Most of the dogs at the dog show are lead around the ring at a very comfortable gait. Believe me - if they wanted, they could take off and leave the handlers far behind.
They are trained to walk with their heads held high and sometimes almost prance, but far from being uncomfortable, these little guys learn to do this and do it with a great deal of pride. I really think they are being shown in the way that best shows off their beautiful features and grace of movement, flow of hair, etc.
I absolutely love to watch these wonderful beautiful dogs in the ring...and have always felt that they enjoy being there -- especially their trip around the ring. I don't know how many times I have heard the announcers say, "look at him! You can sure tell he's enjoying this."
And the thing that is really exciting - is that they seem to know when they have won.... then they really show off.
Carol Jean |