tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252655140818743030.post4140002408912708869..comments2023-12-26T18:15:16.061-06:00Comments on DOG SHOW POOP: CRUFTS DAY TWOBilly Wheelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10638169474272913281noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252655140818743030.post-32803204514415489692011-03-13T12:00:05.816-05:002011-03-13T12:00:05.816-05:00So many anonymous posts! I'll throw my hat in,...So many anonymous posts! I'll throw my hat in, but I'll sign my name.<br /><br />"Slippery slope" arguments bother me. It would appear that the "dog world" is to be kept preserved in amber, lest any little change be the "weakness" that leads us all the way down to an AR hell in which dogs have the right to vote and sue.<br /><br />Let's not forget that Western society has come a very long way in its attitudes towards animals. Remember bull-baiting? This was once seen as "good sport", but is now looked down on by "civilized" dog folk. Likewise the practice of quietly drowning/starving/euthanizing mismarked but perfectly-healthy puppies at birth - I'm sure this still goes on, but I think the average modern American show-breeder would be horrified at the thought.<br /><br />The majority of our show dogs no longer live in huge kennels manned by paid kennel-help. Owners brag that their champion show dogs enjoy being cuddled on the couch from Monday through Friday - and handlers emphasize a dog's need to "be a dog".<br /><br />Would anyone argue with these changes? The fact is that our relationship with dogs has evolved and changed over time. The West has become, in many ways, a more compassionate society. Why should we choose this particular moment in our societal evolution to say, "That's it, any more change and we're doomed" - or worse, to bandy about the accusation that concerned breeders/exhibitors are, in fact, closet animal rights activists?<br /><br />I grew up "in dogs". There are things that I love about the fancy, and things that I think we could do better. But time and again, when I see even the tiniest criticism raised, it's batted down with accusations that the critic is "dangerously close" to an animal rights position (or worse, that they've suddenly become AR sympathizers). <br /><br />I think that the impulse to "save the fancy" is absolutely understandable. We're in this because we love it. But the impulse to keep everything absolutely the same, and never budge an inch, and to never, ever question "the way things are", could well be the fancy's own undoing. <br /><br />whew, that might be a bit of a long comment at the bottom of a less-than-brand-new post! But I think it's important for us to think about. The fancy has a future, and it's up to us to figure out what that future ought to look like.Megan Nelsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252655140818743030.post-73668476484470677822011-03-12T18:08:15.624-06:002011-03-12T18:08:15.624-06:00Excellent post aboveExcellent post aboveAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252655140818743030.post-23478555467068959962011-03-12T14:56:04.386-06:002011-03-12T14:56:04.386-06:00If you start criticizing cropping and docking YOU ...If you start criticizing cropping and docking YOU ARE dangerously close to being an animal rights activist. Not sure about a fool. Animal rights activists don't want you to remove dewclaws either, nor do they want you OWNING a dog. So if you support dog shows, you'd be better off not criticize what's done in the US, or YOU ARE an aid in us losing what we have. We use the same pain medications for an ear crop as we use for spays, neuters, fracture repairs etc. None of which the dog ASKED for. So who's to decide what should be done. Don't take the rights out of the owners and veterinarians. It's a fine line between banning ear crops and the rights of animal ownership in the eyes of animal rights activist. All they need to do is get one foot in the door. Your remark nudges the door for AR activists. Choose your comments wisely. You never know who is an animal rights activist around.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252655140818743030.post-27649505838295212332011-03-12T03:02:22.517-06:002011-03-12T03:02:22.517-06:00Ear cropping has been illegal for a decade in most...Ear cropping has been illegal for a decade in most European countries. It shouldn't be that surprising :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252655140818743030.post-71362509926581555242011-03-12T00:12:57.913-06:002011-03-12T00:12:57.913-06:00From what I have observed, in terriers, is that ju...From what I have observed, in terriers, is that judges in the UK, judge 'handlers' to some extent and 'dogs' to some extent - just as what happens in North America. Not all is rosy on the other side of the pond -- both are very similar this way -- not all judges, not all shows, but some, just like NA.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252655140818743030.post-82880604601928139572011-03-11T20:34:04.544-06:002011-03-11T20:34:04.544-06:00"Floppy" ears? Do you mean "natura..."Floppy" ears? Do you mean "natural?" I have no problem with docking tails of newborn pups. It's no more cruel than routine infant circumcision of infant humans. Chopping off the outsides of older puppies' ears? Hmm, that's different. <br />Anonymous<br />PS No, I am not an "animal rights" fool.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252655140818743030.post-76812722602536990652011-03-11T20:28:11.137-06:002011-03-11T20:28:11.137-06:00It should not matter one little bit what the handl...It should not matter one little bit what the handler wears. It should not matter one little bit who the handler IS. I think the Brits have it all over us on this one.<br />Patty HAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252655140818743030.post-39445391486832105122011-03-11T18:28:32.728-06:002011-03-11T18:28:32.728-06:00I appreciate we have lots of exhibitors, both male...I appreciate we have lots of exhibitors, both male & female, that make poor choices in the wardrobe. Anyone who has seen the "What Not To Wear To A Dog Show" on Facebook knows what I'm talking about. Nonetheless, I still like the good manners of a jacket for men & comparable outfit for women at our shows. It just separates the dog fancy from mixed martial arts competitions.Billy Wheelerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10638169474272913281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252655140818743030.post-84450273563749892852011-03-11T18:24:52.000-06:002011-03-11T18:24:52.000-06:00Brians Pharoh Hound BIS in TX today. His Amstaff a...Brians Pharoh Hound BIS in TX today. His Amstaff also won the terrier group.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252655140818743030.post-17941369843634419742011-03-11T18:01:08.173-06:002011-03-11T18:01:08.173-06:00Billy be mindful the UK Judge typically judges the...Billy be mindful the UK Judge typically judges the dog and not the other end of the lead so what the handlers wear is unimportant as the judgef focus is on the dogs <br /> Incidentally I saw a number of outfits worn by female handlers/owners at this years Westminister that bordered on the bizarre.Paul Doupenoreply@blogger.com