FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION
Figure 3. Afghan Hound
although a plain, rather simple being can possess quality. Still, aristocracy, the quality itself of nobility, has a relationship with the noun quality, for aristoc- racy is felt; it is effective in a subtle sense, as is quality, without intruding on another’s spirit of person. Now in the case of a dog, the noun “quality” becomes more limited. While a dog of quality is usually a purebred, it may not be, although it must possess some sort of type. The word “quality” in dogdom refers to a general amalgamation and distillation of breed virtues such as type, soundness, style and tempera- ment. If a dog had an excessive amount of any one of these characteristics, it would then be a “very typey dog,” or “an unusually sound dog,” or a dog “with masses of style,” or a dog with “a grand disposition”–for these sepa- rate characteristics would be so emphasized that they would overwhelm all the others. Whereas the virtues of the “quality” dog are not specialized, no one over- whelms the other. In fact, they are blended and fused, equally by each other! This is why the mongrel, to possess quality, must have a type, and his actions, soundness and temperament must conform to this type. Again, these unspecialized virtues are felt rather than immediately seen; they are unobtrusive, condensed and purified by their fusion. Yet, because all of them are there, the dog appears unusually distinguished. Subtly, but surely such a dog pleases even the layman—“He looks the part, seems right somehow,” says the crowd. “That dog has quality,” says the fancier! I will conclude the chapter of “Know Your Breed” from The Art of Han- dling Show Dogs with Mr. Sabella’s comments on balance in the next issue. Again, I thank him for allowing me to share this information with you all. Any questions or comments or to schedule a seminar, contact me via email: jimanie@welshcorgi.com .
Their style will emphasize what is peculiar and proper for a Bulldog or Chow; the former, a decided roll in its gait plus an added willingness, a definite pleasure in rolling along: the latter, an aloof, proud dignity either still or when moving; the stilted gait very decided, full of vigor, yet indifferent to the crowd. Even with people, a stylish man does not resemble a stylish woman though both possess the same quality. They conform to what is appropriate to each, with espe- cial grace and assurance. Therefore, style can be said to be a form of appropri- ate conduct, emphasized, but in no way so exaggerated as to be inappropriate; never in any way a caricature; rather, unusually tasteful, elegant and superior. Because “style” is so appropriate, in an animal it must be connected with “type,” but this connection is based on manner and action, not on physical construction. An unsound dog may be stylish, so may a dog lacking type; and by the same token, a sound or typey dog may lack “style.” The latter will win, of course, because he is hon- estly correct and excellent, but he will not “sell himself ” as easily or quickly as if he possessed that icing on the cake of excellence, that special distinction, that perfect presentation–“style.” QUALITY “Quality–characteristic, property or attitude; char- acter or nature as belonging to or distinguishing a thing, such as the quality of sound.” This is the dictionary’s definition of the noun, quality, so with this general defi- nition in mind, what does the dog fancier mean when he says, “That dog has quality?” For that matter, should we not start at the beginning and ask, “What do we mean when we say a person has quality?” In the case of the latter, I believe we mean an overall excellence of intellect and spirit that is hard to define because it is so diffused. A person who is just but kind, gentle yet humorous, whose brain comprehends as well as remembers, an intelligent person, guided although not controlled by normal emotions. For quality not only relates to a well ordered goodness, but a combination of virtues refined to a point where none are obtrusive. This is why a “person of quality” often implies an aristocrat,
“While a dog of quality is usually a purebred, it may not be, although it must
possess some sort of type.”
pictured left: Figure 4. Akita
pictured above: Figure 5. Lakeland Terrier
76 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2020
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