For a student of German Shepherd history, an examination of the important dogs of the past that exerted a tremendous influence on the development of the breed presents a fascinating study.

One of the most influential dogs in the breed’s history was the controversial 1929 German Sieger – Utz from Haus Schuetting. There are probably very few German Shepherd Dogs displayed in show rings anywhere in the world today whose pedigrees do not include the name “Utz”.

Because we are talking about the breed’s history and the particular period of the late 1920s and early 1930s, when there was a huge increase in interest in the German Shepherd, researching your dog’s pedigree obviously it will involve going deep into many generations.

The interesting thing about “Utz” is that it was the subject of great controversy in the world of the German Shepherd, whose virtues were praised by some and harshly criticized by others.

“Utz” represented a complete departure from the long-legged, shell-like shepherd type that was in vogue at the time. He was born on March 12, 1926, bred by Dr. Funk of the well-known “Haus Schuetting” kennel in Munich. Dr. Funk became president of the SV from 1956 to 1971.

At the annual German Championship in 1929, “Utz” became the Grand Champion – “Sieger”. It was later exported to the United States, where it obtained its American and Canadian championship titles.

What kind of dog was “Utz”? From the description and reports from known authorities at the time, it would appear that he was somewhat smaller than the popular type of dog at the time. He was also described as somewhat unimpressive due to a certain dull temperament. However, he was a beautifully built dog with excellent balance and proved to be a remarkably pushy parent.

Before his departure to the United States, “Utz” was used extensively in studies in Germany and proved his worth as a father. His most famous son in Germany was the 1932 “Sieger” “Hussan v. Haus Shuetting”. Hussan “himself was the father of two” Siegerins “-” Jamba v. Haus Schuetting “the 1933 winner and the 1935 title winner” Stella v. Schuetting House “.

In the United States, “Utz” spawned a large number of champions and also two Grand Victors. These were the 1935 Grand Victor “Nox of Ruthland” and the 1939 Grand Victor “Hugo of Cosalta” bred by Marie Leary.

In Britain his influence was also profound. Ms. Gwen Barrington’s famous international champion “Gerolf of Brittas” was sired by the imported dog “Voss v. Bern”, a son of “Utz”.

Another famous lineage through which Utz is perpetuated is that of “Ingosohn of Errol”, which was sired by the famous descendant of Utz “Ingo v. Piastemdamm”. Given that Ingosohn was the grandfather of Champion Avon Prince of Alumvale, one of the most widely used stallions of his time, it can be seen to what extent “Utz” blood has spread throughout the breed in Great Britain.

“Utz” has been widely criticized for being responsible for bad tempers and color fading and it is a recognized fact that his mother, “Donna zum Reurer”, was a particularly light colored dog. However, it would appear that it was the indiscriminate “misuse” of “Utz”, rather the use of this important dog was the root of the problem.

Ms. Barrington, of the well-known kennel “| Brittas”, wrote in 1942 … “the benefits of his blood far outweigh the disadvantages. Most of the failures attributed to Utz are, in fact, due to blood strains allied to this , although the bitches he mated with … “

Colonel Baldwin of the “Picardy” kennels, also a legendary figure in the development of the breed in Great Britain, made the following comments in an article published in the September 1946 issue of the American publication “Shepherd Dog Review.” ..

“It is quite common to hear people say that Utz raised, light and washed colors, that he was very shy, that he raised with a shy stock, etc. On the contrary, he was lethargic and disinterested. Looking at him I always thought: there is the form and the type “. , but we must add nobility to it. I am sure that Utz blood is extremely valuable if used correctly. Use it to get shape and type and then add nobility … “

Finally, a well-known American breeder, Mrs. Margaret Horn, made similar comments in the April issue of the same magazine.

“I do not take any of the good that Utz did to the race, but I do say that he has exceeded himself and with this comes danger. Utz was not a villain. We Americans are the villains in our overuse of him. No one. wants a cup of pepper in the soup “

It would seem, therefore, that “Utz” must definitely be considered as one of the most important dogs in the development of the breed. However, it is evident that due to its remarkable qualities and its rare ability to reproduce these qualities, it was used indiscriminately.

There is clearly a message to learn. Today there is also a trend among breeders, eager to sell puppies sired by a well-known show winner, to pair their bitches with the dog, regardless of whether the animal is the most suitable or not.