Another View

The following letter was posted on the “Open Forum” of the website of Dog World South Africa ( www.dogworld.co.za ), a website mainly devoted to the dog scene in the KUSA. Written by an “outsider”, it is self-explanatory and provides an interesting insight on how others see us.

GSD FEDERATION NATIONAL SHOW 2011.

I would like to thank the President (Frikkie) of the GSD Federation for inviting me to be his guest at their Odyssey National Breed Show 2011, with full judges privileges -(entering the ring at the end of each class for a judges discussion before the class is presented to the public and being able to ask questions of the German SV Judges
who actually judged the classes.)

The show attracted 263 exhibits. This single Specialist Breed show for one breed only (GSD’s) was judged as per the FCI breed Standard to which the GSD Federation subscribes to. Excellent numbers, especially in "these current fiscal constraints of the country and economy etc.", whilst the KUSA/FCI show in 2009 in 'Good Times' only boasted an entry of 268 All Breeds of dogs. (of which there were
only a total of 17 GSD's.)

Whilst the exhibits were of a very high standard and I had the pleasure of witnessing some outstanding dogs, even to seeing the first adult dog male dog with a German VA grading, recently imported into South Africa, having received his "VA" grading in the German Sieger Show before being imported into SA.

It was also very pleasing and gratifying to see whole families getting involved in showing their GSD's, plus the support and presentation to 20 Junior handlers at the prize giving -- the youngest handler was only 6 years old. This pleasing sight bodes well for the future, by keeping youngsters out of the malls, drugs etc. - in a healthy outdoor active interest with their dogs, thus bodes well for the Federation as this
younger generation will be there to keep the GSD Federation going for many a year to come. Good young blood.

The Prize Giving was another sight to behold -- slick, well run and straight after the show -- with trophies and other prizes right down to the 6th placed exhibitor in every class. I would guess that there where well over 300 people attending the Prize giving -- so many that in order to accommodate all, the sides of the large marquee had to be raised for people to even sit outside. The applause for each and every prizewinner was great to witness.

A NATIONAL show well worth attending to see some great South African GSD's and thanks to KUSA's impulse letter dated 15th September 2008 to the GSD Federation, and their actions thereafter,

KUSA breeders have lost the opportunity to use these dogs at stud and have only a very small/limited breeding stock to breed from.

I, being one breeder who has lost out!

Phil Reaney.
BAR-Q GSD's.