Of our 196 recognized breeds, literally half–98 of the breeds–are considered low entry breeds.” That’s according to Dr. Charles Garvin, who has exciting news for the future of purebred dogs.
Stories of poor behavior do not seem to surprise us anymore. You can’t help but ask “where do people learn to act the way they do?” I believe the answer is “in the home.”
Judging dogs is a complicated process with many factors in play. Politics, biases and preferences are common human traits. A judge may be extremely knowledgeable but may have some unwitting or unconscious biases running around in their head. Some may be knowledgeable but not confident enough to stay on track – for example, when one handler has the best dog, bitch, and special in two back-to-back breeds.
It is quite hard for us nowadays to imagine just how popular the Smooth Fox Terrier once was. Sadly, he is now quite a rare sight in the US and in his English homeland. However, there once was a time when the “Gentleman Terrier” reigned supreme.
Sometimes, I interrupt rants to ask people point blank: If you hate dog shows so much, why do you do it? They backpedal and say they don’t really hate it, then the conversation pivots toward the good things that have kept them there.
Dressing in good taste and behaving appropriately are at the core of good sportsmanship. Proper courtesy should be extended to your fellow competitors, the stewards, the judge and all with whom you come in contact at every show.
The hindquarters, or hindlimb assembly begins with the pelvis and the thigh bone (femur), which forms approximately 110 degree angle at its point of articulation with the ball and socket of the hip joint. At its distal end it articulates with the bones of the true leg, (tibia and fibula) at the knee (stifle joint). Distally, these two bones join to form the hock. The hind paw, or ankle, consists of seven tarsal bones (hock), five metatarsals (pastern), and the phalanges (the toes). Together, the many bones of the hindlimb complement the front assembly to create the dog’s running gear. Properly constructed and perfectly balanced, they efficiently produce and recycle energy with every step. A true marvel of engineering.
Knowing You Are Successful Is One Thing, Knowing Why Is Better
The 146th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan is announcing that the postponed January 22-26 events are now scheduled for June 18-22, 2022, at the Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, NY, with 19.5 hours of television coverage scheduled across FOX, FS1, and FS2.
