Kathy Yonkers wrote: >Thank you for being so proactive on this issue...we need more seasoned >breeder-judges to take the lead in educating other judges, handlers, >and >exhibitors on the traditional presentation of our beloved CKCSs. > >Traditions are a key element of the true beauty of the Cavalier King > >Charles Spaniel and must be protected.
The other night, at my obedience club's dinner meeting, I mentioned to a poodle owner/exhibitor (in the breed for 30 years) the current concerns of members of this list regarding the tendency of many professional handlers to "alter" the appearance of our breed in order to win. She looked me as if I were slightly barmy. Why, she asked, does it matter? I tried to explain the concepts of tradition, the essence of the Cavalier that needed to be presented a certain way, etc. She still didn't understand the point. She felt that a good dog was a good dog and a good judge would find it, no matter what one had done to or with the coat. Which led me to thinking . . . a natural appearance is important in our breed, as is the "essence" of the Cavalier look. However, if we place more emphasis on the "look" rather than the "substance" then mediocre dogs can an will win because we're encouraging judges to focus more on the frosting rather than the cake. Unfortunately, there are many judges out there that are insecure, or like to play politics, or tend to judge only in the stack and overlook or not see faults of structure/movement. On the other hand, there are many judges out there that are perfectly capable of finding a good solid dog no matter how it is presented. I believe that the CKCS AKC parent club could do a lot to help judges find the best dog by not only spelling out and emphasising that this breed should be shown "naturally" (whatever that means), but also this is supposed to be a "dog for all reasons", one that can fly around the agility field, soar over jumps with a dumbbell in its mouth, move smoothly around the ring, go on long hikes with their human companions, etc. Without sound structure and temperament, perfect markings, non-wavy coats, etc., are meaningless. I agree with those who keep pointing out that education of the judges is important. But also we need to educate owners that hire handlers to make sure the handlers play by the "rules." There are enough excellent handlers who are willing to properly present a Cavalier that it should be unnecessary to hire those who don't. Susan Jackson Reward's Boxers & Cavalier [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://sujac.home.mindspring.com/Keno Ch. Reward's Ropin' the Wind (Windy, 10 yr old boxer) Allegria Gambler's Reward (Keno, CKCS puppy) _________________________________________________________________ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
