Dogs in Review Point/Counterpoint

The following attachment is a recent conversation in Dogs in Review Point/Counterpoint topic of the month section that I thought was engaging as the guest panelists answered in a thoughtful, meaningful manner. The subject matter is not new:

"In your experience, is the average exhibitor today more knowledgeable or less knowledgeable about breed standards, canine structure, and gait than he/she was 10 years ago?"

I know that this problem has been debated for at least 15 plus years alone in my circles, despite the ten years the point/counterpoint mentions. Seasoned fanciers everywhere around the country frequently discuss the matter with the same predictable results:  head shaking because many considerably experienced breeders have given up saying there is not much we can do about it now.

However, there are those of us who still attempt to educate neophytes and the instant "Know-it-all's" with articles on anatomy and muscling physiology -- replete with diagrams and dialogue meant to overcome the obstacle of complicated medical terminology. Case in point, my work with Wendell Sammet over these number of years on several educative articles regarding anatomy (currently our newest is in progress concerning joints), has not been just for our health nor glory. We break down the language in canine anatomy that consists of many interconnecting parts and convert it into lay terms so that it is easier to understand for today's average breeder and fancier. His and my efforts are intended to teach today's average Reader/exhibitor/breeder in the least ornate manner in the hopes that they retain what we explain and illustrate via diagrams to propagate better dogs.

Still, many people tell us that our endeavors are a waste of time as the outcome has already been decided. That is to say, the sport today with its majority of uninformed exhibitors and fanciers and the primary focus now being on achieving ratings and points is irreconcilable with the sport of yesteryear, its design, and mission. Irreconcilable being that the two vastly different ideas are incompatible. What is more, I believe that many long experienced AKC Judges have crossed over to the other side further bolstering the new representation of the sport. They have participated in the "dumbing down" of the sport because they are complaisant, and they do not want to rock the boat. Unfortunately, I along with others are now simply considered quaintly nostalgic.

The Disappearance of the Old-Guard

The Old Guard, canine husbandry’s authorities, are sadly leaving us. Indeed, as unfortunate as this is, it also leaves us with a very pressing issue. Many of the Old-Guard had an underlying foundation of knowledge of other species such as horses and cattle and were able to apply it efficiently and successfully to canine breeds. Their departures are especially worrisome when you consider who may be filling their ranks. Owner-handlers who, although after having many, many years of experience attending shows and breeding litters, nevertheless lack the discipline and intuition to understand fully animal husbandry, including canine husbandry and the study of various species anatomy. The architectural reference, ‘form ever follows function’ is essential to living, breathing working animals. As often is the case, many of those above ‘invested’ fanciers lack the intellect of the old-guard. Indeed, everyone can admit knowing, at least, one dog fancier who has exhibited and or bred dogs for decades who simply has not the ability, the finesse, the expertise to breed or recognize superior animals. A fact that does not take away from the accreditation of many reputable, honorable fanciers whose valuable participation over these many years has been indispensable. Preferably, and quite logically, it is an innocuous truth that all our ranks cannot be virtuoso’s in canine husbandry despite well-intended efforts.
 
I refer to livestock often in my writings on canines because it is extremely pertinent. In centuries past, authorities were exceptionally erudite in the development of horse and cattle breeding. Their knowledge was formidable and was not limited to livestock but, likewise, to dogs. Many of these arbiters developed and controlled almost all of our canine breeds except for a few whose origins reach into the mists of antiquity, so ancient that no records exist today as to their advancement. Their routine husbandry also involved canine reproduction, thereupon nearly all canine stock were selected carefully according to the dog’s purpose, performance, quarry, and terrain. It is safe to conclude that present-day canine fanciers are not so learned as these progenitors were.

Additionally, another troubling effect of the Old-Guard’s passing is our diminishing ranks evidenced by the significant loss in AKC dog registrations. This should concern everyone as our long-term replenishment rate is dismal. Apart from the younger professional handlers and assistants, we look at the familiar all-breed show ring today, and there is a majority of senior and middle-aged exhibitors. Keep foremost in mind that AKC data supposedly reveals that 80% of exhibitors are owner-handlers. For our sport to thrive and ensure continuity, we need the passion and participation of the younger generations. For many of us who have participated in the game for decades and who have raised families, it is the same old story. Many but not all of our children have grown up displaying little to no interest in the sport. In truth, some dog fanciers children, now adults, harbor resentment towards “the dogs” and are indifferent or even belittling of the sport. I can count on one hand the number of my acquaintances and friends’ children who participate in conformation dog shows. We have and are losing precious assets.

I am not suggesting that canine husbandry is going the way of the dodo bird as mankind’s bond with and love for canines is from time immemorial. There will always be corrupt, disreputable commercial puppy mills and auctions which will take up the reins and supply the American public with unhealthy, poor quality breed specimens raised in appalling conditions to satisfy and profit from the economics of supply and demand. Likewise, there will always be unscrupulous ‘backyard breeders’ and ‘show-mill breeders’ to fulfill the same purpose. I liken myself as a boutique breeder, and I have my self-imposed limitations as to the number of hounds we keep and when I breed, coupled with maintaining a healthy balance in my schedules of work, judging and exhibition. I, along with all the others like me, can only do so much. Perhaps we dedicated, knowledgeable, intuitive breeders will be the one’s going the way of the dodo bird.

This edited article first appeared on the Canine Chronicle website. Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=13789