Changes are needed, and always will be, however I believe we have been having too much change within the SV hierarchy and not enough consideration to the majority of GSD breeders/exhibitors throughout Germany and the World. The SV need to take the lead in identifying beneficial and sustainable changes, I believe they have recently embarked on a programme with a committee which will address this most important issue. They need time and the fullest support, they also need to rule nothing out and almost think the unthinkable, our breed needs the most thorough examination in its history, with considerable attention given to the most damaging aspect of our breed "NO CONNECTION = NO CHANCE". The clear recognition of this problem by the majority within our sport is resulting in its diminishing popularity and creating the culture of "YOU EITHER 'PLAY THE GAME' OR LEAVE THE GAME" I am afraid many are leaving. Our show scene is losing exhibitors at a faster rate than I have experienced over 30 years, and its future looks grim indeed. The problem is those that are benefitting the most by the current system are the ones who stand to lose the most by any changes, and they have significant influence within our breed, so therefore we do not obtain many meaningful changes, we obtain large portions of "WINDOW DRESSING" which fools very few people, and the downward spiral continues unabated. I would welcome constructive working relations between the SV and the RSV 2000.

The anatomy of the dog, as always, needs some minor attention, improvement to croups, forehands, and hind angulations, whilst maintaining the overall balance and harmony of the GSD as well as its functionality. There is no doubt whatsoever that we need to improve the working qualities within our showlines, without aiming for any extremes of drives, a calm self assured character should always be the priority.