[TrishB]

Is Schutzhund the end all of be all? Meaning, is it the only 'true' evaluation of a working dog? Are all other venues pale in comparison? Are CKC / AKC events a joke in comparison?

For some reason, this generates some very passionate views by some - so I'd like to ask that we all keep in mind that everyone's opinion is valid and to respect that.

Personally? While I admire dogs that have trained / competed to high levels in schutzhund - I do not feel that it is the only measurement of a dog. I keep in mind that it is a sport not designed for our breed and therefore, cannot be a 'sole' measurement of them.

I tend to lean to the more versatile, the more adaptive, the better the dog. A dog that can do one thing very well is very nice. A dog that can do everything? Is impressive. It isn't a comparison of single venues, but the ability to compete and work within all of them - the sum of the whole. IMHO