question about working & herding terminology

[J. Dan Cookson]

I read something the other day that said that GSD were considered herding
rather than working dogs. I realize that historically, they were used
for herding, but I was always under the impression they were in the working
'class'. Or are they in both? Can someone clarify this. Are there other
breeds that can be classified in more than one 'class'? Is 'class' the
correct terminology?

Dan

[Del Fredricks]

Well the correct term is 'Group', classes are the breakdown with in the ring
for an individual breed, such as the puppy class or the Open class. I have
never heard of any breed being in more than one Group. Not being in GSDs, I
would guess that the historical aspects is the reason for the grouping. It
was not all that long ago that the entire "Herding Group" was actually part
of the "Working Group" according to the AKC divisions. If I am not mistaken
the regroup was performed primarily due to the fact that the "Working Group"
was becoming to large to manage at most All Breed shows and so was subdivided.

Del Fredricks GrandOak Collies
Unisys Defense Systems Inc. 909 Rushmore Dr.
Eagan, MN. Burnsville, MN. 55337
d...@planet8.sp.unisys.com
-----------------------------------------------------------
Animals make such agreeable friends;
They ask no questions nor pass any criticisms

[sho...@mtroyal.uucp]

In dog show terminology, all breeds are classified into one of seven "groups,"
(not class). GSDs are in the Herding Group, together with Old English
Sheepdogs, Collies, Shelties, etc - in other words, the breeds that herd
cattle and sheep. The Working Group consists of breeds which are guard dogs
(Great Danes, Rottweilers), pull sleds (Malamutes, Siberian Huskies), or
are draft dogs (Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfies). Of course there is a
certain amount of overlap here - Samoyeds are a Working breed, but they also
herd caribou. Same with Rotties - they guard, but also herd cattle.

Actually most breeds have (or used to have) a job to do, and could be called
"working" breeds. The confusion arises because there is an actual
designated Working Group, and the implication is that any breed not in it is
not a "working" dog. Not true! Hounds and terriers can (and some still do)
work for a living, the sporting gundogs are still out in the field doing
their bird and gun thing, and the herding dogs can still race around the
pastures in hot pursuit of sheep and cattle. (Even a Toy dog works at being
a pet and companion!)

Hope this has helped clear the confusion a little.

Stef