I have read many Aussie websites that shun the AKC "barbie" Aussies for confimation. I am just looking for your standing point on this topic. I, owning a herding breed, think it is nutz, I mean, they don't even care about the dogs natural abilities, they just want a pretty boy pup!
2007-06-27 07:52:47 · 10 answers · asked by Doggie-girl-220 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The AKC is simply a registry and event-holding organization.
It holds herding tests as well as conformation events.
If the Aussies are losing herding instinct, it's because the BREEDERS are not selecting for it. If the breeders are concentrating solely on conformation, this is not AKC's fault.
Many breeds are not having that problem, either they are focusing on performance or on a dual- or multi-purpose dog. In Basset Hounds we are getting more Dual Champions every year and our club supports other events like obedience, agility and tracking.
A bigger problem is the lack of land available on which to properly test the dogs. This is even more of a problem with hunting breeds, where locations for hunting practice and trials are becoming more and more scarce. If we can't get the dogs out to do the work that they are meant to do, how can we select for performance?
2007-06-27 08:13:23 · answer #1 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
(I have my hard hat on for the things that about to be thrown around on this one)
As a Doberman Pinscher fancier, yes, I do agree that the AKC is looking for a daintier type of Doberman, then those from the earlier years. I've seen some pretty awesome AKC Dobes, don't get me wrong, but then I've seen several "pencil necks, or giraffe necks" which is not part of their original build. Comparing dogs from the 50's to dogs being shown now..... some structural characteristicts are so different and a good percentage of breeds are no longer (or rarely) being used for what they were initially bred for.
Prancing ponies are for the circus!
2007-06-27 08:08:28 · answer #2 · answered by Pam 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The AKC handles the conformation shows. It does not dictate how you choose to breed. It also handles some of the hunt tests and field trials for some of the breeds, but that is up to the individual parent club for each breed. And, yes, it even offers Herding events. It's all there for the breeders/owners to take advantage of.
As others have said, most breed parent clubs offer working titles through the club. I know that ASCA has herding programs, and the USASC promotes herding competition, for example.
All breed Standards are based on the ideal dog for the function the breed was originally bred to perform...therefore, a top dog show winner should be quite capable of performing its original function, and not just another "pretty face".
I know that in some breeds it has come to be all about the "pretty face", however I think it's a cop out to blame conformation shows and the AKC -- the problem is lazy breeders who ignore their breed's heritage. I show my dogs in conformation and -- trust me -- they are extremely capable of running in harness.
There are many people in many breeds who enjoy AKC shows, and also ensure that their dogs can perform their original function. The AKC is what it is -- a registration and record-keeping body. How the breeders use or abuse it is up to us.
2007-06-27 08:22:15 · answer #3 · answered by Loki Wolfchild 7 · 5⤊ 2⤋
you obviously haven't done too much research into the AKC -- many of the breeds have tests for the working abilities of that breed. There are herding tests for herding breeds, hunting tests and pointing competitions for sporting breeds, lure coursing and trailing tests for hounds, earthdog trials for the terriers and obedience, agility and tracking tests which are open to all breeds. Truthfully -- it the parent club which decides whether or not breeds are eligible to participate in the various tests.
AKC has always encouraged dogs to be used for their origianl purpose. I see quite a few Aussies in the different competition venues -- AKC believes a dog can look good and do the job.
2007-06-27 08:03:30 · answer #4 · answered by agilebxr 3 · 5⤊ 2⤋
Well, let's see. Can you tell me the last time that your dog was out herding sheep, cattle, or ducks?
My Aussie does do sheep and ducks, but we do lots of other things. Oh, by the way, he also happens to be a Champion, has tracking titles, rally titles, obedience titles and agility titles.
Most dog people, especially breeders, are trying to tell you why THEIR dog is better than everyone else's. It isn't organizations such as the AKC that causes a breed to lose it's natural abilities, it's the people breeding them.
There are a LOT of people in every breed who want their dogs to be beautiful AND to be able to do the things they were bred for. There are also a lot of people who focus on one thing, or another.
Rather than focus on the negatives, why not focus on what you and your dog enjoy doing and do it?
2007-06-27 08:23:53 · answer #5 · answered by Dogjudge 4 · 5⤊ 2⤋
I do have to agree with you. But there is no one forcing you to buy a dog with great confirmation looks. I have a beagle that is registered with another kennel club (can't remember the name right now). The club he is registered with is focused on hunting/tracking abilities which in fact is what you are looking for basically. It all depends on what people want for their dogs. I wanted a fun dog to train and play with. Other people want a dog that looks like a show dog (just for the record, I think my beagle is comparable in looks to show dogs, but this is not why he was bred).
2007-06-27 08:02:39 · answer #6 · answered by Jon H 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The AKC has absolutely nothing to do with breed standard..they are a registering body only...the breeds parent club is the one that sets the standards..so anyone with issues concerning the breed need to take it up with the breeds parent club.
2007-06-27 12:01:57 · answer #7 · answered by Great Dane Lover 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Alotof dog breed asoiatons & Breeders are only breeding for apperaances - its sick - look at whatt hey did to Shepherds with the low sloping backs - no wonder why they havehip dysplasia -- I think if breeders are going to breed anythingit should be for health & temperment results only
& I how many other thoughts I have on this & other subjects you don't want to know !!
2007-06-27 08:02:52 · answer #8 · answered by T. M 4 · 1⤊ 5⤋
Dog judge has hit it right on....If you want a working dog you need to look for a kennel that does that....if you want a "looker" you have many places to go......buyer beware.....
2007-06-27 09:29:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree i do not like people showing off there looks rather than there talents! Thats why i like Pet star on animal planet! But the dog show is a great way to learn about the breeds but not what they do!! Thanks i'm not the only one huh?
2007-06-27 07:58:35 · answer #10 · answered by pugglelover1207 3 · 2⤊ 5⤋