CALLING ALL JUDGES TO HELP SAVE BREED TYPES
by BETTY STALLARD
M y breed is Chihuahuas and we have a prob- lem. It is not a problem unique to Chihuahuas, nor is it atypical except in the specifics of the problem. We are losing important elements of breed type and the dogs lacking these essential elements are being put up in the ring over dogs of stronger type. Allow me to explain. In the GSD, the desire for the extreme rear has result- ed in dogs bred that end up crippled. They are unable to perform or even live a full life, with the extreme angula- tion which causes the rear to be or to become crippled. The dogs are pitiful and painful to watch. They are bred to exceed the standard. Faults of gait are considered very serious, but these dogs are often put up in the ring because of a 90-degree rear angle instead of a near 90-degree angle, which has become a fad. This is a disservice to the breed. In Chihuahuas, the general appear- ance calls for a graceful, alert, swift- moving, compact little dog with a saucy expression and with Terrier-like quali- ties of temperament. The standard then goes on to elaborate on what consti- tutes the generalization given. Unfortunately, breeders are import- ing and/or breeding dogs into their lines with extremely short muzzles. Chihuahuas have never had this trait before. The muzzles resembled those of Japanese Chins or French Bull- dogs. They are declared adorable and cute, and sell very well at high prices. They are considered preferable in the show ring to the Chihuahua that has a
correct, moderately short muzzle with lean cheeks and jaws. This is a disser- vice to the breed and is certainly incor- rect. It manifests problems in bites, breathing and expression. It is damag- ing both to health and to appearance called for in the standard. Another problem is the lack of proper topline in the Chihuahuas. The standard calls for a level topline. Recent winning dogs have been exhibiting a topline that slopes from high in the front to lower in the rear. There has even been a sci- entific debate about what causes this and emphasis that this sloping topline is correct because of morphology. The proponents of this view utilize top win- ning dogs who have presented this slop- ing topline as a prototype for the new and improved Chihuahua. Level means level; not sloped, dipped, roached or bumped. With the emphasis put on the sloping topline, breeders are demand- ing and getting high prices for these specimens because the judges are put- ting them up. This is a detriment to the breed. There is no prototype for a new and improved breed specimen—the standard is set. Any overt changes are incorrect and should not be rewarded in the ring. If breeders are breeding Chins into the line to produce the extreme muzzles we see in the ring or import- ing dogs bred overseas that have this atypical attribute, it’s for two purpos- es: making money and/or winning in the ring. These dogs are not pure- bred, but are mutts. A DNA test would reveal the discrepancy in dogs with an atypical muzzle.
It is not possible to control John Q. Public’s buying preference. Adorable is one of his highest criteria in choos- ing a pet. It is not, however, included in the standard. Nor is the attribute of being cute. The buyer is impressed by the breeder’s explanation that this look is what is winning now. We therefore must appeal to the judges to help save breed types. Every judge has to know the standard for every breed he or she judges. Please adhere to breed type in judging, regard- less of how cute these extreme speci- mens may be. While there are no per- fect dogs, please avoid putting up dogs that are mutations of breed type which, in Chihuahuas, would include the over- ly short muzzle and/or sloping topline. We, as committed breeders and exhibitors, depend upon our judges to maintain proper breed type through their example of rewarding the dog nearest the standard. Breed type cannot be saved without your consis- tent and dedicated refusal to reward animals that are extreme in any way. Our breed calls for a well-balanced, swift-moving little dog with level topline and moderate muzzle. There is not room here to discuss the rest of the standard, but these are the two main issues at this time. Judges, we breeders and exhibi- tors believe in you and your incorrupt- ible judgment. We depend upon you. Help us save breed type across the board; the future of our breeds depend upon you.
56 • T op N otch T oys , M arch 2017
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