I HAVE to ask this - and it's truly out of curiosity, not bad manners. When did the breeding of *slope backed* German Shepherd Dogs begin (that's not a tech term, just an observation)? I recall Shepherds from 25-30 years ago with very level top lines. Now I'm seeing much more slope - looks like potential hip problems in the offing. Truly just curious; don't know that much about the breed other than they are smart & loyal.
We noticed the same thing years ago when we started looking for a German Shepherd. We were very disappointed at what had happened to sheperds. The slope look is very desirable for the American show ring.
We found the straight backed, sturdy German Shepherd in the German stock. We got our Shay (can't help but cry when I think of him) with papers showing his bloodlines not to distantly all from Germany. The Germans reward more for intelligence, working ability and attitude than the American show ring seems too.
Most police departments go to Canada or eastern Europe for their police dogs. You can find some breeders in US that they use but the domestic breeders also use the German/E. European bloodlines.
Must say to our beloved Shay - we love and miss you - You were the guardian of our heart and hearth.