Why do people attack things they know nothing about- such as dog shows?

Question

I have been showing dogs for many, many years. I always get the same questions - How much money do you win?
Yet people who participate in EVERY other hobby are not expected to win money.
Why is it that people make fun of it just because they don't understand what showing dogs is about?
Would it hurt people to just GO to a dog show & ASK the exhibitors - Hey - what's this all about?
You can even go to the AKC website OR to the Westminster Kennel Club website & read about dog shows & then you won't have to attack the sport because just because you are jealous.

Answer 1

It's because people are ignorant and they don't think it's cool if it's not something they do... and it might also be because the only times people are subjected to dog shows are on Thanksgiving and other times the big shows are on television and the winners there do win money.

The problem is that these people who ask you about winning money don't know about or care about dog shows. When you mention it, they ask you about money... they don't ask you what you do at the shows and if you've ever won or what types of breeds you show or anything like that. If they can't be bothered with asking you these simple questions, they certainly aren't going to be bothered with going to a show and asking people there or going on the websites and reading about it. They ask you about money because that's something they understand and care about. Clearly these people are not dog lovers and interested in the shows... you have that problem with every sport... some people are just not interested. We had a fundraiser for the equestrian team at my college and when we were handing things out, people said "we have an equestrian team?" That's just how things are. Don't bother with these people who upset you by asking stupid questions that have nothing to do with the activity... they're not the people who matter to you.

Answer 2

Well, the Animal Rights movement has been attacking pure bred dogs, and they will spread any lies that suit their goals which are now becoming way to well spread. To counter that, before breeds are lost, and quality is affected Fanciers (that would be dog show enthusiasts) are going to have to take some vocal action NOW before it is too late. Without dog shows, breeds would not look the way they do, Animal Rights nutcases think that is a good thing. They think selective breeding and showing has harmed dogs, but then Animal Rights people also think that man should not keep dogs as pets. They think dogs should live in the wild as wolves.
The fancy has to start being more inviting to the public. The Fancy has to realize that the overpopulation advertising that the AR camp is doing is a myth in many areas of the country they are actually importing dogs from off shore. However what is much more important is that people should have a right to have a dog of their choice, one that grows to look like they expected it to. The Fancy also has to start letting go of their puppies when they sell them. In the 70s when someone bought a dog, they had the ability to breed it without worrying about registration papers. AKC did not offer the limited option and many people who did not intend to show ended up breeding a litter or two and becoming interested. Dog shows were growing back then, since the limited registration came out the AKC lost 500 thousand registrants. Couple that with legislation proposed by HSUS and we need to allow people to raise AKC dogs now in hopes that the general public will defend their ability to raise a litter from their pet at home. Like it or not, that is the reality. In truth no one, not even Annie (who recently died) owns a breed. Individuals in a breed are owned, and it is time those that show and raise nice dogs let go of offspring and allow the new owner to own them. It is time that the Fancy seeks new owners who will not spay and neuter but who will carry on the breeds. That small change will have fanciers promoting dog shows, and involvement by owners. That small change would lead to saving the sport, and lessening the ridicule you asked about. I'm not sure if there is enough time to have an affect given how advanced the ARs have gotten, but unless that happens in 10 years the whole system as we have known it, will be gone.

Answer 3

It's true that many have no idea about what a dog show is, and why there are dog shows.
Unfortunately there are as many exhibitors that have no idea as there exhibitors that do know.

The only reason for showing a dog is to prove its worthiness as breeding stock.
This is why I answer so many of the breeding questions on this board by asking "what is it about your dog that would make me want to breed to it??"
And no, I don't make a dime showing dogs,,,, but I sure spend a grundle.

QUOTE
"I personally have no use for show dogs as dogs were bred for a working purpose and then they developed their type (and not the other way around). "

Form follows function, always has, always will. Unfortunatlly as function changes form will follow. So do yourself a favor and compair the field trial of today with the field trials of a generation ago. No longer do the field bred Labs run like Super Chief or Honcho, they all run like Lean Mac instead.
(and yes, the dog in my avatar is a Lean Mac pup)
You might want to check the link below if you would like to see what show champion that spends far more time hunting than the do in the show ring look like.

Answer 4

Some Judges have gone a little astray, picking pretty looking dogs rather than checking them for "all the right stuff" they were bred for. AKC is changing judging rules to try and get this straightened out.

I've never shown my dogs, I have some great looking dogs, with good bloodlines, and yes, I know about confirmation, but just don't care for dog shows, I don't like the way the dogs are made to stack and prance...It's my opinion only, that the dogs would rather be out running in the park.

I'm not attacking you, I'm glad there are dog shows for those of you that enjoy them. I also know that a lot of work goes into getting a dog ready for a show, so winning ribbons, points or money...if you deserve it then that's fair.

It's not those of us that don't enter dog shows that are jealous though, it's those who do enter that have so much animosity and jealousy..sorry, but you must know that.

Answer 5

It may be because it's an incredibly expensive hobby. Most people don't want to put money into things that won't give more money back in the end. Also, showing does could be considered a sport, yes? If so, is it not true that most recognized players of other sports are paid to do it? Just playing devil's advocate there.

And people attack things that they don't understand because that's what people do. We're a bit retarded as a whole to be the world's most intelligent species.

Answer 6

I think dog shows are wonderful I love when the Animal Planet channel airs the Westminster Kennel Club dog show I love seeing all the different breeds and the personalities that each one has.

Answer 7

I personally have no use for show dogs as dogs were bred for a working purpose and then they developed their type (and not the other way around). Really now, what *is* showing dogs all about? I don't think that just because it is a Crufts, AKC Eukanuba, or Westminster champion, it should be necessarily bred, especially if it has fluff between its ears. Field trials, lure coursing, tracking, obedience, protection sport, even agility, flyball, and dock diving. Those are real sports. I don't know what breed you show, but the only purpose conformation has is for dogs with pretty much no original working purpose: small toy companion dogs. The show breeders have ruined many many great breeds by breeding for their perceived favorite looks instead of sound temperament and structure. Take the German shepherd, for instance. Oh, they pay lip service to working temperament and structure, but the American show shepherds are pretty much crippled fear biters. What a disgrace to one of my favorite breeds.

Answer 8

Honestly, I don't think it's because people are jealous. It's just a misconception that comes from people believing that dog shows are "snooty". I think a lot of people associate people who attend dog shows with people who enjoy polo and "snooty" pasttimes. I think many people believe that anything even remotely "snooty" means that money is involved. So, they ask about money.

Answer 9

Those who do not understand breed standards use negative comments. If you do not understand the sport, and the rules therein, of course it will be boring. Personally I feel football is the most dull of all sporting events.

Answer 10

Funny.....I had the same thing happen to me today about selling a Dachshund. Sound familiar WENDY?
I guess people make snap judgements about things without knowing ALL of the details. I find it really sad that people are that arrogant and self-assured that they can attack someone or something and feel good about it. I personally think it makes them look ignorant. Don't you? LOL