Does Size Really Matter?

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86 – September, 2023

By William Given

An important approach to the study of breed standards is to consider just how effectively a standard creates the mental image of the breed that it represents. After all, when a judge or breeder attempts to evaluate a dog for breeding purposes, such a mental image becomes the tool of measure. And, in forming such an image, the size of the animal determines the canvas upon which the picture is to be painted. There are specific dimensions which appear in so many breed standards that the serious student of the subject must wonder why they were included or omitted from the others.

Recently, while watching the groups at a larger-than-average show (for our part of the country), my wife and I could not help but overhear the many comments being made and the questions being asked amongst our ringside neighbors. Questions arose several times as to whether some of the breeds represented had standards specifying height and weight limits or if the dogs being shown in the group ring were being judged with a strict application of those limitations.

Size makes right

Click here to read the complete article
86 – September, 2023

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Posted by AnthonyA on Sep 8 2023. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.