ThoughTs on Breed Type
by BONNIE GUGGENHEIM TNT Advertising Director & Associate Editor
W hile this is not an in depth article on breed type, I find it interest- ing when talking with other exhibitors, breeders and handlers that nearly all feel their winning dogs, specifically Toy dogs, exude breed type. Many feel the show dogs of today are generic Toy dogs that look great on the “go around” and for those not thoroughly familiar with the standard consider this animal to be an excellent example of the breed. Breeders, exhibitors and obviously judges read and re-read their respective standards which range from a single page to many more; it seems for some, breed type is difficult to understand. The exact definition of “Breed Type” can be elusive and subjective with the majority of AKC standards offering definitions on the most important parts of the dog that make it different from every other. The majority of judges read the stan- dards for breeds they are judging on that day, standards do allow for inter- pretation and nearly all have thoughts on what is most important in a particu- lar breed. The majority of standards dis- cuss the head piece which is the first thing you see and the one I personally find very important. You cannot have a Pekingese with a head like a Toy Fox Terrier! While there are many other pieces/parts to a dog with- out the correct head as written in the Breed Standard you don’t have type. Type can also include tempera- ment, movement, character, behavior and appearance. As a breeder, exhibitor, judge or handler looking for quality, breed type should come first but keeping in mind there are different styles
Every dog is not a show dog and certainly every dog is not a Special, but every dog can be a loving pet for the right person or family. There have been many National Spe- cialties in the last couple months that offer opportunities to develop your eye for what is correct. Continued success and I hope you win lots more. Let me knowwhat is happening with you and promote your success in TNT — the only National magazine devoted to Toy Dogs. Keep in mind our slogan: Don’t get lost in the other magazines, be found in Top Notch Toys, because inquiring minds want to know! Bonnie bonnie@dmcg.com | 863.738.8848
find the dog with the most breed type, then look for soundness and on to style. Breeder-judges and those looking in the whelping box will always search for breed type while those coming from another Group will have a completely different perspective and find sound- ness most important. Read and understand the stan- dard for your Toy dog, re-read it until you commit it to memory. You should attend shows and watch with the intention of learning from seasoned people in your breed, absolutely go to your National Specialty and attend Breeder and or Judges Education semi- nars. Attend them wherever and when- ever you can until you develop a strong sense of what breed type is in your breed. Look at your puppies with an eye to type but access them based on the breed standard and soundness. Health test for those things in your breed that are an issue and in Toy breeds Patellas are often a problem. Know what you should test for! Never ever stop learning about your breed
and others as you can never know too much.
within breeds. Famous judges of the past have said you first
34 • T op N otch T oys , J une 2016
Powered by FlippingBook