The Basset Hound in Popular Culture

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278 – May, 2022

By Amy Fernandez

The reason for that inflexible regulation is obvious; an unsound dog is not a worthy specimen. That’s where the tricky business of subjectivity enters the equation. Precisely what constitutes lameness?

Let’s say that a high profile, widely acclaimed current winner suddenly pulls up lame at a major show? Countless competitors, spectators AND judges have already witnessed this dog moving smoothly and soundly right into the top spot at major shows nationwide. Moreover, the dog just took a massive Breed win hours earlier. Group time rolls around, fans are eagerly awaiting another group conquest and….this celebrated winner limps into the group ring. Everyone has eyes on that unexpected detail. The judge, probably more famous than the dog, halts the proceedings for an immediate inspection of the dog and an intense discussion with the handler (who also owns the dog, which minimizes any possibility for third party intervention) as the rapidly growing crowd of spectators begin buzzing about imminent dq. Officially, that is the only anticipated outcome. However, in this case the dog was not only permitted to remain in competition. It ultimately went Best. WHAT?? No way!

Yes, this actually occurred at a big Midwestern show in 1957. And the stakes could not have been higher for this particular dog. After decades of anemic support in AKC conformation, Basset Hounds were rapidly coming to the forefront of the purebred scene and receiving some long overdue publicity (although it’s doubtful that they appreciated this bit of scandal).

Click here to read the complete article
278 – May, 2022

Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=230673

Posted by AnthonyA on May 23 2022. 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.