Crufts - Page 2

Yes the abundance of Supervet was the one truly watchable benefit of Ch 4's coverage.
I really do not see how somebody could logically appreciate the ASL ski slope but still regard the German dogs as anything but 'arse draggers', it isn't really about guessing at preferences. Didn't see Gucci's arse drag on the floor once ! Actually a pretty 'MOR' GSD compared to some, but that's only to be expected given the process through the Breed of the breeder concerned. [ NOT arguing in favour of 'hinged' backs or excess slopes/curves, or excess angulation, btw; but definitely arguing AGAINST over-exageration by the human species.]

I would rather see toy breeds win every time, its more legit. Working breeds winning is just politics.

Not sure which hyena-dog I was seeing, just know Rumor had no problem walking and definitely looked like a dog. No ski slope there, either. Someone needs glasses?

But I understand the idea is that the whole venue of Crufts is the real joke.

Yawn.
***
VK, I expect there is truth in what you say about the "politics"; just know it isn't true of everybody involved. Know instead that on those few occasions I have personally entered a dog (yes, GSDs) in beauty/conformation competition, or, more often, in Obedience classes, there has been absolutely nothing political (with either large or small 'p') about my decision to do so. I have just wanted my dog to show what - usually she, as the only one I had that was 'good' enough was my bitch Vida - could achieve; and to have a 'fun day out' with her. Winning would be bloody nice ... but secondary. Lots of others feel the same way.

My point is many toy breeds were bred purely for looks (and companionship), no pretence at work.

Its more honest.

vk, there are PAGES in the Breed Standard on how a GSD should look.

So, you don't need professional show dogs that do nothing else except be looked at to assess type.

Well, some still refer to the American Cocker as a 'gundog'. That's a hoot for a start ! I don't necessarily think there is anything wrong with being 'just' a Showdog - it honestly doesn't really hurt any breed, IMO, even 'real' working dogs, to have a few which have their looks/construction/coat put to the fore. Showdogs are after all a very small minority in any breed, and if they are the ones most bred with, at least it ensures perpetuation of the specific points and characteristics that make that breed distinct, & obvious to look at. Else you would all be working 'mongrels' soon enough, you wouldn't have much choice.

As you and I discussed recently, there are of course quite a few breeds which were never bred to 'be' anything but pets, they have no job to be qualified at. They are not all of a size to be handbag riders.

I still prefer GSDs to be tested by doing some work/sport, to prove their 'breedworthiness', not just because that's what the breed founder said he wanted, and because the SV and Kor system have kept it so, but because it is an integral part of the GSD temperament and if you do not test their intelligence and biddability, and yes probably their capability to bite when required, then you lose something essential to 'breed type'.

That's OK, most still refer to the gsd as a herder.

How many ranchers you met see the gsd as the goto breed for their herding problems.

The show world is an alternative reality that is proven to harm every working breed it touches.

That's why I have more respect for toy breeds at show than watching the terrible loss of dignity seeing the herders, gun dogs, retrievers, warrior breeds... etc being paraded around by old women and effeminate guys.

The nerve of some women, how dare they get old. And effeminate men should really take up the manly endeavor of killing feral felines.

Instead they spend their time and money showing aberrations and call them GSDs. SMH.

Times do change, nothing stays the same.