[Pavel]

Originally Posted by Vicky

... what I understand, aren't CsVs still supposed to have more of an independent temperament?

But independent temperament and independent work is little bit something else. CsW can independently solve the real situation, not only waiting for exactly command and leading from handler. But CsW have a strong pack instinct, so that not like to workung alone, but always in team. And the typical team by cynology is dog with handler.

Originally Posted by Vicky

Even if it's possible for CsVs to compete in dog sports, wouldn't they be at a disadvantage?

We speaking about work with dog, not about sport, like is today understand. Forget e.g. IPO. IPO is not sport and have nothing to do with work. IPO is a cirkus dressage, where is most important milimeter accuracy and no space for invention. But by realy sport or work is invetion welcome and so that independency as well.
Yes, for IPO is CsW with own inteligency and independency very disqualified.

Originally Posted by Vicky

Also, if you based your breeding program around the dogs that excelled at it, wouldn't you indirectly be breeding for the wrong temperament?

Dont exist any FCi breed, which have in standard, that dogs are breeding for sport. All working breeds may be breeding and selecting for work using. Am personally proud, that our dogs are not suitable for IPO, because it say, that CsW have more naturally behavior and are not the robots.

Originally Posted by Vicky

What exactly is it that makes a CsV different from a GSD temperament wise, and how would one go about testing it accurately?

I dont know, if I good understand your question. But I try answer . Compare GSD is CsW more independent, more inteligent and its a disadvantage for standard methods of training. The old czech and german proverb says "The best soldier dont thinking and march". GSD was many hundred years breeding and selecting so, to be a absolutely obedient and easiest as possible trainable. Its a best soldier (its not a negative, for training and sport is it the best). In CsW are still strong wolf genes, so that training is not so easy and by work is always best, when both (CsW and handler) very close cooperate. But cooperation is very important by really working dogs as well, by GSD too. See the police or military dogs by realy work. This is reason, why IPO have nothing to do with working suitability of dog. By IPO (which is today worldwide the most populary sport) is dog a sport requisity only.