Well we are off to the club open show on Sunday, looking forward to seeing my boy match up to the others porties there, he will be in Minor puppy (6 to 9 mths) , as he is 8 mths old, so far he has done two shows the first he got a second the second he got second in junior (as no puppy class) then best pup in breed than shortlisted for the group pup..........so fingers crossed for Sunday. Mind we are not holding much hope for this one, as I have been told the judge does not like his type, plus the boy is being dictated by his hormones at the minute, as is a bit of a handful to handle.........so we will see, wish us luck.. p.s...will try to get some pics for you.
Good luck Jackie you should do well with Figo in Minor because he will be against others with similar body won't he.
Georgina and I are keeping fingers and paws crossed for you Figo on Sunday. Remember to be a good boy and do exactly as Mum tells you!
Good luck! I'm sure you will do just fine P.S. If you don't mind... what do you mean by the judge doesn't like his "type". Is he too leggy or something? Not the color the judge prefers? Just wondering.
All breeds will /should adhere to their breed standard, but as its all down to individual interpretation (from a breeders /judges ) point of view, they will interpret that standard to their own likes...... or what they deem breed standard..... if you look at breeds from around the world you will see subtle differences in where they come from, the Boxer is a prime example to this, The US , and UK Boxer are very different, and then the European Boxer will be different again, some it will be the head, or the body shape, the US Boxer is a lot finer than the European , and so on. this then cam also filter down to within a country... some go for heads, some go for movement, so like smaller , heavier , rounder and so on and so on. Then you can also get kennel blindness, where a judge likes a type from a certain kennel, they see this type as correct and wont look at anything else. Its all in the eye of the beholder, you will get excellent dogs chucked and not so good dogs placed depending on what a judge likes. Figo is on the top end of the scale in height, he is a big dog, and I believe the judge in question likes a different type. Figo has movement, he moves well and has a good top line, a good chest (when it develops with plenty of room for his heart ) but if the judge likes something that is not like him....for example, they might have good heads, but no chest move well or not be smaller more compact and so on and so on..... its all down to what that judge likes on that day.
LOVED your explanation, Jackie. Thank you.! Crusoe is a pet Portie with a pet cut and I love him just like that. But I love going to Crufts and watching the Showing. I've always known the judging is very subjective but never really understood why. Your explanation has really helped! Seems to me you must always go for the fun because you can do a lot of work and nothing can be relied upon for the result. I reckon the dog and owner should really enjoy it most of all. After all, ALL the dogs are beautiful and surely who they is what matters most. Best of fun to you and Figo and best of luck too. Have agreat time!xx
There is a saying.......you always bring the best dog home ! This is so true to those of us who just enjoy competing with our dogs....I enjoy it, Figo enjoys it, if we get a placing then great if not I bring my baby home and he is still the best dog there.
Thank you Jackie. I had heard you say he was a bit big for his age so I was simply wondering. When judges are involved, of course opinion comes down to it a lot. Good luck today!