underdog,

I have to disagree here on the shepherd. I think a German Shepherd dog would make a decent bird dog. They have a very high prey drive, high intelligence, easy trainibility, and a good nose and are plenty tough enough to take advanced training in stride. Schutzhund training is not easy, and by no means any less intense than a good hunting dog training program.

I think the shepherd would lack in marking ability, but would excell in tracking. I do not think it would be a waste of time to train the shepherd and do not think it is beyond the dog.