If you take a sound hound to a show, it's a crap shoot. One judge will place him 1st while the same hound would not even get a look from another judge even in the same day - same handler, same conditioning, etc. Something is wrong with that picture. A hound does well or not well in a show based on a person who may not know diddly about the breed. It has nothing to do about the hound. It has all to do about the person standing in the ring that day.
To show or not to show - that is the question?
I think it depends on the judge. If I see a judge putting up dogs that at least appear to be athletically sound (bonus points if the dog has been seen on the field), then I will certainly give them an entry.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is that they will do one thing on one day, then due to other influencing factors, they will do something else the next time. These factors could include the presence of Big Name Handler, the fact that the judge likes a dog that is a different color than yours, or prefers a style that may or may not be correct.
The biggest problem with the show ring is the one you pointed out. Just how much should I value the opinion of someone who has never actually hunted with my breed? Sorry, a written standard just does not cut the mustard. One only need to look at what is winning in the ring to understand why.
show to judges you respect, that put up what you consider is a correct dog, even if you don't win yourself.
ReplyDeleteI personally hate showing, but do it because as Bonnie once told me years ago, it helps keep your name out there for puppies. Really wish the owenrs had to go in the ring with a paper bag over their head and all the dogs spray painted purple LOL