BREEDING WITH INTENTION
by Celeste M. Gonzalez SIXTH IN A SERIES
T his series is a discussion about the natural tension that exists between how we view show dogs, field/working dogs and dual-pur- pose (show and work/field) dogs. The dog grouping last discussed was the Spitz members of theWorking Group. This month, we will explore those questions for other functional group- ings within the AKC Working Group. How does the evolved morphological form relate to past and/or current function? How and why is it that some breeds have developed different types for field/work and show? What are the actual or perceived similarities and differences between the purebred show dog and field/work dog? What have breeders done to breed dogs that can do the job for which they were in- tended, if it still exists, and if not, what simulations exist that are as close to the original intent as possible? Before standards were written for the Working Group breeds we recognize today, dogs were already being used and selectively bred to perform cer- tain work. Multiple factors impacted the development of these breeds and their continued evolution, includ- ing geography, climate and terrain, culture and customs, as well as type of work to be performed. Within this Group, we find breeds that serve as flock/livestock guardians, human/ property guardians, farm dog/draft dog/watchdog, sled dogs, and other purposefully evolved dog breeds working in various jobs via snow, wa- ter or big game hunting. In so many cases, the original purpose of the breed has been supplanted by tech- nology and machinery, enabling man
to do the dogs’ work faster and more efficiently at times. Still, there are dedicated breeders who continue to breed quality specimens that demon- strate the individual breed’s working abilities where the actual work, or a simulation, exists. TheFédérationCynologique Interna- tionale (FCI) has divided this group- ing of dogs—all found in the AKC Working Group—mainly into two dis- tinct groups: Spitz (FCI Group 5); and Molossian (FCI Group 2). Two of the breeds, Komondor and Kuvasz, fall into FCI Group 1 (Herding, Sheep- dogs). The Portuguese Water Dog falls into FCI Group 8 (Retrievers, Flushing, Water Dogs). Neither the Chinook nor the Boerboel are classi- fied or recognized by the FCI. Five of these breeds (Cane Corso, Doberman Pinscher, Giant Schnauzer, Rottwei- ler, and Boxer) are subject to working trials. For these breeds, their working ability is commonly demonstrated via IPO/Schutzhund. Internationale Prüfungs-Ordnung (IPO) is the FCI name for sport Schutzhund titles. Within the Working Group, the Black Russian Terrier, not named in FCI as subject to working trials, also partici- pates in IPO/Schutzhund. The pur- pose of Schutzhund is to identify dogs that have or do not have the character traits required for these demanding jobs. Some of those traits are a strong desire to work, courage, intelligence, trainability, a strong bond with the handler, perseverance, protective in- stinct, and a good sense of smell. The various levels of Schutzhund working trials encompass tracking, obedience, and protection. There are various
Schutzhund associations within the United States, some focusing on one or multiple eligible breeds. In this installment of the series, the flock/livestock guardian type dogs of the AKC Working Group (Anato- lian Shepherd Dog, Great Pyrenees, Komondor, Kuvasz, and Tibetan Mastiff) will be explored. None of the breeds discussed has a working certification requirement in their native countries. Three of the five breeds mentioned above are found in FCI’s Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer—Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs, Section 2.2 Mountain sub-type within the Molossian type (Anato- lian Shepherd Dog, Great Pyrenees, Tibetan Mastiff). Two of the five breeds (Komondor and Kuvasz,) are classified as belonging to FCI Group 1: Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs). Section 1, Sheepdogs, includes the Komondor and Kuvasz. The Anatolian ShepherdDog (Anato- lian), a livestock guardian, originated in the Anatolia region of Turkey. In June of 2018, Anatolians were co- alesced into one registry with the genetically indistinguishable (same breed) Kangal Shepherd Dog as one FCI breed by the Turkish Kennel Club, and are now known as the Kan- gal Shepherd Dog. Prior to the join- ing, the only distinguishing charac- teristic was coat color. It is reported that dogs of this type ex- isted over 4,000 years ago. However, the breed was developed over time to meet specific needs, climatic condi- tions, and lifestyles. It had to tolerate
40 • T op N otch T oys , N ovember /D ecember 2020
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