Our purebred dog conformation events have been transformed. The first sentence in the AKC Mission Statement is, “The American Kennel Club is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.”  I would suggest “...and breeding for type and function” needs reconsideration and updating.

Just about everyone will agree that conformation dog shows no longer highlight the best breeding stock to perpetuate the breeds. Clearly, many of today’s breed exhibits are not products of breeding for type and function. Rather they are the results of breeding for the accepted and often sought after exaggerations and extremes which produce dysfunctional show dogs. Such as bird dogs with keels similar to a prow of a sailing boat; spaniels with incredibly domed skulls; dogs with necks like a swan; galloping sighthounds with short legs and level toplines; or shepherds standing on nearly horizontal metatarsal bones, to name just a few.

The breed ring is commonly a crapshoot. The exception to this rule is if a professional handler is exhibiting then this may improve the odds of winning. Breed metamorphosis usually influences the unknown or uncertain aspect of dog show adjudication’ by incompetent or uninformed judges. In my article “What Are They Looking For?” I discussed the lack of knowledge and capability for some judges to explain ‘why they did what they did’ after they quickly point to a dog(s) in a class for a win.

There are numerous, interesting articles by respected adjudicators who recognize and discuss the transmutations taking place throughout the breeds. We talk about the arbitrary state of judging, and though everyone hears what we say, it seems no one is LISTENING because nowadays, to win, extremes and or generics are how you have to play the game. It is àpropos to quote AKC Judge and long-time breeder Katie Gammill here.

“The best of the best or one that looks like the rest? Let’s be honest. Something called “preferred type” is flooding the rings today and in many breeds, it has little to do with the Breed Standard. When “current type” does not equal correctness, the best dog can lose because in many rings, the fatal flaw is being a stand-out. Should we just BREED TO WIN or should we BREED TO THE STANDARD and expect judges to judge to the Standard?”

There is an abundance of ‘show breeders’ these days whose primary goal is to breed litter after litter after litter, often selling many or even all pups as show prospects in their maniacal obsession to achieve the most number of AKC champions produced for their breed. This itself has become its individual competition. Some may consider me to be very old-fashioned, or out-of-touch in my attitude towards conformation dog shows. The truth is I am only interested in conserving the original purpose of purebred dog show competition, breeding for and preserving type and function and protecting a breeds welfare. Sadly, it appears that an overwhelming anxiety stokes some breeders modus operandi, this being 'who will buy their puppies' and 'who will breed to their stud dog(s).' Setting aside any principles for the sake of a win.

Our sport has shifted gears. In the all-breed ring it is about marketing, positioning your dog to reach the highest pinnacles of achievements. It is about public relations and money. Money spent on advantageous grooming products, shampoos, conditioners, gels, hair spray, colored chalk, enhancing powders, Snoods and blow dryers. It is about money spent on training, shipping and freighting dogs off to handler’s kennels for extended periods. It is about money spent on airfare for handlers/owners/dogs, private planes, luxury dog haulers/vehicles, Professional Handler fees or exclusive contracts, and $$$ magazine advertisements.  

Breed ring competition now is a contest about who has the disposable income and or time to campaign their dog to accumulate Grand Champion achievement levels. Group level competition is about who has even more affluence and time to achieve Top-Ten group rankings. As one advances to the all-breed ranking system, it is an entirely different ballgame and parlay. It comes down to money and sometimes perseverance -- as to which of the financiers, breeders and owner(s) have the most fortune to finance their All-Breed Top-Ten quest and yes, career. It is all about the money and all about coming out on top.

This edited article was published in a previous version on the Canine Chronicle website. Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=9751