Hi, List,
This latest thread has gotten me thinking about the difference in the
reason I show my dogs and the reasons that others show theirs. I think
venues and such are very effected by WHY one is showing. When I win at
an AKC show (even finish a dog with three five point majors) I'm
confirming in my mind that the opinion of the judge who I've paid to
judge my dog is that the dog is good enough to be bred. I like to
compete in larger entries if possible, as that does give more
information. However, I will likely not be out there specialing a dog
in the near future, nor will I be out there looking to rack up points
for records.
My husband, on the other hand, would love to have the life that
permitted us to do that. <G> He is far more competitive in the true
sense of the word than am I. However, don't look for us at Westminster
in the near future.......<VBG>.
I simply want to know that I judge I respect takes a look at my dog and
confirms my opinion that he/she should go on in my breeding program.
For ME that is the reason to show.
There are so many highly successful breeders and show people on this
list that my accomplishments will forever be small ones. That, however,
doesn't bother me as I love my dogs, love the breed and want to keep on
learning how I can better improve what I have in my program. I will
often ask a judge (win or lose) (if I see the judge has time; if you
stay for group that sometimes happens!) what they think about my dog's
strong and weak points. My husband is pleased to win or to lose to a
better dog; his interests are simply different.
So, in thinking about AKC or CKCSC, USA the investment of my time and
money has got to be towards confirmation of my breeding program and not
about winning big time. (Of course I am happy if we win.....<G>).
Yes, I think it is possible that too many young pups are finishing in
AKC before one can tell if they will have something to contribute. (I
also think that may be true in other venues and other countries).
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I don't like showing baby
puppies. I much prefer to bring out a new dog when it looks as if it is
coming close to being what it can be; with the caveat that I like them
to have some ring experience in order to understand what it is about.
So, in any venue, I try very hard not to rush things for the "win".
I still consider myself a novice and will need years more experience
before my eye is anywhere near as good as many on this list. So, I
continue to go to the UK when I can to learn about the dogs, history,
judging, standard, and I show my dogs to judges whose opinions I respect
or whose opinions I think I will respect. I hope to be able to do this
in both AKC and CKCSC USA for a long time; but won't be able to GET to
CKCSC USA shows with the limitations mentioned above unless they stop
scheduling all of them more than eight hours away.
Suze
--
Suze at Llawen Cavaliers
"...I have seen that in any great undertaking it is not enough for a man
to depend simply upon himself." -Isna Ia-wica
"Thought comes before speech" Luther Standing Bear
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