This is a passionate critique of the dog show industry, particularly its impact on working breeds. It argues that the pursuit of aesthetic perfection in the show ring has led to the degradation of functional traits in dogs originally bred for labor-intensive tasks like hunting, herding, and guarding.

✅ Pros of the Article

Historical Evidence: The article uses visual and historical examples—like the transformation of the Bull Terrier’s skull over decades—to show how breed standards have shifted away from utility.

Expert Citations: It references respected voices, including former AKC President Kenneth Marden and geneticist E.L. Hagedoorn, to support its claims about the dangers of prioritizing form over function.

Emphasis on Utility: The author champions the idea that “utility is beauty,” reminding readers that dogs were originally bred to perform tasks, not win ribbons.

Call to Action: It encourages breeders and buyers to prioritize working standards and genetic health over superficial traits, offering practical advice for evaluating breeders.

❌ Cons of the Article

Tone and Bias: The tone is highly critical and occasionally dismissive, which may alienate readers who value both working and show dogs. It paints all show breeders with the same brush.

Lack of Nuance: While the article rightly critiques excesses in the show world, it doesn’t acknowledge responsible breeders who balance aesthetics with health and function.

Limited Scope: The focus is almost entirely on terriers and a few other breeds. Broader examples across diverse working groups (e.g., sled dogs, livestock guardians) would strengthen the argument.

🧠 My Take

The article raises valid concerns. Selective breeding for exaggerated traits—like flat faces, deep chests, or extreme angulation—has undeniably led to health and performance issues in many breeds. The transformation of once-agile terriers into stiff, oversized show dogs is a cautionary tale.

However, not all show breeders are guilty of this. Some maintain rigorous health testing and field trials to preserve working ability. The real issue lies in breeding without purpose, where form overtakes function and dogs become caricatures of their original selves.

Ultimately, the article is a wake-up call: if we forget why a breed was created, we risk losing its essence. Responsible breeding should honor both heritage and health, ensuring dogs remain capable, sound, and true to their roots.