The Good News Only - thread...

[briantrumpet]

Is the "Crufts breeding" exclusively for physical characteristics, or, are mental/intelligence characteristics (intentionally) involved too?

Really don't know where to start with Crufts. Apologies to anyone who is offended, but I think it's pretty obscene for the most part - using inbred, deformed, fluffed-up breeds almost as fashion accessories to the humans who parade them.

I'm not sure what the situation is with Border collies now, but for ages the people who bred and trained them for working kept them well away from the Kennel Club, for good reason: they are working animals (and boy, do they love to work!), not fashion accessories (albeit with incredible aptitude for being trained to do tricks).

Dogs can be absolutely amazing, and the bonds they form with humans can be profound.

 

[BoldonLad]

Really don't know where to start with Crufts. Apologies to anyone who is offended, but I think it's pretty obscene for the most part - using inbred, deformed, fluffed-up breeds almost as fashion accessories to the humans who parade them.

I'm not sure what the situation is with Border collies now, but for ages the people who bred and trained them for working kept them well away from the Kennel Club, for good reason: they are working animals (and boy, do they love to work!), not fashion accessories (albeit with incredible aptitude for being trained to do tricks).

Dogs can be absolutely amazing, and the bonds they form with humans can be profound.

Ever considered a career as a Politician? 😊

 

[briantrumpet]

Ever considered a career as a Politician? 😊

I think if @First Aspect and I set up a party it would probably end up offending the entire voting population of the UK by the time we finished. Could be a giggle though.

 

[First Aspect]

I could be minister for insulting people's intelligence.

 

[briantrumpet]

I could be minister for insulting people's intelligence.

The job's yours.

 

[secretsqirrel]

Really don't know where to start with Crufts. Apologies to anyone who is offended, but I think it's pretty obscene for the most part - using inbred, deformed, fluffed-up breeds almost as fashion accessories to the humans who parade them.

I'm not sure what the situation is with Border collies now, but for ages the people who bred and trained them for working kept them well away from the Kennel Club, for good reason: they are working animals (and boy, do they love to work!), not fashion accessories (albeit with incredible aptitude for being trained to do tricks).

Dogs can be absolutely amazing, and the bonds they form with humans can be profound.

I think for a lot of breeds there is a difference between the working and show lines which is very evident with GSDs but I suppose would apply to other breeds.

The nature/nurture debate is an interesting one at the moment as there are banned breeds which assumes that certain behaviours are innate due to the blood lines. The XL Bully is a prime example as they are in the news a lot and are referenced every time there is a tragic fatality. I am not totally convinced as there may be a correlation with the type of owner they attract tho’. Although latest incident was apparently with a dog that had been correctly and responsibly registered. I can’t say I would want to have one around.

 

[briantrumpet]

I think for a lot of breeds there is a difference between the working and show lines which is very evident with GSDs but I suppose would apply to other breeds.

The nature/nurture debate is an interesting one at the moment as there are banned breeds which assumes that certain behaviours are innate due to the blood lines. The XL Bully is a prime example as they are in the news a lot and are referenced every time there is a tragic fatality. I am not totally convinced as there may be a correlation with the type of owner they attract tho’. Although latest incident was apparently with a dog that had been correctly and responsibly registered. I can’t say I would want to have one around.

The trouble is that whatever happens at Crufts will eventually feed through to the wider pedigree population - one of many reasons I'd never ever buy pedigree (including the eye-watering prices being asked). My best dogs cost me £15 and £30, and with the £15 they even gave me a week's worth of food (it was a dog rescue centre).

 

[Bazzer]

Is the "Crufts breeding" exclusively for physical characteristics, or, are mental/intelligence characteristics (intentionally) involved too?

It may have changed, (although I have my doubts) but physical characteristics were the main attribute; some irrespective of the dog's health.
Also some of these characteristics would change overtime, almost like fashion. So for example with Old English Sheepdogs, at one time a show dog having a wall eye, or better still, two wall eyes would score more highly than one without. A wall eye was one with blue pigmentation. However, a wall eye often lead to sight problems on a dog which already had difficulty seeing due to the mass of fur on its head. Particularly when the fur was brushed.
Show dogs need to have a particular temperament; arguably docile, which may be against the dog's natural instinct. At shows there is a lot of just doing nothing while other dogs/ groups are being judged. The dog then has to "perform" in front of what could be a large crowd. And as each round progresses you have the same cycle.
I have seen competitions such as fly ball where dogs do need intelligence and do seem to genuinely enjoy themselves. I know Crufts has or least had a fly ball competition, but I strongly suspect that within the kennel club these play second fiddle to the show dogs.

 

[CXRAndy]

I have never owned a dog, and, have no desire to do so, so no personal experience of dogs.

Quite 😮

I've had dogs and cats around most of my life from my earliest memories.

Currently Im surrounded by 7 dogs, all sleeping the evening away

 

[secretsqirrel]

The trouble is that whatever happens at Crufts will eventually feed through to the wider pedigree population - one of many reasons I'd never ever buy pedigree (including the eye-watering prices being asked). My best dogs cost me £15 and £30, and with the £15 they even gave me a week's worth of food (it was a dog rescue centre).

I’ve always had rescues, some have been a challenge but I guess that’s how they ended up needing rehoming. It is rewarding seeing them settle and gain confidence.

 

[briantrumpet]

I’ve always had rescues, some have been a challenge but I guess that’s how they ended up needing rehoming. It is rewarding seeing them settle and gain confidence.

I was lucky that the bestest came to me as a pup - rescued in the sense that the owner of the bitch was, shall we say, a 'professional' (from the oldest profession), and couldn't keep pups around as well as the GSD while dealing with clients...

Indeed, must be heartwarming, seeing them gain confidence in a loving home. A friend of mine has 'fostered' dogs for several years, and says it's challenging but very rewarding.

 

[Blazing Saddles]

This thread has gone to the dogs.

 

[briantrumpet]

This thread has gone to the dogs.

Maybe we should put the discussion on paws now.

 

[Ian H]

Only the other week I rode past the Jack Russell in Swimbridge.