From The Publisher

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10 – May, 2021

By Tom Grabe

Editor’s Note: This editorial was published in the August, 2019 issue. I thought it might be worth reprinting as a gentle reminder to all.

Some in our sport, when it comes to breeding and exhibiting dogs, tend to gravitate to the extreme. It seems as if they feel that more is always better. If a big winning dog has extreme characteristics or a certain ourtrageous style, then many will go out and try to emulate it. If a top winner is too big or too small, is groomed in a certain way, etc.–even if it is wrong for the breed–then the next step is to produce one with more of that trait. If a breed that moves the wrong way wins all over, then lets find more dogs of that breed that move the same way. There is nothing wrong with a dog that has extreme quality as long as those traits adhere to the standard. But having one or two exceptional parts while having numerous serious problems never should be rewarded. Our standards for conformation were written for a reason, so maybe it’s time we got back to basics. This month’s offering is a fable. It is fictitious but may serve as a cautionary tale for our sport, our breeding programs, and our livelihood. Read on.

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a tribe of people dedicated to the raising of fur-bearing, milk-giving animals called Zumei (singular – Zuma). These people lived together in peace and harmony, happily developing their herds of Zumei into very useful animals. Each year, everyone would gather to show each other what they were doing to make their Zumei better. They all wanted to raise the best specimens possible. In order to help in this desire, at each meeting all would unite in selecting the finest Zuma present. This Zuma would naturally become highly sought after for breeding. Those present would draw pictures of this fabulous Zuma and return to their homes extolling his virtues in word and in picture. Even those who were not present strove to duplicate his quality. This selected Zuma became the guideline for everyone to follow and with which to compare the Zumei which they were raising. For many years, the herdsman continued improving the Zumei. They met each year to select that specimen which they agreed would be best. Their selections were based upon descriptions of past Zumei which had been preserved in “The Great Book”. All improved; all were happy.

Click here to read the complete article
10 – May, 2021

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