Reread Sue's answer. The problem with the written word is that you lose the nuances of the spoken word. I was not offended in the least. In fact, I agree with her. Too many who participate in dog-related activities waste far too much energy being negative. Life's too short people!
So far as I am concerned, the more opportunities the AKC offers the better. That does not mean I intend to try for all of them. And it certainly does not mean AKC awards are not good and worthwhile to those choosing to pursue them. Please try to learn to appreciate and enjoy the accomplishments of others.
I personally judge a dog by his or her bone structure, type, health, performance, etc. Titles catch my attention so having them is a good thing. Earning titles is fun for the exhibitors. But I don't judge dogs by titles and certainly would never judge a dog by which venue that title was earned.
The last sentence of the quote below is simply ignorant and reflects the lack of dog knowledge of many Labrador breeders and judges. Note that it doesn't say that the title is "garbage". The author wrote that the dog is "garbage". Judging the title is one thing but judging the dog??? I don't think it was semantics or just informal writing. It is a mindset that is detrimental to the breed.
We can have a discussion whether the type and bone structure of the dogs put up by the trendy breeder judges is correct. We can have a discussion about the type and bone structure of the dogs put up at all-breed shows is correct. We can make all the generalizations in the world if we want. But please, don't be making such strong comments if you don't have the knowledge to judge a dog for yourself and therefore have to rely on titles and the trendy practices of your clique. Middle school was many years ago for many of us...too many for some of us :)
any
another breeder
I so agree with your statement! There are some nice dogs at all breed shows but many times it's the 'generic' dog or dog with a handler that gets put up. GCH obtained at a all breed show is pretty much meaningless - similar to a UKC title. If you want to go show your dog and have fun with your dog go ahead - but don't put a handler on your dog and then brag that you earned your GCH at a all breed show. You can get majors from adding all the dogs entered (dogs & bitches) and many times you get the 'select' because you're the only special entered.
If you don't finish a dog at a specialty it is a "garbage" dog in they eyes of most on here.
Oh my, I'd never think that if a dog didn't win at specialties it was "less than" another…gosh…I think the dog that can go back and forth and be moderate enough to do well in both all breed and specialties is the unique dog all around.
And I know so many that just love to be out there doing stuff with their dog they are looking for the next "thing"…I guess that could be the next "level" of championships offered. I think its kind of cool. Keeps me looking for the next achievement…the next challenge…I love that!!
