| Although this is a little off this particular topic, as a vet, I am often confronted with novice purebreed dog owners who have decided to get involved in showing their dogs.
One of the basic misconceptions about dog shows - to these people - is that they are beauty pageants. Dog shows are proof of quality breeding programs of the past (the dog which is showing is the proof) and the betterment of the breed, as a whole, for the future.
Novices are often surprised to learn that their spayed or neutered but registered pet is ineligible. Although this animal MAY be proof of good breeding, it is incapable of fulfilling the second part of the dog show mandate. Because it is a genetic dead end, it is irrelevant as part of that breed's betterment program.
Trials, etc. emphasize training, which cannot be passed on. Temperament, yes. Training, no.
Conformation classes are based solely on breed standards, which IS passed on to the next generation. |