I really don't want to get into the American debate but Laura writes about
numbers at shows
<<<<<There is simply no comparison whatsoever. .... To be honest I have
yet to attend a single AKC show with more than a few outstanding dogs--the
majority have only one or none. I
guarantee the new breeders in my area are breeding *down* to the average of
what they see--not what they should be breeding. It is not their
fault--they simply don't know what a good Cavalier should look like because
they see so few of them. Even when they DO see them, it is only for a
moment. An entry of 10-15 Cavaliers is over in 20-30 minutes and everyone
goes home. >>>>>>>>
Laura you seem to imply that no one can learn about Cavaliers when the
entries at shows are small and that it is only at CKCSCUSA shows that one
finds complete classes of quality dogs.
Well I have seen complete classes of quality dogs at AKC shows - try going
to the National........but what concerns me is your attitude about numbers
per see....... here in Australia, apart from our specialties with entries of
from 100 - 250, our entries are similar to American entries and yet I don't
see anyone decrying the Australian dogs as being lesser quality. At most
shows I go to week in week out, the entry is usually around 30. And we
don't stay the whole day - only if we win and are required for further
judging in the groups etc. And yet, people here still manage to learn about
the breed, they still manage to breed good dogs and I certainly don't think
that the average quality is any less than elsewhere in the world. We may
have fewer dogs than UK (doesn't everyone!) but we have some really good
ones.
In rubbishing the AKC shows with smaller entries I feel you are also
condemning our shows -
Surely the AKC clubs regional shows are developing and will provide a
wonderful showcase for great entries given time. The Cavaliers of Puget
Sound weekend last year was superbly organised and was one of the most
enjoyable weekends that I have ever spent with a breed seminar, dinner etc.
There are also some wonderfully thoughtful and knowledgeable AKC judges -
you have them judge at your own CKCSCUSA shows - if you respect their
opinion, what difference between showing to them at a club show and showing
to them at an AKC show?? The respect you have for a good judge will be the
same in each case.
I have always preferred to be positive and see no reason why Cavaliers
shouldn't have a great future in the US in spite of the lingering problems.
Personally I find it hard to believe that this debate is still going on!
Jeanie
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