The goal of this data-based driven study was to continue to assess the extent to which four factors are influencing the stud book and the future of 60 breeds in the conformation sport of purebred dogs.
Lately I’ve been wondering about a glaring–and growing–statistical anomaly parading around my neighborhood. Specifically, I am referring to those legions of suburban dog walkers and the nature of the merchandise tethered to the ends of those leads.
Actually, it’s not the music that makes WOOFSTOCK successful. Certainly, the music is an integral part of our show, but as other clubs try to capitalize on our success, they usually find just piping in music falls short of transforming their shows into something special.
2019 Westminster Kennel Club Judging Panel
I was fourteen when my mum first bought me a copy of Dog World to keep me quiet. I remember being fascinated by one particular article and that concerned the appearance of ‘liver’ colored puppies in litters of Gordon Setters. I think some voices at the time were calling for the inclusion of these pups into breeding programs.
A common type of dog in 15th-century Europe was the so-called bird dog, a small gun dog of spaniel type, used for hunting (netting) birds. The bird dog pointed the game, then pressed itself to the ground so the hunters could throw their nets over dog and birds. The gun was not yet in general use for hunting, so ingenuity played a role. The bird dog was also used in falconry. After the dog jumped the game, the released falcon would catch the bird in flight.
German Wirehaired Pointers were developed in Germany in the late 1800s. It is a rugged, versatile hunting dog that can work in different terrains. This medium sized breed is known for his distinctive protective wire coat with facial furnishings.
Throughout most of history purebred dog development was comparable to a cottage industry. The specialized skills and cumulative knowledge gleaned from centuries of practical experience became valued like trade secrets and handed down through generations of families that derived a living perpetuating and refining various breeds and strains.
Westminster provides its share of bizarro upset wins, but somehow they always seem way more shocking when they come out of the Sporting group. In a way, it makes sense considering that for many years Sporting was the ONLY group.
A breeder is not counting the sleepless nights before and after arrivals of puppies, nor does he or she mind the sacrifices and missed social calls, or favorite TV shows. A breeder’s heart measures one thing… the first looks when those eyes open, the first responses to his/her voice, the first wagging of tails to his scent and the first kiss, framed with eyes so adoring, that love and trust spill over abundantly, from both breeder and pup.
