Conformation Judging Breeding
Breed Type
If you show your dog, or are involved in the world of dog breeding, you will often hear the phrase typey. You will read critiques telling you that a particular specimen has type in abundance. This topic generates hot debate and has been written about since people began crafting breed standards. I am sure…
History Conformation Judging Breeding
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club Celebrating 80 Years
Stafford of the Year commenced after all judging had been completed the judges were in place and dogs came in three at a time and each of the judges went over each dog. Once all the dogs had been in the ring they all came back in for a final line up and the judges…
History Conformation Judging Interviews Structure Editorial
Introduction To The Staffordshire Bull Terrier
By: Alan Mitchell (Hoplite) The Western Staffordshire Bull Terrier Society General Appearance—-Smooth coated, well balanced, of great strength for his size. Muscular, active and agile. The Staff is an athlete. Everything about him should mark him as such. There should be no exaggeration in his make-up. He needs enough bone/substance; Read more
Conformation Human Interest
From Clueless To Champion
Friend: “What are you doing this weekend?” Me: “Showing Bonnie at breed show” Friend: “Why on earth are you doing that?” Me: “Because I want to learn about the breed ring and I think Bonnie is worthy of some letters before her name” Friend: “No handler?” Me: “NO” Friend: “I don’t know why you bother”…
Conformation Judging
Judging Abroad
It was an honor to be asked to judge both of these assignments, as it has been so many great shows here in the US. There are some differences when you get asked to judge an assignment abroad. You should do your diligence and learn the process that they are used to doing at …
Training Rescue
Reprogramming The Secondhand Dog
One mistake that I see and I cannot stress enough is the over emotional human who thinks it best to coddle, impose and add more stress to second hand dog. Whether the dog you have adopted is an introverted, passive dog or an extroverted, anxious, reactive dog. Imposing upon them will only add to your…
Judging Breeding
Tan Point Markings Aka Black And Tan
Black and tan is not actually a colour, it is a pattern. The gene which creates the black and tan coat determines the pattern that the colours take up, not the actual colours themselves. Whatever colour ,or combination of colours, a dog inherits from its parents, it can still have the black and tan pattern….
Judging Breeding Conformation
The 5 Virtues
Seeing virtue in others is a difficult task because I think we have been programmed to criticize. I am not sure why, maybe it is our own insecurities leaking out. I learned a lesson from a respected Judge and breeder many years ago and it has changed the way I see other dogs and in…