Quote:
Originally Posted by QuickSilver  I think that's an interesting point, and I can see that applying to yorkies for things like LP. On the other hand, coloring is part of the standard, which I don't think has anything to do with health (other than extreme cases, like albinos). In other breeds, it's been clear that breed standards have become exaggerated and actually hurt the health of the dogs. It's also fact that extremely unhealthy dogs have won best in show at major events. I think bulldogs are a classic example of this.
I'm not saying that showing is wrong, just that it is not related to dog health at all. You can have a dog that's healthy, show quality, one but not the other, both, or neither.
It really bothers me that with all the advances we've made, the average dog's life span has not increased at all over the past few decades. I know there are a lot of theories about this - I've seen vaccination and nutrition cited - but I really wish that breed standards were about health, not looks. |
i agree with this statement because I do show and some of the sickest or lamest dogs I have seen are either in the show ring, limping around or being bred in a show kennel. there is not a lot sadder than to see a magnificient show dog in the ring and when you look closely, it is favoring one leg or trying to hold it's weight up. or acting like it can barely walk due to bad hips.