DOG SHOW BREEDS CONTEMPT

NY Post ^ | February 11, 2003 | Andrea Peyser

[coydog]

Try science-fiction conventions sometime.

[NYer]

Thanks!

Here are my "boys" in a rare professional shot. The one on the left is more of a field basset - he can fly with the wind. The one on the right is my rescue basset. He's the stealth hunter of pork roasts and anything else that isn't back far enough on the countertop.

[NYer]

Bumping "my boys".

Love the pug, Mom!

Ditter, I wanted to see the Newfie win too. It became obvious, as the final judging took place, that this woman was seeking pure perfection! The Newfie didn't strike the perfect pose. In fact, I laughed myself silly when she asked each handler to stand back and let his/her dog stand alone. The Kerry automatically extended its rear legs in that winning stance. And then the shepherd and hound followed suit. Finally, it was time for the Pekingese .... the well dressed and stately handler stepped back while the "hairy hassock with a monkey face" just stood there.

Three years ago, the basset, Bumper Cars was chosen as best for the hound group. The audience just loved him. Unfortunately, he fell prey to the basset attitude and promptly sat down next to his handler instead of striking a pose. Newfies, like bassets, are fun dogs. You'll never see a Golden Retriever out there in the final group either. Unlike the poodles, they're politically incorrect.

[Scott from the Left Coast]

Yes, they must be close to their people all the time.

[kms61]

The AKC dog shows are a joke when it comes to sporting breeds. Those "sporting" dogs for the most part couldn't hunt their way out of a paper bag.

Those "beauty contests" are the worst thing in the world for dogs...encouraging breeding to some idealized physical standard and largely ignoring such factors as intelligence, health, and what the breed was originally developed for.

There are other organizations which run contests in which dogs actually compete in real world tests of their ability...retrievers retrieve, pointers point, etc. Watching a lab work, taking whistle and hand signals at 150 yards, makes you realize just how far removed the "show dog" world is from reality.

Dog shows? Bah, humbug.

Rant over.

[piasa]

Someone needs to tell these "people" that they're just DOGS!!!

...and they all taste the same!

Well, I guess I should admit I haven't tried every breed, at least not yet.

I'm in the market for a standard poodle skin though, I think it would make a funny entrance rug and conversation piece.

[Ditter]

In the final round it looked like the handler & the Newfoundland were "having words". She appeared to be slapping him or jerking him around. Did you notice? I was convinced then that he would not win. I noticed the judge telling the handlers to let the dogs stand alone. I don't remember ever seeing that before. I would love to have a Newfoundland but I am afraid they could not survive our hot Houston summers. Are Newfoundlands always black? I saw a huge white dog today in the park that looked, in every way like a NFL.

[Kevin Curry]

That is a handsome animal. You don't often see a dalmation with such regular, evenly dispersed spots.

[CARepubGal]

The Yorkie tends to be the alpha dog. Mine would attack the big dogs if not restrained. :-)

[CARepubGal]

Little dogs are fun.

[Jean Chauvin]

"Are Newfoundlands always black? I saw a huge white dog today in the park that looked, in every way like a NFL."

In all likelyhood, I bet this is what you saw:

Great Pyrenees

Jean

[Jean Chauvin]

"Little dogs are fun"

The Schipperke: The ~COOLEST~ little dog in the world!

Jean

[all4one]

Nice pictures of your Dali's! We have a Dalmatian named Domino who is 11 years young. He looks similar to your male dog. Most people see him and think that he is only about 3, he still runs like a champ. He is great company when I am working from home and he is asleep on my feet under the desk. He is usually no more than 2 ft. away from anyone in our house all day.

Very loving and great with our two children. Once we had the children he did become VERY protective of them. I think he thinks that they are his!! I wouldn't recommend a Dali for anyone who does not have the time to spend with them. My husband brought him to his office every day for the first 3 years.

We also have many pictures of our dog "riding the waves" at the beach, he can't stay out of the water. Thanks for your post

[Jean Chauvin]

"Devo"

Jean

[Jean Chauvin]

I couldn't get ~these~ to work before, but I fixed the problem.

Devo sleeping on the couch with Mrs. "Chauvin".

The Dog Days of a Cool Summer Night!

As cute as a button!

Jean

[CARepubGal]

Adorable dog! Please give Devo a treat (My dog demands this and Sigmund is the Alpha Male (in his mind))

[RnMomof7]

I had to laugh at the peek too...she reminded me of a little wind up toy.. cute as could be.I also LOL at the idea it even had a "pose"...

The Nefie was a sweet looking dog ..but he had no clue how to "pose" .(it is hard when you are not "sleek")

I loved the spirited shepherd..that also "posed well" .. .

The kerry reminded me of a "China doll" that you put on a shelf because it is so "pretty" and well behaved..but that Shepherd had "soul"..and my vote.. (the Britney was close)

[RnMomof7]

We have had pugs for years..they specialize in sleeping and eating..

[orchid]

Dogs feel they are members of the family; cats look upon you as servants.