One of the problems with the Designer Dog Syndrome is that which began years ago as a legitimate experiment to produce a hypoallergenic service dog for the blind, and which failed miserably to consistently produce the desired result, has been taken over by people more interested in making money than in the product they allege to produce. I refer, of course, to the Labradoodle and the other “oodle” crosses, which have now extended to non-Poodle crosses such as the Pug and the Beagle, fancifully and expensively sold as a Puggle.
The public has gone wild on these notions due to some very clever but misleading, if not false, marketing practices. It is certainly an accepted fact that not all “oodles” bred to other “oodles” inherit the hypoallergenic and non-shedding factor and that they come out with similar, if not worse, health problems than those facing purebred dogs. These marketers are spreading malicious and untrue stories about purebreds in order to sell their own experimental “get.” A campaign must be undertaken to counter these people. No one seriously questions those who own mixed breeds. Indeed, one of my first dogs was a total mongrel, which I loved happily for years until she died. I never thought to breed her, however, and it seems to me that those who are pushing the breeding of crossbreds use two purebreds rather than to make an attempt to find out if these “oodles” even breed true. Indeed, rarely do the “oodle” people keep breedings from these litters to continue their breeding experiments, but instead sell everything to anyone. Again, this is all about money and not the welfare or betterment of the dog. It therefore amazes me to read that BOWTIE Publications—a sister corporation of the Fancy Magazine Empire, which, of course, owns a contemporary publication that has writing for it two leading poodle authorities and breeders—would publish books promoting the “oodle” craze. I'm not too sure I could attend that award dinner, held the Saturday before the Big W, were I to have been invited or even nominated for their award. That's a matter of principle, though, isn't it?
And on the subject of principles, how do some judges accept breed assignments for a National Specialty and either Westminster or the Invitational in the same year? Equally as questionable is accepting in the same year the Big W and the Invitational. If common sense doesn't dictate how to say no when invited in these conflicting situations, then perhaps the judge's associations should set standards for their members. That'll be the day!
I read once again the Conflict of Interest report, and I'm sorry to say, it still leaves me cold. The Code of Ethics is a dream impossible to enforce. John M. is looking for gracious losers who mean it, too. Come on, John. Come on, David. Be realistic. One of my mentors in the sport over 40 years ago was a native of Ireland, Harry Manning, who very successfully ran the Panther Lodge Kennels in Hacketstown for then-governor Clendenon of New Jersey. He told me one should never congratulate anyone if their dog loses. Just keep quiet, since you really don't mean the congratulation to begin with. There is a one handler today who I consider to be one of my closest friends. If a dog of mine beats one of his, or vice versa, we either say nothing—stew over it for a few hours and then continue to remain friends. Why say something you don't mean?
Well, John's “Questionnaire” will be out next week, and those looking for a Board seat from the Nominating Committee have answered it. I have not yet seen the replies but am curious about several of them. One or two people I have opposed in the past I may be forced to support, not because my opinion of them has changed much, but really, the six people running for the three seats show an overall lack of depth to me. Disappointing, too, is this. Would sort of be equivalent to a National in which you don't even want to pick a winner, much less reserve, but in the situation cannot withhold! That's pretty much how I feel about many candidates in this line-up.
Many of you will be reading this at the Big W. I wish you all much luck in my great city of New York. DOG NEWS is, of course, proudly and happily based here, and everyone connected with this publication looks forward to seeing you all at our booth at the Garden. •
