The Politics of Dog Shows: Influences on #Breeders and Canine #Morphology
In the glittering world of dog shows, where pedigrees are paraded and ribbons flutter, a complex interplay of politics, aesthetics, and tradition shapes the destiny of our beloved canine companions. The United States, home to prestigious events like the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, has witnessed both celebration and controversy within this realm. In this essay, we delve into the multifaceted dynamics of dog shows, their impact on breeders, and the fascinating evolution of dog morphology.
Origins and Purpose of Dog Shows
Dog #shows trace their lineage to mid-19th century England, where breed enthusiasts gathered to exhibit their prized Setters, Pointers, and other gun dogs4. Initially, these events aimed to celebrate the functional qualities of various breeds—traits that made them adept hunters, herders, or guardians. Judges evaluated dogs based on their working abilities, temperament, and adherence to breed standards.
However, over time, the focus shifted. Aesthetic considerations gained prominence, and the quest for the "perfect" show dog intensified. The American Kennel Club (AKC), founded in 1884, became the custodian of breed standards, wielding considerable influence over the dog show circuit.
The Politics Within the Ring
1. The Quest for Titles and Prestige
Dog breeders and handlers vie for coveted titles—Best in Show, Group Winners, and Breed Champions. These accolades translate into prestige, stud fees, and enhanced marketability for breeding stock. Judges' decisions are subjective, influenced by personal preferences, breed trends, and even political affiliations.
2. Breeder Influence and Lobbying
Behind the scenes, breeders engage in subtle lobbying. They network, attend social events, and curry favor with influential judges. The AKC's Breeder of Merit program recognizes those who adhere to ethical breeding practices, but the allure of ribbons sometimes tempts breeders to compromise health and genetic diversity.
3. The Inbreeding Dilemma
Inbreeding, a common practice in the show-dog world, aims to fix desirable traits. However, intensive inbreeding can lead to a genetic bottleneck, amplifying deleterious mutations. Show dogs often share common ancestors, resulting in a higher risk of hereditary diseases. The pursuit of exaggerated features—such as brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds—exacerbates health issues2.
Impact on Breed Morphology
1. The Beauty Paradox
Show standards prioritize aesthetics—coat texture, color, ear shape, and tail carriage. While this enhances breed uniformity, it also perpetuates exaggerated features. Bulldogs with pushed-in noses struggle to breathe; Dachshunds' elongated spines invite disc problems. The quest for a "perfect" silhouette sometimes sacrifices well-being.
2. The Vanishing Talents
Historically, each breed served a purpose: Greyhounds chased game, Border Collies herded sheep, and Newfoundlands rescued drowning sailors. Yet, as show dogs diverge from their working roots, talents fade. Retrievers retrieve less, and Pointers point less. The loss of functional abilities is a silent tragedy.
3. The Designer Dog Debate
Designer breeds—Labradoodles, Cockapoos, and Goldendoodles—emerged from crossbreeding. While some aim for healthier, hypoallergenic pets, others exploit trends. Wally Conron, creator of the Labradoodle, regrets opening a Pandora's box. These hybrids, once novel, now face health issues and unpredictable traits.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act
Dog shows remain a double-edged sword. They celebrate breed diversity yet perpetuate health risks. As breeders, judges, and enthusiasts gather under the spotlight, they must recalibrate their priorities. Canine welfare, genetic diversity, and functional abilities should reclaim center stage. Perhaps then, our beloved companions will thrive—not just as showpieces but as vibrant, healthy beings.
In the words of Mark Derr, who penned "The Politics of Dogs" in 1990, we must avoid creating a Frankenstein monster—a breed shaped solely by human desires. Let us honor tradition while embracing evolution, ensuring that every wagging tail tells a tale of resilience, not compromise.
Note: This essay reflects the intricate dance between passion, politics, and paws—a dance that continues to shape the world of dog shows.
Well thought out and written. Personally I don’t blame AKC but I do believe they share a portion of the responsibility in this. I put most of the blame on the enthusiasts. I believe they have taken the importance off function and made it about aesthetics. That coupled with greed from the potential profiting from creating the impossible perfect canine. I have heard many times from many puppy peddlers and have seen it all over their websites. Their interest is in improving the breed. To imply that you want to improve the breed speaks volumes. It says that there is something wrong with the breed and it needs to be amended. I and I alone is going to create the perfect dog. On the other hand the work dog clubs, etc equally are the problem. This community often will breed anything trying to create the impossible perfect working dog. Their ideal of the perfect dog will change urge the wind. The create excessive size to undersized dogs. The inbreed until the dogs produce small litter or no litters at all. The dog becomes infertile.
These two groups should realize the dog is perfectly flawed. It doesn’t need to be improved. The only thing they they will do is to exaggerate the problem with puppy peddlers. Every dog has flaws. You can’t breed the flaws out. No line will produce the perfect show or working dog. This has been proven time and time again. The so called working line does not guarantee that a new pup will be a great working dog. Neither does a so called show line won’t guarantee that the new pup will be best in show.
Well said! I wish many more dog enthusiasts though the way you dog. Another group of people profess to preserve their breed of choice, but this is also incorrect as they make their tweaks through selective breeding to get their version of the perfectly "preserved" dog.
The best way to preserve a breed is to restore them to their normal functions and encourage the performance of such functions in habitats suitable for their work. Many of the functions of dogs were transferred by modern methods of living, farming, and controlling animals and brigands through fencing and urban sprawl.
@eliteguardianpresa @Elite Guardian Presa keep up your great work with the
#Presa #canario I hope people looking for a Presa Canario will seriously consider your program and if they meet your requirements take home a functional, stable dog.Personally I have been on both sides. I was strictly working dogs. Speaking negative things about showing dogs. I've heard the claim that they were only producing pretty dogs. My dogs can win but I don't have time to show. While I now compete in the show ring I don't call my dogs show dogs. They don't have show careers. I don't enter them in show after show. I get an impartial judge that says my dog meet the standard for my breed. I also compete in a variety of working dogs events. I don't emphasize show dogs over working dogs. My dogs are working dogs. That's the purpose of the breed. The term working dog can mean a variety of things. I believed in my youth that it was bite work. But I've learned that it can be obedience, herding, hunting, racing and much more. Dogs are much happier doing things that they were bred to do and other things that stimulate them.
Another great comment by @eliteguardianpresa @Elite Guardian Presa - there is a confluence of show beauty and working conformation. Sometimes the lines are blurred to the point of obscurity and then the "breed" will have problems with morphology and function.
The discussion and subsequent comments provide a comprehensive look at the complex world of dog shows and breeding. It's clear that while dog shows celebrate breed diversity, they also pose significant challenges to canine health and functionality. The shift from functional traits to aesthetic considerations has led to a range of issues, including genetic bottlenecks and health problems associated with exaggerated features.
It's crucial for breeders, judges, and enthusiasts to recalibrate their priorities, focusing on the well-being and functional abilities of dogs rather than solely on aesthetics. Ethical breeding practices that prioritize health and genetic diversity should be at the forefront of this effort. By doing so, we can ensure that our beloved canine companions thrive not just as showpieces but as vibrant, healthy beings capable of performing the tasks they were originally bred for.
Let's honor the rich history of our breeds while embracing practices that promote their health and functionality. This balanced approach will help preserve the true essence of our canine companions for generations to come.
Amen, Gary: Thus, 'breeding up' covers the functionality and improves the appearance accordingly, avoiding Wiley the Coyote syndrome.
I have never been to a AKC dog show. I do know of some people that have been victims of politics. This happens at AJC shows as well as UKC shows.. I personally have done UKC shows and working events. I participated in IABC Shows too, but the only thing that I don’t like about them is there were no working trials for the IABC. I was told by an AKC judge that there was a dog that was well known in the AKC. All the judges knew him and the owner. The dog took best in show everywhere. However, when he was the judge he decided to check the dog’s bite, he found the dog was missing a tooth. Missing teeth is a disqualifying fault. But this dog was winning best in Show. I had a dog that I was showing. The judges were looking at my dog. They talked among the other judges. Then one of the judges finally asked me about the fawn coat and about the black mask. I told him that fawn is a natural color for the breed. The presa is supposed to have a black mask. The absence of a mask is a disqualifying fault. Having a poor mask is a disqualifying fault. The judge went and began openly talking with the other judges. They brought the breed standard to the ring. The saw what I said was correct. My dog took best of breed and show for that event for the rest of the evening. But the judge wasn’t used to seeing the black mask or a fawn presa. This shows us that they don’t necessarily know the breeds that they are judging. There’s this woman that I met at the shows. She had a lot of experience with dog shows. She did not have a lot of dog of her breed. She would bring 3 dogs to create her own competition. She looked for shows that had certain judges. She said she knew that these judges liked things about her dogs that were her breed’s fault. She would show them and get the all the grand champion titles then sell the dog. She knew how to manipulate the system. She would end up competing against me for best in show. I never lost to her. I haven’t seen her in some years. I think she had New Foundland. They were nice looking dogs. But I don’t know the breed standard for that breed.
I competed against dogs that I knew had disqualifying faults or had huge faults. Depending on the judge and that judge’s influence that dog could place high if not win. I never went to a judge to point out the dogs disqualifying faults. I would accept the judge’s opinion.
Thus the axiom: 'It's not what you know, rather who you know'. Godspeed eliteguardianpresa. Peace.
I have seen breeders are puppy peddlers that breed excessive size dogs. Telling people that they’re are supposed to be that big influence the public as well as judges. The dog was too big to perform the function that it was created to do. It couldn’t even jump into the back of a pickup. I think that is sad 😢. But unfortunately that happens. Then you will see when this happens other breeders will begin to add more size to their stock in order to win dog shows and or to sell pups.
Additionally, I know a breede4 that has developed a reputation with the judges. My breeding stock is from him. If he is showing a dog whether his or one of mine that dog will win best of breed. He doesn't do anything special in showing a dog. He hasn't been to any training or learned any tricks, but he'll do well. Then there's was a woman that shows her mountain dog. Beautiful dog by the way. Again I don't know the breed standard. She showed my pup for me at another show. But this particular show. The judge saw her. He watched her her entire moment in the ring. I told the guys near me that she would get 1st place. She does know how to show a dog. She was knowledgeable about breed standards. But she will win because she is attractive. Just as I predicted. She was awarded 1st . No one else had a chance....smh
Yes, attractive women are always a positive part of all marketing...