Showsight October 2017

See Spot Skype BY DAN SAYERS continued

babies. From a “dog mom’s” point of view, little “Lexi” is entitled to the same rights and privileges as any child. However, an argument could be made that it is not as children that a growing number of people prefer to view their dogs. Instead, many four-legged “fur babies” are treated like grandchildren. Whereas parents are responsible to teach their children basic manners, good hygiene, and the ability to discern what is right from wrong, grandparents are free to spoil their grandbabies ad nauseam. Grandchildren get to stay up late and are always told how wonderful they are. Grandchildren are perfect and can do no wrong, just like your co- worker’s “rescue.” Although treating a dog like

the 20th century, the popu- larity of Cockers (and Collies and Cairns) steadily grew. And just as registra- tions increased, so too did the amount of time Americans spent watching television. Consequently, more and more dogs were given names of TV person- alities, both real and ani- mated. One of the biggest winning Cockers Spaniels of the 1990’s was Ch. La Shay’s Bart Simpson, a Black Cocker named for a spirited preteen cartoon character with a penchant for causing trouble. With more than 100 Best in Show awards to his credit, Bart Simpson’s canine counter- part caused more of a sen- sation. He handily won the Sporting Group at Westminster in 1995. Sixteen years later, the win

Some of today’s “lifestyle” magazines feature articles pro- moting baby talk for adult dogs. Photo by Dan Sayers.

was repeated by another Black Cocker, Ch. Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction. “Beckham’s” name- sake, however, was no cartoon. He was a real-life foot- baller with a celebrity salary. As the 21st century dawned, the cult of personality had taken hold and its influence began to be expressed in the names given to dogs and children alike. Fur Babies and Fashion Models A visit to the magazine stand of any book seller today provides ample proof that the role of the dog in soci- ety has changed. Periodicals intended for sale to a dog- loving public are no longer presented as the voice of authority. Instead, many of today’s “lifestyle” maga- zines carry cover lines modeled after the fashion rags. Where once a photo of a recognizable purebred could be found, a beguiling mixed breed with a forlorn expression now begs to be “rescued.” Articles that used to offer dependable advice on animal care have been replaced with features touting the benefits of “baby talk.” To a growing number of media con- sumers, a dog is no longer just a family member with a clever name. To many of our friends and neighbors a dog is the family, and only the most extraordinary call name will do. Many of the names given to dogs today reflect a seis- mic shift in the role that canine companions play in our society. Both empty nesters and millennials are choosing the same names for dogs that parents are choosing for newborns. “Mason,” “Logan” and “Aiden” have become as common for puppies as they are for

a child (or grandchild) is nothing new — it’s the very reason for Toy breeds, after all — it has become the raison d’être for many people in search of the perfect pooch, no matter the breed or its mix. However, not every dog wants (or needs) to be spoiled rotten or given an unusual name. In fact, most dogs would rather put in a hard day’s work than be pampered from morning ‘til night and called “Arkyn.” Spoil a Spaniel all you want, it will still prefer to wallow in mud puddles and flush visiting songbirds from the bird bath. No amount of mollycoddling will change its hard-wiring, although it will still happily answer to any name it’s given. Queenie, Myckenzie and Kerfluffle are perfectly acceptable dog names — and so is Spot. ■ Dan Sayers covers the dog sport with a particular interest in the people who’ve served to promote and preserve pure- bred dogs. His articles feature breeders and exhibitors of the past as well as those who work tirelessly on behalf of the fancy today. A self-taught artist, Dan’s artwork is repre- sented in collections worldwide and his illustrations appear in the award-winning Encyclopedia of K-9 Terminology by Ed and Pat Gilbert. Since 1981, Dan has exhibited primarily Sporting breeds and Hounds. He’s bred both Irish Water Spaniels and Rhodesian Ridgebacks and has judged a variety of match shows and sweepstakes, including the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America National Specialty twice.

66 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , O CTOBER 2017

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