gsdsheep

The origins of the GSD lie in its herding heritage, and it is the herding instincts passed down through the generations that keep the GSD character in proper perspective. In Europe the GSD was used as a living fence. Shepherds leased the land that farmers were not using and moved their sheep to graze these lands. The dogs had to keep the sheep from straying into neighboring crop fields, plus move the sheep along the side of the roads, over bridges and through the towns, without the sheep impeding traffic or destroying private property. They still do this today in much the same manner. To top it all off, the GSD had to be able to protect the shepherd from robbers, yet be approachable enough to work in a town atmosphere. We here at Segensreich strongly believe that these herding instincts are the very foundation for correct temperament. A sheepherding dog must have enough prey drive to enjoy the chase and bossing of the flock, yet not so much that the sheep's lives are in danger and that herding instinct becomes hunting instinct.( Max v Stephanitz) A sheepherding dog must have stamina and endurance, strength of character to handle the sheep, and enough intelligent disobedience to quickly react to a sheep bolting from the flock, yet still have long distance obedience and a willingness to submit to his handler's direction, even to giving up the chase. This intelligence, discernment, trainability and faithfulness has earned the breed world re-known as the#1 all around versatile partner. For it to be bred for anything less is to rob and betray the breed. Our primary stud dog, V-1 Randy ad Schwarzen Zwinger, is the grand-sire of the German #11 HGH dog, Bessy v Haus Sven. Our other bloodlines are also known for producing herding and working dogs. We Herding Instinct Test our dogs, and have just recently been blessed to be able to start training a couple of dogs to trial and title. We really do want to keep this part of the breed alive. We believe that nowadays too much emphasis in other fields will not only ruin the original intent of the founders , but the very skills and temperament that has earned these great dogs their leading place as service dogs.

Some Great Info Sites for you:
Lamprey River Farm- My friend, Janet Larson, author of 2 Border Collie Books, breeder of Herding Champions, Obedience Champions, Conformation Champions, Schutzhund Titled BC's, and MORE. A REAL breeder.
Tending Style in US(this site has great pictures of working sheep in Germany)
Kirschental Zwinger- More HGH Siegers/Siegerins than any other German Kennel
Kriznik's Rottweilers - Rottie's in Herding? (oh yeah!)
German Shepherd Dogs in Herding- Tons and tons of info.
American Tending Breeds Assoc.
German Shepherd Herding
Border Collie Working Magazine
Puppy Development
Leerburg Videos
Petsmart Article:Day in the Life