Showsight January 2021

THE SPORTING GROUP: CHANGES IN GROOMING & PRESENTATION OVER THE YEARS

A ll the breeds in the Sporting Group were developed for a specific hunting function in a specific geographical locale. The type of coat that each breed possesses reflects this hunting heritage and the geographical location where the breed was developed. As a result, some breeds have longer coats and oth- ers, shorter coat. For example, the six Retriever breeds have amongst them breeds that require longer coat, short coat, curly coat, and straight coat. In the more than 40 years that I have been involved in the Sport of Dogs, we have seen a number of changes in the presentation of nearly all breeds in the Group. Accompanying this article are photos of big winners from the late 1960s to more recently. Take a few moments to look at the comparisons. It’s very interesting to see some of the top winners in various breeds and the differences in coat and presenta- tion over the years. While there will always be an evolutionary process over time in each breed, a question asked by many serious breeders is whether or not all of the changes are for the betterment of the breed. It can be legitimately argued that changes in coat preparation are, at least partially, the result of two things—the now common use of the strong blow drier and the wide range of grooming preparations that change the texture of the coat and allow the groomer to hold the coat in place, once applied, in addition to permitting other more sophisticated grooming techniques. Some would say that changes in grooming over time can be considered extreme in some breeds. The “whys” of this are of interest. Many say that, in the rush to win, professional handlers, breeder-owners, and owner-handlers alike do whatever they can to enhance the appearance of their charges in hopes of increasing their chances of winning. Some of the “tricks of the trade” are aimed at making the dogs look more appealing, whereas others were developed to try to hide imperfections in the dogs’ conforma- tion. These tricks are used on short- and long-coated dogs alike, and involve both cosmetic “enhancements” and changed handling techniques. Though professional handlers may have started some of these trends, amateur handlers have been quick to follow the pros’ lead in the quest to win. As a result of this perceived need, groom- ing techniques sometimes don’t follow the requirements of the breed’s Standard. It is interesting to note that, at least technically, many of these techniques are also illegal under current AKC rules. However, these rules are very rarely enforced.

BY JEFFREY G. PEPPER Photos courtesy of Westminster Kennel Club & David Frei

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jeffrey G. Pepper has been involved in the sport since 1969 and has been judging the Sporting Group, Hound Group, and Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniels for 35 years now.

2007’s Garden Best in Show, Ch. Felicity’s Diamond Jim. Again, handled from a kneeling position with hands in a similar position as the earlier winner. While handling presentation is similar, the coat is smoother and a bit fuller, and the outlines are cleaner and more defined.

Two-time Westminster Best in Show winner (1971 & 1972) English Springer Spaniel, Ch. Chinoe’s Adamant James. Presented with the handler kneeling and holding head and tail. This dog carries less coat than the more recent winner, and the lines of his trim are a bit less precise and even.

166 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2021

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