Those that show

[colliewog]

I should have clarified - sorry. I don't see anything wrong with taking the win, even if it wasn't the best choice by the judge. hehe.

This is kind of a different subject, but since someone brought it up...

Not every dog is perfect, so I'm confused by some of the responses. If every dog was perfect, then there would be no reason to show? Those that show, do you feel your dog is always the best?

Thanks for the response.

I am pretty confidant that my dogs are better movers than a huge percentage of their competition, but may be lacking in the head/ear department. When we win, I know that judge appreciated an athletic dog.

 

[Laurelin]

This is kind of a different subject, but since someone brought it up...

Not every dog is perfect, so I'm confused by some of the responses. If every dog was perfect, then there would be no reason to show? Those that show, do you feel your dog is always the best?

Generally I agreed with the judges that Beau was the best in his class. He has a lot of good attributes and a LOT of ring presence. He always showed very well and of course at the end of the day he was still my goofy Beauzo. He has his faults don't get me wrong. I could sit here and list them for you. But overall he's put together nicely and correctly. His main fault is his tail and ears. I saw many dogs with better tails in the ring. However he also excelled in areas that they imo did not.

 

[SizzleDog]

I've been a "novice owner handler" for about 5 years now, in one of the most competitive and political breeds in existence.... here's my take on things:

1. I am NOT the best handler out there. I'm competing against some of the best, most talented and most driven professional handlers.... so when I win over them and their dogs.... I take it as a HUGE compliment.

2. My bitch isn't perfect - there are other Dobermans in our showing radius that are just as good as her, some are even a bit better. But I do know she's a nice example of her breed, not just in looks but in temperament as well. Knowing this gives me confidence. I wouldn't be spending the money to show her if I didn't think she has something to offer the breed. I will recognize and acknowledge our tougher competition, but I don't feel guilty when they lose. Because they sure as heck don't feel guilty when THEY win.

3. You can't finish a dog all by yourself. You have to beat other dogs to get that title... and you can't succeed in this breed without having a network of friends and acquaintances to rely on.... a web of support and scuttlebutt, in a way. Win gracefully, lose gracefully, don't take singles away from other dogs that can use them, and don't bail on a major show unless you have a darn good reason. It's called sportsmanship.