Showsight January 2018

Herd Mentality: Finding Inspiration from Livestock Breeders

BY DAN SAYERS continued

Australian Merino Rams presented by their owners, Emilio Jorge and his wife, Susana Ferro, of Cabaña “La Adela.” (Valdés Peninsula, Chubut Province, Argentina)

on the sands of the Arabian Peninsula since Biblical times.) However, the busi- ness of breeding and showing stock didn’t switch into overdrive until the 1950s. During this period, breeders of Appaloosas and Appenzeller Sen- nenhundes—not to mention Abyssin- ian cats and Abbyssinian guinea pigs— gathered in large numbers at state fairs and town halls throughout much of Europe and America. State-sponsored events and private clubs hosted com- petitions that drew exhibitors from far and wide. Always at stake was the honor of taking home awards bestowed by expert adjudicators. Best in Show

eventually became the ultimate prize, coveted by breeders of rabbits, canar- ies and pedigreed dogs alike. Unfortu- nately, the desire to be considered “the best of the best” has resulted in compe- titions less focused on breeding stock and more focused on winning with any- body’s stock. And despite the fanfare that has become associated with many animal exhibitions held throughout the world, the desire to win at all costs has brought about a despair for some. Only the most passionate of breeders can stay the course. This is why it is so impor- tant to find inspiration from breeders of every ilk.

Livestock shows can be a great source of inspiration for the dog breed- er. Discovering “new” varieties of rabbit and poultry can do wonders for some- one no longer impressed with the sight of a Bracco Italiano or Bergamasco. And talking with breeders of goats or don- keys can remind any dog breeder that every domestic animal deserves to be protected. Dog breeders may not sup- ply food for the table or fibre to be spun into yarn, but we do provide the world with the hardest-working and most devoted companion animals on the planet. What could possibly be more inspiring than that?

64 • S how S ight M agazine , J anuary 2018

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