, this prioritization of looks over ability has significantly reduced the working capacity and temperament of show-line dogs.

Despite these genetic and functional differences, kennel clubs still register both lines as the same breed. As a consequence, the standards and judging of the breed survey have been progressively watered down to ensure show-line dogs can continue to pass. Similarly, IGP has gradually lowered its standards at least in part to allow show-line dogs to remain competitive.

But this erosion of standards doesn’t just impact show lines. It ultimately harms working lines, too. By continually making it easier for dogs bred without true working temperament to participate, the incentive to maintain real, breed-specific working traits diminishes.

This is not intended to be an attack on show line dogs or breeders. I own a show line GSD and I love her to death. But we must speak honestly about what is happening to our breed as the traits beloved by working dog handlers are set aside in favour of traits that make for better pets or better performance in the show ring. Breeds don’t lose their identity overnight. They lose it through a cycle of lowered expectations.

06/28/2025

06/23/2025

This is a great read

Your dog gets absolutely nothing out of being competitive for you. Not a darn thing. Of course dogs are bred for specific jobs, or they’re bred to be athletic to a certain degree.

They have no idea how much money is added to the pot. They have no idea that this is a qualifier. They have no idea that this is the World.

And DESPITE us... DESPITE our nerves, our flaws, our incorrect cues, our huge emotions, they get the job done to their very best ability. Even when we fail them by letting our emotions get in the way, they come back and they try again. For US. Let that sink in. If only we could all be so understanding.

To think of an animal that is forgiving and flexible enough to put up with the repetition of practice, the intense nerves of the handler, the stress of hauling and they will still meet you at the end of their lead ready to go is MIND BLOWING.
If you haven’t done so lately. Thank your dog

If you’re successful, thank the dogs that put you there and made you. Thank the dogs that gave everything they had for you simply because you ASKED them to.

If you’re still on the journey to success, thank the dogs that made you fall in love with your sport and who have helped give you the confidence to want to learn more and be better.

We can never stop learning as dog men and dog women, and by continuing our education. Every dog in our future will be better off.

Next time you head to the trial, leave your ego at the door and thank your dog!"

06/15/2025

Come Join Our Covey! Save The Date - 4 AKC Walking and Horseback Trials. One Location @ Greenwood WMA, Lacey NJ

06/02/2025

Send a message to learn more

05/29/2025

AKC will be here! Come and join us for 2 Field Seminars! Hunt Test on Saturday and Field Trial on Sunday!! Learn about both venues from the source. Hunt Test seminar will satisfy judging requirement. Sign up at: www.oakridgepointingdogs.com
Hope to see you there!