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.
Mediation is the art of conducting a discussion, voluntarily and confidentially, among participants in dispute. A mediator acts as a neutral third-party and facilitator in the room. Mediators allow the parties to tell their respective stories without interruption.
Where do I begin to explain to those with physical challenges how to begin a show career with your dog? First, let me say that it will not be easy for you or your dog. I raise, train and show Brittanys, and have successfully exhibited in the Conformation & Obedience rings at all levels for 40 years. Here is my story.
For more than a century, breeding and showing dogs has been a popular American pastime. During this time owning an American Kennel Club registered purebred dog was the gold standard.
It began in October when we would ordinarily be headed for Saskatchewan. What few stunted deciduous trees exist in the southwestern part of the province where we hunt would have lost most of their leaves by this time.
“Meet and Compete” combines the annual Masters Agility Championship At Westminster with an enormous AKC “Meet the Breeds” display. The event has become a staple of Westminster Weekend, and beginning last year, welcomes cat breeds.
I do not believe that I have ever attended a specialty club meeting, or engaged in a serious conversation with a group of similarly-minded breeders without someone, sooner or later, saying something about the breed standard. In some cases, the thought is that something should be added.
Who remembers high school? A better question is who doesn’t? Before most of us returned to school each year, the football team and cheerleaders had been practicing for weeks.
