[ SHOWGSD-L ] AB vs Specialties

From: grnram415@xxxxxxx
To: Showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:17:43 -0400

I have been reading this thread with interest.  I show in both venues. I admit 
I feel more comfortable in the AB ring.  Even if I don't have the support of 
the GSD community, I do have friends and supporters from other breeds.  That 
doesn't mean one venue is any easier than the other, at least in SoCal.  There 
are a couple AB handlers here that seem to win everything.  Not all the time 
but enough to make it discouraging.  Some AB judges do tend to trust certain 
handlers and not trust their instincts in finding a good, balanced dogs.  
However, there are also some very good AB judges out there that want the total 
package and don't care who is on the end of the lead.  That makes me more 
inclined to enter under these judges.  Do your homework! 

Specialties do tend to favor cliques or known people in the breed.  It is very 
discouraging for newbies.  I rarely show in specialties and can't afford the 
astronimical fees of hiring a handler.  I know I need to have a handler and 
will to show that I do have a dog worthy of being shown in specialties.  But, I 
have to select my shows.  I am on a fixed income.  I cannot enter every show 
and I cannot travel.  I have to save for a handler.  The sad part is that I 
love to show my own dogs.  I know I cannot compete with the elite so I need to 
hire a handler.  Maybe if more people could win with showing their own dogs at 
specialties, they might consider it fun and worth it.    

That brings up another issue.  We want movement and correct side gait.  WHAT IS 
THAT?  Is it the beautiful suspension and floating movement we see in our back 
yard, or is it the racing maniacs?  Specialties nowadays are all about manic 
racers and not about the pace that a GSD can do all day to tend their flock or 
work as a service dog 24/7.  Sure, a dog can run like the wind for his/her 
classes.  But, can he sustain a real job?  How can this breed be considered 
versatile when all they do is race like a Greyhound and get rewarded for it?  I 
don't get it

Just some thoughts.

Laura.      

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[ SHOWGSD-L ] AB vs Specialties

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