Impressions
of
The 10th Indian Sieger Show
(Held at Hyderabad On January 27th 2008)
by
Sanjit Mohanty

Hyderabad�s Lal Bahadur stadium was the venue for the German Shepherd Dog Club of India�s tenth annual Sieiger Show held on January 27, 2008. With more than two hundred entries, this year�s highlight was micro-chipping of all dogs and bitches that entered the show. Sunday morning saw most of the GSDCI committee members present at the venue. The President Mr. D. Krishnamurty led the committee at the entrance of the stadium and supervised for microchips on the dogs with the scanner, and implemented microchipping on dogs and bitches that did not have the microchip.

Here, I believe that the organizing chapter could have avoided the late start if the show secretary, Mr. Mathew would have assigned table work to specific people. The handing over of the exhibit numbers and catalogs to the participating dog owners could have been smooth. The show started late that afternoon on the lush green ground. There were few stalls belonging to food and accessories companies.

The judge for the show was Mr. Heinz Scheerer, a reputed SV judge from Germany. Mr. Sheerer, a famous breeder, has bred many successful dogs in his kennel named Huhnengrab - VA Lusi, VA Magit, VA Magit, VA Betty, VA Orbit to name a few ,.

Mr. Scheer started with the minor puppy bitch class. The winner of the class was Elka v Ferrous, a substantial female puppy of very good expression. She moved well from the beginning; she has a very good mother line and a father who was last year�s Indian Sieger Bob v.d Grafenburg.

The vp-2 was Ciara, who was of the same type as Vp-1, had good movement and is again a Bob v.d Grafenburg daughter. The vp-3 Omira vom Haus Dexel is a Dux.v.Cuatra Flores daughter of very good feminity and type, and lacked hind thrust and a fore reach that could be freer.

In the minor puppy dog class, the winner was Ando of Deejay. He is the son of last year�s Indian Sg-2 (18-24 months),Tyson Jabora. His mother is yester years� Indian sieger Uras Bluerose daughter. This dog has impressed me from the beginning of the specialty show season. In Mumbai, he won the first position. In Kolhapur speciality show, he was the winner in his class under Frikie van Krayanberg. In the Pune speciality show, he was again a winner in his class under s.v judge Helmut Koeing. Ando has correct balance and type with good head and expression, dark mask over the head. He moves well with spacious gait.

The second position went to Dux, a Lord Trukenkopf son. A big dog for his age with normal pigmentation, he was well trained, but the hind thrust and front reach could be better. He was pacing most of the time in fast gait.

The third position went to Kojak of Mathaus, a Xarax .v. Fiemereck son. I think the youngest in the class, with absolute correct type, proportion and balance, he had the best overline and hind angulation in the class. He moved effortlessly by keeping the wither high. I would have preferred him in second position. If the owner takes good care, Kojak holds a promising future ahead.

In the puppy bitch class, there were very good quality entries. The winner Rupal�s Beta and vise winner Rupal�s Boogie were litter sisters. They are sired by Ch. Bob v.d. Graffenburg, and their dam is v.a. Ando.v.Altenbergerland�s daughter. Both the sisters are of the same type with very good expression, feminity, bone strength and front extension.

The Vp-3 went to Cessna of Superstar, a Zapp .od. Kovacica daughter, a very typey female with defined feminity, excellent overline and front angles, dark mask over the head. She kept the wither low at the time of movement, and was slightly falling on the front.

The Vp-4 was Lin of Dogmatix, a darkly pigmented medium size female, with excellent over and underline. Her sire is Ursus Batu son ch. Uras .v. Bluerose and mother is a Quantum Arminius daughter. Though she was excellent on the walk, she lacked enthusiasm and spirit in the fast gait. She has excellent blood for producing. The vp-5 was Minty of Dogmatix, an Eros Nindoerferhaus daughter, who displayed very good movement but was unfortunately out of coat.

The puppy male class saw fierce competition. The top three males were of good quality. The first place went to Indian bred dog Vasko v Wolfenhaus, a Xavier v.d Urbecke son. This dog impresses because of his anatomical virtues; he is slightly stretched with excellent head and expression, very good over and under line, good croupe, with excellent front and hind angulation. Vasko led from the beginning, with long strides, and was clearly the winner from the start.

From the beginning of the class, the number two position went to Ness vom Suetelstein, a Vegas du Haut Mansard son. He was in very good condition, with overall good proportion, pigmentation; he walked well, but was unable to transform the anatomical virtues during the fast trot, he lost energy and willingness towards the end.

The number three position went to a darkly pigmented expressive, big size Zamp Thermodos son, Gomez von Murttal.

In the youth bitch class, it was pleasing to see many quality females - there were 26 females in the class and 18 were graded Sg from among them. The Sg-1    ch. Swapnil s Amy is a beautiful feminine female, with dark pigmentation, very good expression, excellent overline, front angulation. I had seen this female in Bombay and Kolhapur speciality shows; she is always placed high after the individuals, but loses places because of lack of training. But in Hyderabad, she performed well.

The Sg-2 went to Kingsway Kati, a Rascos .v. Messabau daughter. She was well trained and performed well.

The Sg-3 went to Cathy .v. Kingsland. For me, she was the winner of this class. She is a top class female to be watched in next show season. This female impressed me and is a dream female. According to me, her handling during the show was not good. She has a very good mother line. The breeding value of this litter is very good as two other litter sisters were graded highly in this class - Candy-Sg-6 and Caroline-Sg-8.

The Sg-4, Shailas Sarah a Xarax Fiemereck daughter showed spirited performance and was handled extremely well to reach this top position.

The youth class male had very nice exhibits (most of them imports). The Sg-1 youth sieger title went to Carlo vom Wierlingshook, sired by 2007 V-9 (Germany) IIbo v. Holtkampersee. He is a medium-size, very good height to length proportioned dog in excellent physical condition and with dark pigmentation. He was handled well and he moved well.

The Sg-2 went to Kingsway Mika. I would have personally liked him in the number one position. This dog impresses because of his faultless anatomy. He is a super masculine, correct medium size dog of excellent over and underline, exemplary front angles, very good placement of shoulder blade combined with an excellent croupe and hind angulation. He was moving powerfully from behind with free front reach. He was slightly close in the hind. He can be shown in any part of the world.

The Sg-3 went to Ebbo v. Hunengrab, a Zamp Thermodos son, of good proportion and pigmentation. He is a litter brother to 2007 Sg-20, Elmo from the youth class in Germany. A good looking dog that lacked spirit and interest towards the end, he was handled very badly. His handler made him tired by making him run all the time, even during the walking phase,and stalked him as if he is roah-backed. I would like to make a point here. Every year, top German handlers come for the Indian Sieger show. Our local handlers should try to learn from them. Tiring a good dog without reason will put him many places behind.

The Sg-4 went to Kassandro vom Farbenspeil, a Quenn .v. Loherweg son, a streched male with powerful hind action. His front reach could have been freer. The Sg-5, Huppy of Dogmatix is a dog with very good height to length proportion, strong head and expression. He moved well with powerful hind thrust. He is line bred on Zeck .v. Noricum - 5,5, Zamb .v.d. Winerau-5,5. Unfortunately, Huppy was out of coat.

The young bitch class was won by Mirca .v. Haus Dexel. Sired by 2007 German Sieger, Pakros d Ulmental, she is a slightly stretched female of very good proportion. She has excellent free front reach with powerful hind thrust. She is close behind, and the hocks need to be firmer.  

The Sg-2 went to Palma von team Fimereck. Sired by VA Odin .v. Holtkamperhof, litter sister to 2007 German Sieger show, Sg-36 Paula, Palma is a richly pigmented female with excellent expression and pigmentation. She has a markedly sloping croupe, with good underline and good hind thrust. But she lacked front reach.

The Sg-3 went to Riobergs Lana, a strong female of very good type and expression. Sired by Eros Frost Krammer, who has sired many good females in different classes, Rioberg s Lana�s mother line comes from a female owned by me in the past, Orta .v.d. Kahlerheide, a double Indian open class Siegerin.

The Sg-4 went to the very feminine expressive female Hilda of Mathaus. She is a top quality female that needs more traning. The Sg-5 went to Evlyn of Dogmatix, an expressive high wither female with very good shoulder placement and hind thrust. Her dam is top winner Ch. Tasha of Dogmatix.

The young dog class was won by Sado von der Ostfrieischen Thingstate, a deserving winner in this class. He was 2007 Sg-19 (youth class) from Germany. He moved well ahead of the competition and was well handled. His mother is a top producer and his sire is VA Odin .v. Holtkamperhof.

The Sg-2 was Nick von der Markerallee, a 2006 German V-6, Idol Holkamperhof son. He was very impressive, with his masculine strong built, typical head and expression, rich pigmentation and over all balance. He lacked hind thrust and needs more training. He could have been handled better. He should produce well in the future.

The Sg-3 was Cassandra s Yorker sired by yester year�s Indian Sieger Uras .v. Bluerose and 2004 Indian Siegerin Ch. Excell Lines Ginger. A richly pigmented young male of excellent proportions and powerful hind thrust with free front reach, he was last year�s puppy class winner under Magit van Dorssen. Prior to this year�s Sieger show, he had won his class in the Mumbai speciality show and Kolhapur speciality show. In Pune speciality show, he was placed second under s.v judge.

The Sg-4 was Mack .v. Kingsland. A strong masculine dog with powerful head and expression and of typical father type, he moved well with good hind thrust. His fore reach could have been freer.

In the open class female, the winner was Ocean von der Lentferthoeve, an Idol .v. Holtkamperhof daughter. The 2007 V-17 from Germany, she was placed second after individuals and moved to the first position because of her faultless walking, willingness, and superb movement. She is a female of absolutely correct size, excellent head and expression with rich pigmentation. She impressed one and all with her ring presence and temperament was handled to glory by respected top handler from Germany, Mr. Walter Kotters.

The V-2 went to last year�s v-1 Hannie vom Team fimereck, a seven-year old VA female from Germany. Her age was evident. She moved well and showed some spark in patches, but lacked the physical condition like the number one placed female Ocean.

The V-3 position went to Goldwins Aica bred by my dear friend Mr. Ramswamy. A super female and last year�s winner from the youth class, she has matured well and is an excellent female of correct proportion and angulation. A favorite female of mine, I was very happy to see her in this position, among top competition. She is a female to watch out for after a litter.

The V-4 Olly .v. Melanchthon, a Bravos Steffenhaus daughter of good type, expression, bone strength, moved well.

The V-5, Elssy of Dogmatix, again a favorite female of mine, has very good type, size, temperament and willingness to move. She has been performing consistently over the years. In 2005 Indian Sieger show, she was the female  puppy class winner  under  S.V. judge Eric Boesl, and in 2006 Indian Sieger show, sg-2, young class female under s.v.judge Mr. Peter Reiker. Also in 2007 Indian sieger show, she became V-6, in open class, under s.v. judge, Margit van Dorssen. This year I suppose is the highest point in her show career after which she would retire for breeding.

The open class males created a lot of excitement and speculation before the show. The winner of this class was Franjo vom Lehnhof. The 2007 open class V-22 from Germany, a high wither dog with very good masculinity, expression and type, he lacked spirit and enthusiasm towards the end. Overall, he is a good dog and is a very good addition to the gene pool in India.

The V-2 position went to last year�s Sieger Bob v.d. Graffenburg, a top winning popular dog in India. The judge Mr. Heinz Scheerer felt his color is not natural as he has judged this dog several times in Germany. He placed him highly in the 2006 German Sieger show. The good thing about this dog is that he is very pleasing to the eye for his ever alert attitude, temperament and fast movement. The fact that he was most of the time out of the country (for short spans in the country for stud use), he had top winning progeny (females) in minor puppy and puppy class in this show. This is a positive outcome. I presume that we might see more of him next year.

The V-3 went to a relatively young dog Igor vom Romelsbach, a Quantum Arminus son. His mother v-23 Diva Romelsbach is a VA-2, Untox von Ducati daughter. Igor was Sg-40 in the young class in 2007 German Sieger show. He impressed every body with his type, excellent Angle and length of croupe, with strong masculinity, bone strength and length of stride.

The V-4 Shotan s Branko, an English bred Erasmus .v. Noort son comes from very good mother line. He is a typical medium size male with excellent height to length proportion and masculinity. Before the Sieger show, he gave a spirited performance in the Pune speciality show and was V-3. This year, he was in very good condition. He moved well with very good hind thrust. His elbows need to be firm, especially the right elbow. He was handled extremely well by Stephan Cox, the breeder himself. I hope that next year, we will see some quality progeny from him.

The V-5 Amigo der Rote Kreiger, last year�s top winner of the open class, was in good condition. A dog of medium size, very good head and expression, rich pigmentation, he walks well. His performance in fast gait could have been better. Next year, he must have progeny in shows.

The V-6 Ohio vom Hohenhaus, a strong masculine medium size Larus son with excellent proportion, moved well, with powerful hind thrust. I personally felt , he should have been placed higher.

The V-7 Nero vom Hamburgerland was last year�s top winner in the open class. But this year, he was not in good shape and condition, lacked spirit and drive in the gaiting test, and had unusual hind action, a surprise for this position.

The V-8 was Sambessy von der Wilhemswarte, a big size, masculine, high wither, Nero Nobachtal son from a very good producing mother. Sambessy is a male with very strong head and expression. He moved with powerful hind thrust and good fore reach. He could have been handled better.

The V-9 ch. Zapp od Kovacica was last year�s young class winner. He has very good expression and good anatomy. The tan marking could be better. This year, he produced two quality females in the puppy class, similar to his type, which is a positive sign.

The V-10 Exo .v. Santamar is a medium size dog of very good expression and pigmentation with high wither. He is a VA Ghandi Arlett son with mother VA Esko .v. Danishenhof daughter Trixie .v. Klebingerschloss,  a German young class Siegrin In The Year 2000, and V-7 in 2002. We can expect him to contribute positively to the GSD gene pool in India because of his blood line.

In the open class, 28 dogs were graded V(Excellent) and 5 dogs were graded Sg.(Very good)

The positive outcome of the show indicates that G.S.D.C.I is moving in the right direction under the Presidency of Mr. D. Krishnamurty and Secretaryship of Mr. Sanjay Desai. Indian Sieger shows are being organized at par with international shows.

This year�s highlight was microchipping of all exhibits and participation of Indian bred dogs. Apart from the young class males and open class males, the rest of the classes� top positions and participation saw Indian bred dogs in the majority.

This year, in order to promote Indian bred dogs, the GSDCI introduced INDIAN-BRED titles from the youth class onwards. Among the youth class males (12-18 months), the Indian bred youth sieger was Sg-2 Kingsway Mika and Indian bred vice youth sieger was Sg-5 Huppy of Dogmatix.

In the youth class female (12-18months), the Indian bred youth siegrin was Sg-1 Swapnil�s Amy and vice youth siegerin was Sg-2 Kingsway Kati.

In the young class males, the Indian bred young sieger (18-24 months) was Sg-3 Cassandra�s Yorker and Indian bred vice young sieger was Sg-4 Mack vom Kingsland.

In the young class females (18-24months), Indian bred young siegrin was Sg-3 Rioborgs Lana and Indian bred vice siegerin was Hilda of Mathaus.

In the open class males, the Indian bred open class sieger was V-12 ch. Fire boy, and Indian bred open class vice sieger was V-14 Kenkrafts Jenny Basco.

In the open class females, the Indian bred open class siegerin was V-3 Goldwins aica, and the open class vice siegerin was V-6 Elssy of Dogmatix.

This year, the kennels which represented their quality breeding are as follows:

Kennel Dogmatix represented with:

• Puppy bitch � Vp (4) Lin of Dogmatix, Vp-5 Minty of Dogmatix
• Youth dog - Sg-5 and Indian bred youth sieger Huppy of Dogmatix
• Young bitch - Sg-5 Evlyn of Dogmatix
• Open class female �V-6, Indian bred vice siegerin Elssy of Dogmatix
• V-14 Relly of Dogmatix, V-18 Kelly of Dogmatix

Kingsway kennels represented with:

• Youth bitch - Sg-2 Kingsway Kati (Indian bred vice youth siegerin)
• Sg-16 Kingsway Nata
• Youth male - Sg-2 and Indian bred youth sieger Kingsway Mika
• Open class female - V-17 Kingsway Conni

Kingsland Kennel got success from using the top producer Eros vom Frostkrammer.

• Puppy bitch - Vp-7 Elza vom Kingsland
• Youth bitch - Sg-3 Cathy vom Kingsland, Sg-6 Candy vom Kingsland, Sg-7 Dance vom Kingsland, Sg-8 Caroline vom Kingsland
• Young dog - Sg-4 Indian bred vice young sieger Mack vom Kingsland

This year, Eros vom Frostkrammer proved to be the top producer by dominating the youth bitch class through her daughters. Next year, it is expected that more Indian bred dogs will do well in the open class males category as well as in other classes. Based on this show, my observation is that a large number of imports especially males are coming to the country, which is definitely going to help in widening the gene pool in the country. But I would like to mention here that unfortunately, only a few good females are imported to the country. Females are the backbone or pillar of any breeding system. So, our esteemed breeders and GSD connoisseurs should import good quality females for the improvement of the breed.

Also, I would like to make another point here. Because of the popularity of the breed in our country, a lot of inferior quality males are being imported by novice people through brokers and traders. Such dogs are imported without hips and elbow certification, which is not a healthy sign. Breeders and female owners should be careful while using such dogs.

Looking back, this year�s show was well organized by the Secunderabad chapter headed by Secretary Mr. Ajit Mathew. All kudos to the entire team that organized such a magnificent show (event). Many famous German and European breeders and handlers were present for the show. For the next year, the sieger show date has been finalized by the GSDCI committee. It is good news for breeders and exhibitors as it will help them to plan their travel and make other arrangements in advance. Till then, all the best to exhibitors and well wishers.

Picture Gallery