bruno looks ok, but the majority of show staffs today are 2 to 3 inchs smaller in height than the original standard and are getting more and more like bulldogs. this is the first time in 25 years i have been without a stafford because i dont like the way they are going, ie. short muzzle's, and frog like eyes and very bully. i still love them though.(the old type).

Changes in the shape of the Bull Terrier head, 1930, 1950, 1980
Photos courtesy of the Albert Heim Foundation for Canine Research, Basil, Switzerland

Evolution of the German Shepherd in 30 generations

Nice link.

That's a great gsd link -I like F7, 8, 9 and 15 the best.

It's quite shocking how low that topline has sloped in the shepherd isn't it!

It looks uncomfortable... I know the dogs are exaggerating it in the stand, but still. You can't look at that and not think that stance has to put incredible strain on the hips, knees and spine of the dog!

I haven't seen any shepherds walking around here with such a line though. Most are from working stock, probably from the army or police dogs lines... There seems to be a marked departure between the working and the showing breeding.

I think it's obscene what show breeders have done to the bull terrier. How can anyone argue that this change in skull shape has in any way made the breed 'better'?

I was shocked to see the change in skull shape in the bull terrier. I just don't get the point in distorting skeletons or any feature to that extreme, same goes for any breed, including the spine/hind angulation in my breed, the gsd.

Judging by those pictures, the trend for the sloping rear started back in the 60's. I much prefer the GSD's of old.

For the Springer fans among us: