Page 111 - Aussie Magazine - 2024 Issue 3

AFTERWORD BY PAULA MCDERMID

Dilemma

How do we rein in
exaggeration in our breed
when it is attractive and wins
in the show ring? How do we
encourage breeders to return
to “moderate”?

Is breed evolution good or
bad?
The reality of Aussie evolution
Mr. Brace clearly outlined the
process of breed “evolution”
in this insightful article The
Reason Why Dog Breeds
Change. His words struck a
chord in me because my breed,
the Australian Shepherd, has
changed significantly since
I bought my first purebred
Aussie in 1980. I created
this e-book to show the
changes in breed type from
the 1970s until today. It was Cactus Bud, Spinner, Paiute, and Cholla at shows in 70´ by Twin Oaks
a bit shocking even for me
to see these photos side-by-
side; breed evolution creeps can win in the show ring, Why does it matter that
in slowly but surely over herd livestock, and excel Aussies stay true to their
time. Those changes have not at canine sports—they original purpose?
necessarily been for the better. understand the need for The traits of the Australian
moderate breed type. Shepherd breed were
Aussies have evolved into
three “camps”: Why does preserving galvanized by more than a
century of dogs who worked
There are Aussie fanciers breed type matter? hard in difficult conditions.
who focus solely on winning Simply put, dogs who do The result was a moderate
conformation shows. Other not conform to the breed dog who was supremely
breeders focus primarily on standard become just
producing dogs with powerful another generic show dog athletic, intelligent, and
herding instinct. There are or generic herding dog. As trainable. These are traits
breeders in these “camps” that a friend of mine remarked that define the breed as
lean toward exaggeration, be when he saw a tiny toy dog much as specific physical
it too much or too little bone, on a leash, “If you want a qualities and are traits that
coat, or head; others work hamster, get a hamster!” If should be preserved in every
hard to preserve moderate you want to breed Aussies, generation. Without these
breed type. There are also they should look and traits the breed will devolve
people who breed Aussies that behave like Aussies. into just generic pretty dogs.

A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 3/2024 | 111