[llevrok]

question to those who know breed characteristics -

why are Alsations shown with their hips “pushed” down low. When you see non-show Alsations/German Sheppard's, their backs are level.

Have always been curious what working task that is supposed to mimic.

[Varda]

I’m not a Shepherd person but it’s just traditional to show them in that pose. Their outstanding feature is the flying trot and I guess they want them to look like they’ll spring into it from a stand still.

[chrisinoc]

The show GSDs (typical of American origin) usually have the sloped backs and thinner bones.

http://www.gsroc.org/available_dogs_detail.asp?ID=2048

The working GSDs (typical of European origin)usually have more level backs and thicker bones.

http://www.gsroc.org/available_dogs_detail.asp?ID=2668

[freekitty]

I can’t remember which, but the American breed preferred the low slung while the European breed preferred the straight back or maybe it was the other way around. It was a preference more than anything.