Page 110 - Aussie Magazine - 2024 Issue 3
P. 110
Informative
This particularly applies to and before you know what’s
size in a breed. So many of our happened it becomes a
breeds have, over the years, celebrity. As such dogs are
got bigger, maybe because “When dogs with major invariably photographed with
of improved nutrition, and faults – usually of the their handler, those judges
very gradually size has crept ‘attractive’ kind – continue to who base their decisions on
up. As we only routinely win and be bred from, newer Facebook research (yes, it
measure or weigh a handful breeders will see no reason happens!) contribute to its
of breeds that have more to correct and improve. Why winning record and breeders
than one variety determined should they?” whose main goal is simply to
by size this increase is barely win consider using this dog
noticed. However, when some These dogs are winning. Those at stud, thus the downward
dedicated breeder puts in the who own the “modern” dogs spiral continues.
ring a dog that is of absolutely can usually talk the talk, and
correct size in terms of its provide convincing arguments There is a further area of
Breed Standard it is criticised as to natural evolution and concern where temperament
by other exhibitors as being obvious improvement. In and character is concerned
small. In truth, this is the some cases strong-minded and this applies particularly
correct sized dog, it’s just individuals can actually be to the strong-willed working
that the others are noticeably instrumental in persuading breeds that may be basically
over size. At this juncture breed clubs to change the “hard” in temperament.
the dedicated breeder who breed standard to fit these Whilst the show ring is no
has always been intent on new dogs … a heinous crime place for vicious or aggressive
maintaining type and simply in anyone’s book. And then of dogs there are certain breeds
intensifying quality begins course there is the power of that, if they are to remain true
to get, with good reason, advertising! to type, need to maintain their
frustrated. He knows what guarding instincts and these
he is breeding is correct, but can still be shown effectively
the numbers of those who if they are properly under
are drifting away from type control. What is not desirable
are such that other breeders, is to have the basic character
exhibitors and judges seem to “Sadly, many of the breed bred out of these breeds so
be going with the flow, and he changes we have witnessed that they just become another
is left swimming upstream. are pleasing to the average companion dog.
eye – so what if a dog is too
This has happened in several necky, too hairy, too upright, Although showing dogs
breeds in Britain and beyond, too short, too long? It looks is today, in truth, more
and I have seen many “old pretty and the judges like about chasing Challenge
time” breeders reduce the look!” Certificates, ribbons and
their exhibiting activities With the overwhelming points than it is about
dramatically, simply because influence of social media, it preserving breeds, the show
they feel it is pointless becomes all too easy for a ring should remain the
showing dogs under judges dog that is fundamentally breeders’ shop window. It
who just don’t understand untypical, lacking in several would be sad to think that
breed priorities. Yet these essential breed points, to genuine breeders who are
are the very breeders who be elevated to the status keen to maintain true breed
SHOULD have stock in the of “stunning”. Beautifully type could not find the dogs
ring, so that those who do photographed, impeccably necessary to perpetuate
have independent minds can groomed, the “flat catcher” correctness in the next
see and appreciate it. attracts countless “Likes” generation.
110 | A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 3/2024
