Does anyone have an opinion (good or bad) on the sport of showing dogs?

Question

just curious...

many breeders do choose dogs for their lines that have both bench and performance titles. For example, with my breed, it is preferred to have a dog who has a bench championship AND has hunting titles, such as senior or master hunter (which ARE AKC titles) or is pointed from field trials. I can only speak for my breed and the breeders that I know, but if a weim isn't birdy and hasn't shown a propensity for hunting, I wouldn't want to use him for my line. I agree sporting/working dogs should have both bench and working titles. The AKC recognizes both and holds events to evaluate both, but ultimately it is up to the breeder to give their dogs the oportunity to prove themselves in both sides and to only select dogs who have been proven in the working environemnt and conformationally to breed.

Answer 1

I really don't like dog shows, at least the ones with purebreds. I think every dog is beautiful and I don't like the idea of saying that if your dog doesn't meet this arbitrary standard it isn't perfect.

As far as shows for all kinds of dogs that show off their talents I have no problem with that. I really like watching the dogs catching a toy as they are jumping into the water. I believe that those dogs actually enjoy what they are doing. I had a Golden Retriever once and it was all we could do to keep her out of the water.

Answer 2

Love them and hate them!!!!! It is a whole HECK of a lot of work for a few minutes in the ring!!!!! It is great when your dog loves it, and better when it wins!!!!!!!!!
There is nothing like seeing a really good dog groomed and ready to win!!!!!!

And anyone who doesn't think there is much skill involved, hasn't show a dog. If it didn't take skill, there wouldn't be professional handlers that are making $100 just to walk a dog into the ring.
It can take a lot of skill. Try grooming and handling a dog that weighs more than you do, then say it doesn't take skill!!!!

Therein lies some of the problems!!!! Several breeds are seeing a "split" in show and field types!! There are the darker, less massive goldens that do fiels work, and the blonde, stockier type that show. Many breeds are in danger of becoming 2!!! A show dog should be able to do what the breed was intended to do and a field dog should look like the breed standard says.
In my breed, Newfies, they should be made to pass a water instinct test as well as the AKC show requirements to become a champion. I think dog shows are just the first step, but if a breed doesn't "look" like it should.....what is the point?????? I don't want a Lab that is extremely tall,slight of bone, and hyper, I would want one that is blocky,shorter, and calm. There should a way for the 2 types to meet, and for bench champions to show they can do what they were bred to do.

Answer 3

I was prepared to speak in favor of dogs shows, but actually, no, dog shows are NOT the only way to determine a dog's quality. AKC is the dominant dog showing organization the U.S., and AKC does absolutely positively nothing to determine a dog's working ability despite the fact that the majority of breeds recognized by AKC were developed for a particular working purpose. The only thing AKC breed shows rate is how close a dog *looks* to fitting the breed standard plus popular appearance for that year.

This was never more clear to me than one week when I saw two distinctive and eye-opening videos in the same week. I watched the Westminster Group class online for German Shepherds and noted with surprised that they all looked identical. The dogs were i-den-tical. Black and tan saddlebacks with precise markings, like a bunch of little clones. Then I watched a K9 Cops challenge show, also with purebred German Shepherds, but working lines rather than AKC. Not one single GSD on that show was a standard black and tan saddleback. Not one. This is the difference you get when dogs are bred for appearance versus working quality.

My preference would be toward registries that require conformation AND performance as required criteria for breeding, much as FCI does with German Shepherds in Germany.

Answer 4

Dog shows are the only way a breeder has to quality control his/her breeding program. If you are going to breed a dog you should show. If you do not show then don't breed.
However, it is a lot of fun, requires skill and is very competitive just like any other sport. It is the only sport where professionals and the novice compete together.

Answer 5

*THE* only way to keep track of correct/quality breeding stock. A "jury of your peers" to keep you from kennel-blindness("I wuv that dog,therefore it's wonderful"-LOL!).
The place to see where others are going w/their breeding programs & where you're headed w/yours. To see other lines-even if it's to say to yourself "ouch...stay away" instead of "WOW!! Nice! How's he bred?"
One of these days,it would be REALLY great to get the civilian population to understand that conformation shows are NOT "beauty contests" but I doubt it will happen. Most folks don't know which end bites,let alone which speciman of a particular breed being judged comes closest to the standard. Or even what a standard is....sigh
Lots easier to just say "I don't wike it" out of total ignorance,isn't it?

Answer 6

Its just a hobby. Nothing more, and nothing I am interested in. I wouldn't really consider it a sport, however, as there really is no skill involved. It all comes down to who's dog is better than who's according to breed standards.

Answer 7

If you and your dog enjoy it then why not?Some people find it entertaining.I like to watch the ones where any kind of breed can participate,even the mutts,and they run through the obstacle course .

Answer 8

I had a St Bernard that I started showing. She won ribbons in a puppy show, but I just did not get into it.

Answer 9

I think Dogs should show off their masters. Oh what fun at the judging.

Answer 10

my name is jasmine i like to write poetry about sexy butterflies and hot birds because