Complete Detailed Summary of Walter Martin's 1985 Lecture on Breeding GSD

1. Breeding Philosophy

Walter Martin's philosophy of breeding is rooted in a long-term vision where the primary focus is on improving the breed rather than just producing puppies for the market. He emphasized that breeding should be a strategic and thoughtful process, with the aim to enhance the working ability, temperament, and health of the breed, generation by generation. Martin discouraged breeding for fashion or fame, as many breeders might breed dogs to win in the show ring, not realizing that this can lead to problems in terms of health and temperament.

• Function Over Form

  According to Martin, form follows function. In other words, a dog’s conformation should serve its function in the real world, especially in working roles like police work, protection, and service dogs. The dog must look the part, but this should never be the primary focus. Rather, working traits like drive, intelligence, obedience, and mental stability should take precedence. Structure, while important for sound movement and health, should never overshadow the dog’s ability to work effectively.
  

• Avoiding Short-Term Trends

  A key part of Martin’s philosophy is avoiding short-term fads that can influence breeding decisions. Many breeders, in the pursuit of championship titles or show ring success, fail to prioritize long-term health, sound temperament, and the dog’s ability to work. For example, some breeders focus on overly exaggerated traits, such as extreme rear angulation or excessive size, which ultimately compromise the dog’s functionality and longevity. Martin stressed the importance of preserving the breed’s original working traits, even if these traits are not always the easiest to breed for.
  

2. Stud Dog Selection

The selection of a stud dog is one of the most critical decisions in any breeding program. A good stud must be more than just pedigree or title—he must have a proven ability to produce healthy, stable, and high-performing offspring. Below are the factors Martin outlined for selecting a suitable stud:

• Health History and Testing

  The stud dog must be subjected to health testing, which includes hip and elbow evaluations (via OFA and PennHIP), heart and eye testing, and genetic screenings for hereditary conditions like Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). A stud without a clear health record can perpetuate genetic diseases and health issues in his offspring.
  

• Temperament and Working Ability

  It is not enough for a stud to have a good structure; he must also be evaluated for his temperament and working ability. This includes his drive, focus, obedience, and how well he interacts with other dogs and humans. Martin believed that unstable temperaments (either overly aggressive or excessively shy) should be avoided in breeding programs, as these traits are often passed down to the puppies. A stud with excellent working ability will naturally produce better workers, ensuring that his progeny will be suitable for working roles.
  

• Performance in Working Trials

  A stud dog should be tested and proven in working trials or through actual performance in fields like police work, search and rescue, or protection sports. The stud must be capable of passing tests that evaluate both intelligence and courage. Dogs with high levels of drive but without the ability to be controlled under pressure are not ideal candidates for breeding.
  

• Avoiding Overuse of Popular Sires

  One of Martin’s main concerns was the overuse of famous studs, which leads to genetic bottlenecks. While some stud dogs may be highly popular, overusing them can reduce the genetic diversity within the breed and lead to the spread of hidden genetic problems. Breeders must be strategic and avoid relying too heavily on a single dog, no matter how popular or accomplished he may be.
  

3. Bloodlines and Genetic Influence

The breeding of German Shepherds, like all purebred dogs, relies heavily on the careful selection and understanding of bloodlines. Martin emphasized that breeding is not just about pairing any two dogs with good physical conformation, but about strategically combining genetics to reinforce desirable traits.

• Linebreeding vs. Inbreeding

  Martin advocated for linebreeding—a method of breeding that concentrates certain desirable traits by mating dogs that share a common ancestor. This allows breeders to reinforce positive characteristics such as working ability, structure, and temperament, while minimizing the risk of introducing unwanted traits. However, inbreeding (breeding too closely, e.g., siblings to siblings or parent to offspring) should be avoided, as it increases the risk of genetic disorders.
  

• The Importance of the Maternal Line

  The maternal line is often more significant than the paternal line when it comes to producing healthier puppies. This is because the dam’s bloodline carries critical information about longevity, temperament, and health. Breeders should prioritize strong maternal lines with consistent health and stable temperament.
  

• Avoiding Genetic Defects

  Martin emphasized that genetic defects like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency), and degenerative diseases should be screened for in both the sire and dam. Breeders must be aware of recessive genes and the risks of passing on hidden health defects. Each breeding pair should be chosen not just for compatibility, but to eliminate risks to the health of future generations.
  

4. Health and Longevity

Health is the cornerstone of a successful breeding program. Martin stressed that a dog's longevity and general health must take priority, even over performance or conformation. Health problems not only decrease a dog’s working ability, but they can also compromise the future of the breed.

• Health Testing Protocols

  Before breeding, all dogs should undergo health screenings. This includes evaluations for hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, and heart problems. Martin recommended testing for genetic conditions such as DM (Degenerative Myelopathy), epilepsy, and other hereditary issues. Only dogs with clear health records should be used for breeding.
  

• Lifespan and Aging

  A dog’s health is not just about avoiding disease but ensuring a long and active lifespan. German Shepherds should have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, with good health and performance throughout their lives. Early signs of degeneration (e.g., arthritis or hip dysplasia) can greatly reduce a dog’s ability to work and its quality of life.
  

• Progeny Testing

  Health testing should not be limited to the breeding pair alone; it’s also essential to track the health of their offspring. Dogs that produce litters with high health risks should be removed from breeding programs. Tracking progeny health is an important tool for evaluating genetic stability in a breeding line.
  

5. Balancing Traits in Breeding

One of the challenges of breeding is ensuring that the traits of the dog—such as structure, working ability, temperament, and health—are balanced. Martin believed that extremes in any one characteristic could lead to undesirable outcomes.

• Avoiding Over-Emphasis on One Trait

  It is tempting for breeders to focus on one aspect, such as rear angulation for the show ring or drive for work, but this can lead to imbalanced dogs. Over-prioritizing one trait, whether for beauty or performance, often results in health issues like bad backs, poor joints, or unstable temperaments.

  
  

• Temperament Balance

  Temperament is also a critical trait in balancing characteristics. Dogs with extreme aggression, excessive fear, or high drive without mental stability should be avoided. Stability is important for the dog’s ability to work and interact with people in a safe and controlled manner.
  

6. Breed Surveys and Their Role

The SV Breed Survey (Körung) plays a pivotal role in evaluating whether a dog should be considered for breeding. This comprehensive evaluation includes assessments of health, working ability, and temperament.

• Purpose of the Breed Survey

  The Körung helps ensure that only the best dogs with stable temperaments, good health, and correct structure are used for breeding. Dogs that pass the survey are considered fit for breeding, while those that fail due to health issues or behavioral flaws are removed from the breeding pool.
  

• Importance of a Complete Evaluation

  A dog must pass multiple criteria, including working trials (such as obedience and protection work) and temperament tests (e.g., courage, confidence, and stability). Health assessments (hip, elbow, eye exams) and genetic testing for common breed issues are also included in the survey.
  

7. Final Takeaways

Martin concluded with a reminder that breeding is a responsibility that extends beyond any one litter. Ethical breeders are committed to the health, longevity, and working ability of the breed, with a clear goal of long-term improvement. The ultimate aim is to create dogs that are functional, healthy, and stable—dogs that can serve their purpose as working animals and companions for many years.

This detailed summary encompasses all the key points Walter Martin discussed, ensuring that every aspect of his breeding philosophy and practices is covered thoroughly. If you need further elaboration on any point, feel free to ask!