It has been a long time since schutzhund was a breed suitability test.  Once it and now IGP became a competition sport and points were the goal, selection for breeding shifted to select for traits that would allow dogs to excel in sports.  Same for all other protection sports with KNPV being different, with most trainers just looking to get the entry level PH1 and selling the dog as a police dog prospect and getting another dog to train.  There are some in KNPV who strive to strain to the higher levels and the podium, and ironically, those dogs typically are less likely to be more suited for police work.  There are still some balanced GSDs, but most are more sporty.  But most people who compete just want a dog they can compete with.  I prefer a dog with enough aggression that it doesn’t impede success in competition, yet a dog that will likely protect.  As to how much pressure a dog that will protect can handle is another matter.  Police, military, special operations dogs need to be tested at levels that sport never approach.  Plus, those dogs needs to be in the hands of highly skilled handlers.  I consider my dog to have high drive, but that is a relative term, and he certainly is not extreme in drive and does very well as a house dog.

Police can handle the occasional dog that will come up the leash on them.  It’s also harder to find dual duty dogs who can apprehend and protect and also search.  I’ve noticed police get the dogs they can purchase or get donated and then fit them to their needs.  Police dogs must handle pressure, but also they don’t need to out. The handler needs to be able to lift them off if they have to.  I’ve seen K9s at the vet. They knock them out even for a basic exam, shots and treatment, because the dogs can’t tolerate vet handling.  That works for police dogs but not for pet sport dogs. They need to be able to perform in the field but also do every day tasks and vet care.

I am amused by sport people who act as if their dogs are the toughest dogs out there. It doesn’t happen here anymore but a very nice woman who used to be a member of both forums bought a “killer” dog from a breeder over there. Only the dog was pretty mild and eventually she stopped posting about their accomplishments.  The breeder saw her as an pet owner and sold her a lovely dog that wouldn’t put too many impediments in the way of her training. The dog was not fierce or anything else the owner claimed it was. I can tell by watching their videos if a dog is performing well at the level it needs to, or if it’s a pet dog just out there having fun and maybe being edged into a title.

That’s a great shot.

He’s looking good. Looks like he’s slimmed down.

Thanks.  He has lost 30#'s and weighs 100#'s.

He’s still a big guy.

That’s a pretty significant amount. How’s it affected his performance?

His drive is higher, stamina is better, agility and speed are improved.

It’s healthier to carry less weight.