When you think of show quality German Shepherds, have you ever wondered what makes a winner? Well, there are certain qualities that your German Shepherd would need to walk away with a title. 
These qualities have to be in the Shepherd from birth. For some people, there is no greater honor than having their German Shepherd dog receive a title of being the best in a dog breed at a dog show. This opens up a whole new world for the dog and the owner.
A show quality German Shepherd must be strong and agile; a well-muscled animal that is alert and full of life. The hindquarters and the forequarters should be proportionately developed. The German Shepherd should be longer than he is taller, and have a deep body. They should present smooth curves rather than an angular look. A willing German Shepherd has a look of quality and nobility. It is also important that the look defines the sex, such as males being very masculine and females being very feminine.
The temperament is very important for show quality German Shepherds. The dog should be fearless, but not hostile. It should possess an air of confidence. It should have an aloofness that would permit it to meet overtures without having to make them. Along with all this, a good German Shepherd must be the ideal companion for a family, never hiding behind the owner, but standing with confidence under any situation. German Shepherds will be handled by the judges, and they should not flinch.
The head of show quality German Shepherd is most of all, noble. It is clean and chiseled, strong without coarseness, and above all, not fine. The head of a male should be distinctly masculine, while that of a female should be distinctly feminine. The expression should be keen, intelligent, and composed. These dogs should have medium size eyes that are almond shaped and not protruding. The pointed ears should be proportional to the skull and opened to the front. The ears are always erect when at attention.
The overall structure of show quality German Shepherds should give the impression of depth and solidity, without the appearance of bulkiness. The tail should be bushy. This tail is carried low rather than high. At rest, the tail should hang in the shape of a saber. When the dog is in motion, the tail is carried slightly higher. However, it should never be curved forward beyond a vertical line. Judges will not accept a dog with a docked tail into the show ring.
The forequarters of a German Shepherd are as important as the coat and color. The judges will observe the gait of a German Shepherd to make sure that it carries itself perfectly. Your German shepherd will be a faithful companion and give you many years of happiness. Whether they are show quality German Shepherds or not, they will always be champions in your eyes.
