Caliber vom Wildhaus ~ "Raven"

SchH3, AWD2, PD1, P1, PA, T1, FO, UCD, URO2, CGC, TT, OFA, CERF

2/11/05 - 12/9/18

AKC: DN10406102

UKC: P597-984

SDA: 10-0024-MI

Hips: OFA Good GS-75928G24F-PI

Elbows: OFA Normal GS-EL20207F24-PI

DM: OFA N/N GS-DM64/46F-PI

Cardiac: OFA Normal GS-CA587/60F/C-VPI

Patellas: OFA Normal GS-PA128/60F/P-VPI

Eyes: CERF Normal GS-1466

A large, solid black female with a powerful and athletic build, Raven was our pick of the C litter, and is exceeding all of our expectations. Sound nerve, impeccable temperament, outstanding working ability.. she has it all. High drive, yet always clear headed, controlled and responsive, never hectic and with a large dose of what is often referred to as "genetic obedience". Highly intelligent and very much a thinking dog, she learns amazingly fast, shows incredible problem solving skills and does her job with exceptional commitment, work ethic and an uncanny level of understanding. She loves to work, but also takes it very seriously. No matter what task is set before her, we have only to show her what we'd like her to do and she can be counted on to get it done, and get it done well, no matter what challenges may be presented.

Her tracking is intense and focused, and she shows a tireless determination. She will finish any track, no matter how long or how difficult, looking for more. Her obedience is responsive and correct with excellent attention to the handler and an obvious love of the work and desire to please. Only one word can describe her protection... POWER! She is that proverbial "bitch that works like a male" and new environments and new helpers don't affect her in the least. Barking is strong and serious, her bites are full, calm and extremely hard, and on every attack she exhibits intense commitment, plowing into the helper with confidence and determination and constantly fighting throughout. She works with strong aggression and a true love of the fight, and it's clear for all to see that she isn't out there to play a game.

Always ready and willing to work, Raven is an exceptional house dog who also knows when it is time to turn it off and cuddle up on the couch in front of the TV for a quiet evening. Though naturally protective, she is always open and social with welcome guests, fantastic with other dogs and animals, and head-over-heels in love with every child she meets. These are traits which we value highly as we strive for a balanced dog and believe that correct German Shepherd temperament makes for exceptional companions as well as working dogs and a good GSD is a dog who can excel at both.

Of course none of this happens by chance, but is brought about by strong and proven genetics. Raven's sire, 2000 BSP Champion and WUSV competitor Ernst Weinbergblick, brings to the table exceptionally strong working temperament and combines two of our favorite bloodlines: Mink vh Wittfeld and Karlo Peko Haus. A powerful and intense dog himself, Ernst is known throughout the world for producing the same with many descendants excelling on the competition field and serving as police and military K9s. Raven's dam, our own Ira Argatos, consistently produced for us litter after litter of dogs with extraordinary working ability, sound nerve, good health and correct, balanced temperament. When brought together, the combination of Ira and Ernst was nothing short of spectacular.

Raven is one of the most accomplished bitches in the country, possessing multiple performance titles in a wide variety of venues including schutzhund, AWDF, competitive obedience, rally obedience, and UKC Dogsport and Service Dogs of America tracking, obedience, protection and police dog work. She is the first dog in Michigan and one of only a handful in the US to obtain the American Working Dog Federation AWD2 title, has V scores in tracking and protection, and is always pronounced. She also possesses the AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate and Temperament Test (TT) certificate from the nationally recognized American Temperament Test Society. All of Raven's titles have been earned on strange fields and helpers, and this incredible girl has left her mark on the field and in the whelping box where she has passed many of her wonderful characteristics to the next generation.

While still completely sound and healthy at 9 years old, with the vigor of a dog half her age, Raven has been retired from both breeding and competition. She now spends her days ruling the house as "alpha bitch", helping us to raise our youngsters and still occasionally participating in our SchH club by serving as a training dog for new helpers. We have retained some of her daughters as future breeding prospects and have high hopes that they will continue to carry on Raven's legacy into the future.