The Remedy for Ringside Rumination: Dog Show... BY DAN SAYERS continued
are no more breeders,” he reminded. “If handlers are motivated only by rat- ings systems or the promise of another bonus, what is happening to the dogs?” The gentleman’s question is worthy of consider. For if the dog sport is not led by dog breeders, it’s going to be led by the dog traders. One of the very best reasons to attend a dog show is to spend time with others who’ve also taken up the cause to preserve your breed. Once the com- petition has ended, fanciers will often sit back and relax with the people who are just as crazy about “your” breed. Over a potluck lunch or post-show din- ner, breed-specific conversations are inevitable. Sometimes the banter is idle chitchat, but the conversation can become quite focused when the partici- pants are serious dog breeders. At one recent show, I enjoyed an impromptu discussion with one such breeder. Nei- ther of us had a dog entered on the day, but we took advantage of the time together to share news and information
about health testing, grooming styles and potential stud dogs in our breed. Our exchange included mention of dogs we’d seen in the flesh and those we know only through social media. We compared notes on type and tem- perament, and we shared opinions on the breed standard. Without a single point on offer that day, we somehow managed to delve into a breed-specific discussion that invigorated and encour- aged us both. You never know who you’ll meet at a dog show. While talking with this pub- lication’s Executive Editor Emeritus, Joe McGuiness, I was introduced to a friend of his who has bred —among other things—dogs, cavies and love birds. One of the more interesting aspects of talk- ing with someone who has successfully bred and exhibited a variety of animals is to come to the realization that a genu- ine breeder is someone so compelled to breed they can do so successfully with fauna of his or her choosing. A true breeder is an artist whose medium is
flesh and fur (or fin or feather.) Anyone can breed a litter of puppies or a clutch of nestlings, but a Breeder with a capital “B” can do so with greater consistency and success. These masters always have a clear vision for the animals they wish to produce and they have the ability to overcome the many challenges they encounter along the way. Like great dogs, great breeders have that indefin- able “it” factor. And though their good instincts are a birthright, the wisdom they possess can freely be imparted to those who wish to learn. Dog shows are not in trouble—yet. But the sport we so thoroughly enjoy depends on each of us to support one another and engage in conversations that are encouraging and respectful. Our love for dogs has brought us togeth- er and it’s our love for the dog sport that will keep us together. After all, there’s really no place quite like a dog show for people who like to “talk dogs.” Just remember, the dog show dialogue doesn’t have to be negative.
Dog shows are an ideal place for breed-specific conversation. Photo by Dan Sayers.
40 • S how S ight M agazine , O ctober 2018
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