I mean the GERMAN dogs are the 1s plowing the ground, especially, with their non-GS roach backs.
There's a discussion about King/Shiloh shepherds on the Euro forum today. People hate them if only because they're so big (and all kinds of claims of out-crossing to non GS breeds abound - no consistency, though, so I think they're lies). I agree that some Shilohs look better, more normal - but OTOH, they are too boxy and big-boned; no wonder people think Great Pyrs, St. Bernies or some other giant dog was added in.
Many German "working" lines are perfect in conformation. My own dog is an example (IMHO ;-)). Pity she is a submissive anxious wimp, and also allergy-ridden to boot. She is a beautiful GS, the way they should be. But her character and health is poor.
I don't mean "sharp"; I mean what most Euro's think is good temperament is over the top. GS were meant to be SHEPHERDS originally and they should not be SO prey-driven that they would KILL the sheep! My own dog is very prey-mad and I fear she will kill somebody's cat - she has killed wild animals out of sheer stupidity before. She thinks they're wonderful moving toys and shakes them to death (never mind she is obsessed when she sees a small animal and would make a bee-line to it). Then wonders why they aren't moving any more.
I can't help but fear many of the Euro dogs (esp. the "working" 1s) would rip apart a sheep just because they love to go and "catch". It's good to have drive, but I think it's way overdone with so much emphasis on the Schutzhund "sport", particularly "protection" (the other parts - obedience, tracking - never seem to matter, if you observe discussion, ads, etc). All anyone ever talks about is protection/attack training and their proclivity for it.
My Lab has a thing about furry creatures (as opposed to feathery ones.) She would never shake a bird, but she shakes anything with fur. Chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits are dead at the first shake. The possum, on the other hand, played possum and survived (probably with a bad headache.)
As my husband says, "The real squeaky toys only squeak ONCE."