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Many people starting out at breeding and rush to use the current highest scoring dog without any research and they are gambling against the house. That wonder dog may have been the odd one out in a sub-standard litter and the pups are likely to be like them. Next, of course, is the fact that…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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”…
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 …
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…
The creation of a fine brood bitch must begin generations before the day she first whelps. Not only must she come from stock notable for beauty of form and movement, and stability of temperament ideal for her breed, but there should be also behind her generations of dams granddams who whelped easily, normally, and who…
Symmetry is balanced proportions. It brings something into a pleasing arrangement. Dog judges with an eye see the dog as a whole. Filling the eye means no one thing out of place. Therefore, when the eye is drawn to a particular part of any animal such as rear, coat, front, or head, it usually incorrect