Bernie - Bigger Is Better

In this video, I share my experience watching a well-sized German Shepherd compete at the WUSV—something that stood out in today’s sport-driven landscape. Over the years, selection trends in working dogs have leaned toward lighter, faster, more agile builds to meet the demands of modern competition. While that makes sense within the framework of sport, it often comes at the expense of substance—bone, mass, and overall physical presence. Seeing a dog with real size and strength perform at a high level raises an important question: are we drifting too far from the traits that matter outside the field? In real-world protection scenarios, size and weight aren’t just aesthetic—they can be decisive factors. Power, stability, and physical impact still matter. This video explores that balance between sport optimization and functional capability. Curious to hear your thoughts—has the pendulum swung too far, or is this evolution necessary?