The Fancy Speaks

The purpose of our sport is to breed better dogs, generation after generation.

This is no longer of utmost importance. Instead, dog shows have morphed into being number one in a breed system, “all for the egos of the breeders and handlers.” To what end? No one will remember after the first of the year!

For those of us dyed-in-the-wool Terrier people, the CARDINAL sin is exhibiting a clipped dog. Yet multiple entries in both BOB and in the classes are being shown to build breed points for dogs seeking number-one status. This is disrespectful to the breed, the sport, other breeders and judges. Whether it’s the breeder or handler promoting … this needs to STOP!

It makes no difference what breed — Terriers, Old English Sheepdogs, Golden Retrievers, etc. … Do you think judges are really that stupid not to recognize a clippered dog?

What is happening to our sport? Disrespect at its best to all parties …

Do us all a favor: Do not walk into our rings with a clippered dog. And to my fellow judges: Do not reward this cheap, disrespectful method that some are using to achieve number-one status!

My advice to breeders: If you have to show retired, clippered champions to make breed points, maybe breed a better dog.