What do Titles mean to you?

[Mattweiser]

This question came to me in a breeding thread. Obviously different people have different goals with their dogs......

What do you think of when someone says that they are titling their dog????

Do you think of confirmation titles, working titles, or specialty titles??? and what are your opinions of these titles???

-Matt

[Storm]

Working, confirmation titles or better even both gets a big thumbs up from me. By titling a dog I immediately get the impression that someone is not only interested but devoted in getting their rotties out there and doing something. Sure there are the exceptions where people have alterior motives, their own ego for one, but lets try and be optimistic here. Confirmation titles, hey no one can argue the great AWE of a breathtaking Rottie and it forms part of the package. Working titles, yeah, I like them a lot as this takes effort and dedication. I am not trying to take anything away from the "show orientated" guys but IMO the working side is great and working titles mean not only you but your dog to have put in a lot of work and effort. Hmmmmm titles on a rott are indicative that you and your dog are busy. I need to see more titles locally as there are plenty of rotties around, titles? Hardly any. Also titling in certain aspects enables us to maintain a standard, this is also imperative in preserving the Rottweiler.

[Mojave's Mom]

I agree with Storm. When I hear someone say that they are working on a title, my ears perk up and a new-found type of "respect" is earned from me. When someone says they are working toward a title (especially if they own a breed with a bad rep) it proves that this person is truly involved with his/her dog. Studies show/prove over and over again that obedience trained dogs are very unlikely to end up in shelters or abandoned by their owners....those who take the time to put in all that effort to place a title on their dogs are truly dedicated. No, I am not saying that those who do not want to enter in shows that lead to titles are bad owners. Train and be responsible for your dog, that is all I'm saying. But to take a dog to title....that's a lot of work with an excellent reward and it's something that makes me feel proud for those people....even if it's not my own personal dog earning the title!

[Koenig]

Storm:agree 100%

Showing and working titles: If a breeder does not compete they cannot improve or maintain quality in there breeding program. A word of caution when talking to a breeder who has champions and working titles but did not earn them, but bought them (especially if they are not competeing).Also take a vary close look at a breeder who seldom shows and has no titles of there own. I give added prefferance to breeders that have put fourth the added effort to earn a BST (breed suitability test). Titles do not make the dog in a breeding program better than the next guy's, but they offer a sign of commitment to the breed and improveing it.

I will say, personal prefferance for working titles, for several reason's but this is a good topic ;) and I don't want to change it Thinking everyone knows what I would say, just think of the usual thinks people say when they prefer work :p


Koenig

[BETTY HASTY]

What do I think of when someone says they are toitling their dog? Well first off I ask what they are working towards and hopefully they answer with more than just conformation. Titling to me says that an owner took the time to work hard and train their dog and prove that it can do something ( herding, obedience, tracking, Sch,carting and yes even therapy work! Conformation titles are nice but says noothing about the temperament and working ability of our fine breed. If you are gonna do it then go all the way title the dog at both ends! And never ever tell someone that works their dog that yours could do it you just never got around to it that has got to be one of the most irritating things I hear. Anyone can talk the talk but can ya walk the walk ...think so then title that dog and then come tell me. This is a working breed if they can't work they have no business being bred! JMHO

[Mattweiser]

Originally posted by BETTY HASTY:
<STRONG> And never ever tell someone that works their dog that yours could do it you just never got around to it that has got to be one of the most irritating things I hear. Anyone can talk the talk but can ya walk the walk ...think so then title that dog and then come tell me. This is a working breed if they can't work they have no business being bred! JMHO</STRONG>

:D That is so funny to me.... I spent a few years in the U.S. Marine Corps, try to imagine the number of times I heard that from a guy about himself!!

-Matt

BTW, I do not think that anything you just said should be "in your humble opinion".. that should be the way that it is ;)

[ June 06, 2001: Message edited by: Mattweiser ]

[damp]

A conformation title says you have a good-looking dog. Even the most drilled and experienced handler can’t change an incorrect bite, too light eyes, too big ears or the angles etc. The owner was lucky to pick out a pup and in theory, just needs to lie on the couch (and the dog too) waiting for the dog is maturing and then enter a show.

The working titles are earned by hard work… co-operation between an involved owner and a dog with working abilities, right temperament and drives.

The difference is:
A conformation title is solely Mother Nature’s Work. A working title is also Mother Nature’s Work, but here “she” really needs a helping hand from a hard working and devoted owner.

[RottiMomCT]

I adopted my Ben from NERR in Feb 2000 and he got his TT certification last year, and recently got his CGC. Next, we're hoping for his TDI....I busted my tail (and his!)to make sure he was ready for the CGC and am so proud of him!

His obedience class certificates all have his titles on them and they are (or will be!) hung up on display for all to see!

Ben is a goofy guy who is so eager to please whomever is working with him that I think I could do anything with him if I had the resources (and a little more free time!). I'll stick to the TDI stuff for a while and see what happens after that...maybe agility??!! :D

[WorkinDogz]

A title means that I took a dog that I *thought* was the greatest thing since sliced bread...that I *thought* could do the work...put thousands of hours into training him/her...built a bond that went from dog-owner to dog-TEAM..and proved that he/she not only can do the work; but did it.

A title *proves* that my opinion is shared...I have one bloody good lookin' dog ;) and he/she *is* a good, sound, respectable member of the breed, by falling within the standard of the breed.

A title is a permanent, recorded and long lasting testiment to the dedication to the breed of an owner...and a testiment to the temperament, beauty and function that is my dog and my companion.

[stellamarie]

This is something I saved written by "anonymous": "What is a title anyway" Not just a brag, not just a stepping-stone to a higher title, not just an adjunct to competetive scores, a title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honor the dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain, in record and in memory, for about as long as anything in this world can remain. Few humans will do as well. And though the dog itself doesn't know or care that its achievements have been noted, a title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count. A title says your dog was intelligent, adaptable, and good-natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that pleased you however crazy they may have seemed. A title says that you love your dog, that you love to spend time with it because it is a good dog, that you believe in it enough to give it yet another chance when it failed, and that in the end, your faith was justified. A title proves your dog inspires you to that special relationship enjoyed by so few; that in a world of disposable creatures, this dog with a title was greatly loved and loved greatly in return. And when that dear, short life is over, the title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend, volumes of praise in one small set of initials after a name. A title is nothing less than love and respect given and received and permanently recorded. ---Sorry about the length but that is just about the best response anyone could have ever written about the subject and I thank whoever it is for that lovely opinion.

[Mojave's Mom]

Stellamarie-

Thank you for sharing that with us. It says it all.

[WorkinDogz]

Originally posted by stellamarie:
<STRONG>This is something I saved written by "anonymous": "What is a title anyway" Not just a brag, not just a stepping-stone to a higher title, not just an adjunct to competetive scores, a title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honor the dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain, in record and in memory, for about as long as anything in this world can remain. Few humans will do as well. And though the dog itself doesn't know or care that its achievements have been noted, a title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count. A title says your dog was intelligent, adaptable, and good-natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that pleased you however crazy they may have seemed. A title says that you love your dog, that you love to spend time with it because it is a good dog, that you believe in it enough to give it yet another chance when it failed, and that in the end, your faith was justified. A title proves your dog inspires you to that special relationship enjoyed by so few; that in a world of disposable creatures, this dog with a title was greatly loved and loved greatly in return. And when that dear, short life is over, the title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend, volumes of praise in one small set of initials after a name. A title is nothing less than love and respect given and received and permanently recorded.</STRONG>

That was written by DVG Judge and SchH competitor Andy Anderson.

She lives those words too.

[Hummer]

A title means that a particular dog, achieved the requirments to be called as such. Whether it maybe conformation or working titles. It is also proof that the owner of the dog invested time, money and effort in developing that dog to what it is to be.

[German Vanegas]

Originally posted by damp:
<STRONG>A conformation title says you have a good-looking dog. Even the most drilled and experienced handler can’t change an incorrect bite, too light eyes, too big ears or the angles etc. The owner was lucky to pick out a pup and in theory, just needs to lie on the couch (and the dog too) waiting for the dog is maturing and then enter a show.

The working titles are earned by hard work… co-operation between an involved owner and a dog with working abilities, right temperament and drives.

The difference is:
A conformation title is solely Mother Nature’s Work. A working title is also Mother Nature’s Work, but here “she” really needs a helping hand from a hard working and devoted owner.</STRONG>

That's my girl! I concur :)

[luvarott]

Titles are VERY important to me. They mean that the dog met a certain standard and that the breeder/owner put their money where their mouth is.......
I like to do obedience with my dogs. I want mega/multi obedience/SchH titled dogs in their pedigrees. It shows to me that the dogs DID it, not just that the owners thought maybe they could do it.......
BUT, you do have to research those titles also, don't just take them at face value. A dog that can do A SchH 111 on his home field/one time/under a carefully chosen judge with a barely qualifying score, is not all that impressive to me.....
Just as a dog who took 4 or 5 years to obtain a Ch., whilst being handled by a pro, is also not that impressive.......
Look deeper into the titles..
OH, and the "What is a Title Anyway?" essay, is also attributed to Sandy Mowery, of Front and Finish Magazine.....