Terrier Divorce

One of the great things about AKC has always been their staunchly personal approach to everything. Regardless of what’s going on or what anyone else might be doing in response, their carefully deliberated decisions happen in their own time–and rarely with much or any accompanying explanation.

Admittedly, this can result in confusion. But so many aspects of purebred dogs are inescapably confusing to begin with. A classic example has always been that razor thin line separating a type or strain from a legitimate breed. It’s almost impossible to categorically define that precise boundary. Although AKC has recently installed some helpful guideposts, historically it’s been a case of “you know it when you see it”. That’s exactly why AKC spent most of its existence avoiding the subject. They simply didn’t admit new breeds. Of course, that’s all changed. These days we witness the ongoing genetic reality of breed evolution right there in the show ring.

   The thing is myriad factors influence the direction and stability of breed type. It’s merely wishful thinking to assume that the process is rigidly controlled by an official standard and a bunch of really smart breeders and judges. In reality, their input represents the tip of the iceberg.

Posted by AnthonyA on Oct 10 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.