When did it become okay to have a total disregard for the breed standard? There, I said it and I mean it. And I am not talking about a difference of opinions or priorities. I am talking about ignoring or rewarding DQs as defined in the breed standard. Whether it be size, weight, color, bite, eye color or pigment, breeds have DQs for a reason.
Pam Lambie was introduced to the world of dog shows as a teenager in Phoenix, Arizona. Growing up as a “Navy brat,” her family relocated frequently, though she considers herself born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia. When she was in high school, her father retired and moved the family west. “We had acreage, with horses, goats, donkeys, and calves,” she recalls. Her parents wanted a guard dog and protector for their home and livestock—so they brought home a Mastiff/Great Dane mix. This first dog “kind of gave them the bug,” as Lambie says. In time, female Mastiffs joined the family, and as their breeder wanted them shown to their championships, Pam Lambie got her introduction to the dog show world.
At a recent conformation training class, I was sitting with one of my mentors discussing coat color genetics. One of the ladies new to the class (and fairly new to the sport) was working with her American Eskimo Dog when she stopped and asked a question. She wondered if we could suggest something to improve pigmentation. Now, I doubt if anyone, least of all myself, considers themself an oracle and an infallible source of information, but sometimes we are all able to come up with helpful advice and alternatives.
Join Michael Hill in his exciting new series “INFLUENCERS.” Michael will be hosting dog show enthusiasts, handlers, breeders, and judges as they reveal who has impacted them the most. This series will touch upon how influential mentors are and how they shape not only individuals but the future of the dog show world. Second, in the series [...]
The late Tom Horner was a legendary figure in England and beyond as a judge, author, and all-around dogman. Through his musings in England’s brilliant Our Dogs newspaper, and in his book Take Them Around Please, he left some memorable words of wisdom.
How often do you read The Canine Chronicle editorials? These aren’t just space savers in the magazine. Often they are steeped in the history of our sport, and you are doing yourself a great injustice if you don’t read them. Every month I read one or two editorials that make me wonder, where have all the mentors gone? You know, the great ones–the breeders, judges, and handlers that have done it all. The people that would give you, like it or not, unsolicited advice in the ring, or while you were grooming your dog. The ones with no filter. The ones that made you shake in your shoes. If you did something wrong, they would say, “Hey, what are you doing? You know better than that!” and explain to you why it’s wrong and what to change. If you got it right, they would give you a compliment, but usually in a much more subtle way.
I had a conversation with a good friend I greatly respect when it comes to knowledge of dogs. Although the background of this person is sporting and hounds, I really think he is one of the more well-rounded dog men I have known, whether still living or dead. He’s someone I would let pick a dog for me to start a breeding program.
Will Alexander Drops Some Knowledge About What’s Happening in the Sport of Dogs. It’s Deep… It’s Humorous… It’s Provocative… It’s Will Unfiltered! This week Will gives us Top 10 Excuses Overheard At Dog Shows. Click here to watch on Canine Chronicle TV!
Multiple Best in Show · Multiple Reserve Best in Show · Multiple Best in Specialty Show · 2021 National Specialty Winner
GCHG Southport’s Ares God Of War
#1 Mastiff* – All-Breed & Breed and #6 Working Dog*
Have you ever stood at ringside and felt the hair on your arms stand on end as you watched an unknown dog move around the ring? Has a certain dog literally taken your breath away, as its superb breed type oozed from its every pore while gaiting past you? Have you ever watched a dog and felt the present slip away, replaced by the very history of its breed–so effortlessly illustrated in both body and soul?
