Showing altered dogs

[Jynx]

Actually here in the US,,ASCA (australian shepherd club of america) has an "altered" class.

It started a couple of years ago for people who chose to alter their dogs but wanted to show. We can get Altered CH's on them thru ASCA, and they are judged based on breed standard, so it's not any easier to finish an altered dog vs intact.

I've been to a couple shows, and the classes while not "jammed", still have some good entries.
Diane

For you youngsters, there is always Jr Handling Wish there were something similar for adults quite frankly.

I know about Jr Handling but I am already 16 and by the time I get a show dog and train and everything I'l be over the age limit. I wish there was handling competitions for the unexperienced who happen to be over the age of 18 but there isn't.

[IliamnasQuest]

I can see a reason for altered classes. Even though AKC views conformation competition as a test of breeding stock, another test to further establish breeding stock is to show that their offspring can earn championships. If those offspring could be neutered and still shown, it would make it easier for those who might want to help the sire/dam earn points (from their offspring's wins) without having to deal with the intact hormones.

Personally I do view conformation shows as a "beauty contest" more than anything else - and a beauty contest with a lot of bias in the judges. Actually in a lot of human beauty contests the contestants are still required to show some talent, whereas in conformation dog shows the dogs are not. This, to me, is a travesty. I think all dogs should have to pass a temperament test and some other test that shows working ability, intelligence, etc. before that dog can earn a championship.

THEN the championship would actually have some meaning to me.

Just my honest opinion, as always!

Melanie and the gang in Alaska

[motherofmany]

Melanie, I couldn't agree more. To me, temperament is at least as important to proper breed "type" as coat or eye color, it should be given weight in the breed ring if, indeed, the breed ring is about improvement in purebred dog stock.

What I witnessed being put up in shelties makes me shudder. Proper temperament is being lost. (along with structure and correct movement, but ya'll don't want to get me started there )