For a student of German Shepherd history, an examination of the important dogs of the past that exerted tremendous influence on the development of the breed presents a fascinating study.
One of the most influential dogs in the history of the breed was the controversial 1929 German Sieger – Utz from Haus Schuetting. There are probably very few German Shepherd dogs exhibited in show rings anywhere in the world today whose pedigrees do not include the name “Utz”.
Since we are talking about the history of the breed and the particular period of the late 1920’s and early 1930’s when there was a huge surge in interest in the German Shepherd, researching your dog’s pedigree obviously it will involve delving 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 extolled by some and harshly criticized by others.
“Utz” represented a complete departure from the long-legged, somewhat tortoiseshell shepherd type that was fashionable at the time. He was born on March 12, 1926, bred by Dr. Funk from the well-known kennel “Haus Schuetting” in Munich. Dr. Funk became president of the SV from 1956 to 1971.
At the annual German Championships in 1929 “Utz” became the Grand Champion – “Sieger”. He was subsequently exported to the United States, where he earned both his American and Canadian championship titles.
What kind of dog was “Utz”? From description and reports from known authorities at the time, it would appear that it was somewhat smaller than the type of dog popular 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 father.
Before his departure to America, “Utz” was used extensively in studios in Germany and proved his worth as a parent. 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. Casa Schuetting”.
In the United States, “Utz” sired a host 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. Mrs. Gwen Barrington’s famous international champion “Gerolf of Brittas” was sired by the imported dog “Voss v. Bern”, a son of “Utz”.
Another famous bloodline through which Utz is perpetuated is that of “Ingosohn of Errol”, who was sired by the famous Utz descendant “Ingo v. Piastemdamm”. Since Ingosohn was the grandfather of Champion Avon Prince of Alumvale, one of the most used stallions of his time, it can be seen how far the “Utz” blood has spread through the breed in Britain.
“Utz” has been widely criticized for being responsible for bad tempers and color fading and it is a recognized fact that her mother – “Donna zum Reurer” – was a particularly light colored bitch. However, it would seem that it was the indiscriminate “misuse” of “Utz”, rather the use of this important dog that was at the root of the problem.
Mrs. Barrington, of the well-known kennel “|Brittas”, wrote in 1942…”the benefits of her blood far outweigh the disadvantages. Most of the faults attributed to Utz are in fact due to allied blood strains to this, although the bitches that he was partners 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 edition of the American publication “Shepherd Dog Review”. ..
“It is quite common to hear people say that Utz bred, light and washed colors, that he was very shy, that he bred with shy stock, etc. On the contrary, he was lethargic and uninterested. Looking at him I always thought: there is the form and the type “. , but we must add nobility to it. I’m sure Utz blood is extremely valuable if used correctly. Use it for 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 nothing of the good that Utz did to the race, but I do say that he has overdone it and with that comes danger. Utz was not a villain. We Americans are the villains in our overuse of him. Nobody wants a cup of pepper in the soup”
It would seem, therefore, that “Utz” must definitely be considered one of the most important dogs in the development of the breed. However, it is clear that due to his remarkable qualities and his rare ability to reproduce these qualities, he was used indiscriminately.
Clearly there is a message to learn. Today there is also a tendency among breeders, keen to sell puppies sired by a well-known show winner, to mate their bitches with the dog, regardless of whether the animal is the most suitable or not.