Poison THE PUREBRED DOG IS MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE
T he sport of purebred dogs has an image problem. Although the American Kennel Club has often been criticized for its response to shrinking registrations and declining show entries, many exhibitors and judges who participate in the organization’s all-breed events ostensibly fail to pro- mote the unique characteristics of the registry’s 197 (and counting) recognized breeds. Indeed, too many confor- mation show enthusiasts seem to value one quality at the expense of all others—no matter the breed. Today’s fan- cier, it seems, can’t get enough of the “pretty” dog. In the modern-day show ring, every exhibit—Maltese and Mastiff alike—is expected to be balanced in body, correctly coated and colored, sound in mind and move- ment, with proper expression and no disqualifying faults. These qualities are essential, naturally, but the question must be asked, “Does every purebred dog also need to be exalted for having a generic charm and a pretty face?” “Pretty” dogs are nothing new, of course. For centu- ries, Toy and companion breeds gained entry into Royal households and ports of call owing to their delicate beau- ty and refinement. Historically, however, most canines needed to earn their keep through a form that strictly followed the dog’s intended function. This is the condi- tion under which most breeds were developed. By con- trast, many of today’s purebreds—certainly the majority of dogs that compete in US show rings—need only “look like” they can perform the job for which they are intend- ed. In the 21st century, it’s the dog that’s as “pretty as a picture” that’s likely to be rewarded in the ring. Thankfully, purebred dogs remain tied to their ances- tral past through their breed standards. Each standard presents a word picture that honors a single breed’s his- tory, describing it through specific words and detailed phrases that are exclusive to that breed. With such care- fully crafted documents to guide us, it seems irresponsible for breeders, exhibitors, and conformation show judges to refer to any purebred with a casual, “Oh, that’s pretty.”
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY DAN SAYERS
Does every purebred dog also need to be exalted for having a generic charm and a pretty face?
102 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2021
Powered by FlippingBook