A lot is written about the breed characteristics, rather too lengthy to reproduce here, but do make yourself familiar before you go on the "search". Society web sites will be informative, (www.germanshepherds.com/thegsd/history/- is very informative!) as will most good books on the breed.

If you are keen to show this is very important and it should be remembered that individual judges favour several types. i.e. the German type - slimmer and slopping. Or the English type - thicker, slightly bigger with not quite such a sloping back. If you intend to breed then again the breed characteristics are naturally important. I would always feel a responsibility to breed true to character. Get a copy of the official breed characteristics, and digest the breed points.

Those keen to pursue the showing side should go to a good dog show with GSD classes and cast an eye at the line up. Find out what the judge is known to like, and get an eye for the form. I know very little about GSD judging, but having been a livestock showman for many years I pride myself in having a good eye for stock, and show animals in general. My idea of fun is to try to pre-empt the judge's decision, and select the winner, from what I can see of the line up and the way the dogs are presented. Amazing how often you concur with the judges' choice! Very good way to develop your eye for a good show animal.