Normal Norman
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By Amy Fernandez
It was bound to happen. Against all odds, shows are back, and even more shocking…entries are through the roof. No matter where it is or who is judging, entries have been maxing out in record time. Dogs from every part of the country are popping up in the most unexpected places. Really, I’m pretty sure if AKC announced a big show cluster on Mars, dog people would find a way to get there. A welcome relief for sure, but let’s face it, we need to complain about something. And yes, this part was also inevitable. We are back to complaining about too much competition. Heavyweight contenders are jetting all over the place to grab crucial breed points. Next thing you know, AKC will start jacking up the point schedules again.
Possibly, but also keep this in mind. Those dazzling, big wins can sneak up on you when you least expect them. Skeptical? That’s why our ringside philosopher Helen Haas is here to share the tale of Normal Norman.
“Oh yeah, it took us at least two or three hours to dry him off once I caught him” adding that “There aren’t too many normal Afghans in this world. You see, Norman wasn’t like an Afghan; he was a funny dog. He was so friendly and outgoing. He really liked people. He would come when you called him!” (Except for that one time).
Let me start by clarifying that remark. From a Sighthound perspective this particular Norman was definitely on the abnormal side of the fence. This breed is not famed for its affability. The standard describes Afghan Hound temperament as “Aloof and dignified.” Obviously, a bunch of huggy, kissy nonsense would totally wreck that regal, disdainful picture of majestic type. Nonetheless, Norman arrived. “He was out of a breeding I had done with Jim Nesbitt’s big, black dog. And I really don’t like showing black dogs for two reasons. I always get incredibly hairy blacks. They have so much coat, they are just a big black ball of hair so you need to do so much more creative when grooming just to get a decent outline or see the head. Black Afghans are a lot of work in a breed that already demands a notorious amount of grooming. ” Of course, that is the same problem encountered by exhibitors in every black breed, be it a Pug, a Lab or a Tibetan. Black dogs sort of fade into the scenery. Norman, however, took it to a whole new level.
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Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=195091
Posted by AnthonyA
on Jan 15 2021. Filed under Current Articles, Featured.
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