YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - View Single Post - I'm not sure if I like showing...please help???

wildcard · 03-30-2009, 11:29 AM

I like mixed breeds too- lots of very nice dogs out there that are mixed breeds. However most of them exist because their owners were not responsible enough to spay and neuter their pets (I am not going to comment on people who deliberately mix breeds because I will get all red faced and upset

) So as much as I love many mixed breed dogs as individuals, I can't say that I encourage the concept of mixed breeds.

The purpose for showing dogs is to evaluate breeding stock. The idea is to reward those dogs who most closely resemble the ideal dog of that breed as described in the breed standard. The breed standards are adopted by a governing show body (like AKC) but are developed by the parent club of that breed, that club is basically charged with the responsibility of deciding what a breed is supposed to look, and act, like.

We want dogs to be as close to meeting their breed standard because it can be of great benefit to have predictability of looks and temperament in a breed. If you buy a purebred dog from a breeder who breeds to meet the standard, you should have a pretty good idea of what the dog will look and act like as your pet. It is nice to have some idea of size, temperament, coat type (esp. if a family member has allergies) before choosing what kind of dog will best suit you and your family.

That said, the fact that mixed breeds exist is not going to change, and there are lots and lots and lots of great mixed breed dogs, and purebreds that don't quite resemble the standard, that are available for adoption. If you are flexible and don't mind surprises, these might be the best choice of all.

I show my dogs in conformation, agility, obedience and rally. Some of them wear clothes (and they do it because it makes me smile and they enjoy the attention). They are loved members of my family, like children, but the fact that I train them and show them makes our relationship different. We are partners, we are teammates. I do what they expect me to do, and they do what I expect of them (mostly

). It is a very special connection, a different level of companionship. There really is nothing else quite like it.

03-30-2009, 11:29 AM	#7
wildcard Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 236	I like mixed breeds too- lots of very nice dogs out there that are mixed breeds. However most of them exist because their owners were not responsible enough to spay and neuter their pets (I am not going to comment on people who deliberately mix breeds because I will get all red faced and upset ) So as much as I love many mixed breed dogs as individuals, I can't say that I encourage the concept of mixed breeds. The purpose for showing dogs is to evaluate breeding stock. The idea is to reward those dogs who most closely resemble the ideal dog of that breed as described in the breed standard. The breed standards are adopted by a governing show body (like AKC) but are developed by the parent club of that breed, that club is basically charged with the responsibility of deciding what a breed is supposed to look, and act, like. We want dogs to be as close to meeting their breed standard because it can be of great benefit to have predictability of looks and temperament in a breed. If you buy a purebred dog from a breeder who breeds to meet the standard, you should have a pretty good idea of what the dog will look and act like as your pet. It is nice to have some idea of size, temperament, coat type (esp. if a family member has allergies) before choosing what kind of dog will best suit you and your family. That said, the fact that mixed breeds exist is not going to change, and there are lots and lots and lots of great mixed breed dogs, and purebreds that don't quite resemble the standard, that are available for adoption. If you are flexible and don't mind surprises, these might be the best choice of all. I show my dogs in conformation, agility, obedience and rally. Some of them wear clothes (and they do it because it makes me smile and they enjoy the attention). They are loved members of my family, like children, but the fact that I train them and show them makes our relationship different. We are partners, we are teammates. I do what they expect me to do, and they do what I expect of them (mostly ). It is a very special connection, a different level of companionship. There really is nothing else quite like it.