For a student of German Shepherd history, an examination of important dogs from 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 German Sieger-Utz from 1929. vom Haus Schuetting. There are probably very few German Shepherd dogs displayed in show rings anywhere in the world today whose pedigrees do not feature 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 Dog, researching your dog’s pedigree will obviously involve delving into many generations.
What is interesting about “Utz” is the fact that it was the subject of great controversy in the German Shepherd world, whose virtues were extolled by some and harshly criticized by others.
“Utz” represented a total departure from the kind of long-legged and somewhat sloppy shepherd 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 1929 annual championship in Germany, “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. It was also described as somewhat unimpressive due to a certain awkwardness in temperament. However, he was a beautifully built dog with excellent balance and proved to be a remarkably pushy parent.
Before his departure for America, “Utz” was used extensively in his studies in Germany and proved his worth as a father. His most famous son in Germany was the 1932 “Sieger” “Hussan v. Haus Shuetting. The same” Hussan “was the father of two” Siegerins “-” Jamba v. Haus Schuetting “the 1933 winner and the 1935 title winner” Stella v. Haus Schuetting “.
In the United States, “Utz” spawned a large number of champions and also two Grand Winners. 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 although 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 seems 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 “| Brittas” kennels, 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 through of the bitches he was paired 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 breeds, light-colored and washed, was very shy, timid breed, 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’m sure Utz’s blood is extremely valuable if used correctly. Use it to get form 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 take none of the good that Utz did to the race, but I do say that it has been exaggerated and with this comes danger. Utz was not a villain. We American fantasy are the villains in our overuse of him. Nobody wants a cup of pepper in the soup “
It seems, therefore, that “Utz” should definitely be considered as one of the most important dogs in the development of the breed. However, it is evident that due to its own 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 tendency for breeders, eager to sell puppies sired by a well-known contest winner, to pair their bitches with the dog, regardless of whether the animal is the most suitable or not.
