[ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: Running with the Big Dogs
- From: Jessica MacMillan <spotted101@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:15:35 -0600
Let's clarify something.... Showing dogs is still a middle-class sport..
HOWEVER, to reach different levels or compete in certain breeds, it is a
becoming a rich man's sport.
I owner-handle my own dogs. My mom has successfully put several dogs in the Top
10 through the years - all owner-handled. Paisley dogs are finished by junior
handlers, new people and owner-handlers. Of the over 250 champions, I can count
on one hand, how many needed handlers.
In Dalmatians, owner-handlers are the norm and the pros know it. In the last
three weekends, several of the Top Dalmatians have been knocked off by unknown
owner-handlers and not just at one show, but on WHOLE circuits.. The handlers
also know that the owner-handlers with Dalmatian specials are really good
handlers... which helps.
In order to CAMPAIGN a dog, no matter what breed, it takes a handler. Owners,
unless they are independently wealthy or refinanced their house, cannot do it
anymore. It's not possible. It takes too many dog shows to do it.
And there are some breeds where owner-handlers are rare - GSDs being one of
them. For physical reasons mainly since the breed has been turned into a
road-race breed. This is very sad.. I have a very nice GSD bitch sitting at
home who PROBABLY deserves to finish, but since I can finish my Dalmatians
owner-handled with superb wins, it annoys the h*ll out of me that I would need
a handler to finish my GSD (since I don't don't believe in showing dogs for
years and years to finish them).
I love GSDs and will probably always own one, but whether or not I actually
ever show one remains to be seen. It is very sad...
I suggest that if people want to still show in conformation, find a different
breed to show, but still keep your GSDs to enjoy as pets and to do other
activities with them.
Jessica MacMillan
No Frills Dog Bathing Service & Design
Paisley Dals (www.paisleydals.com)
& The Shepherd Girls (Simmie, CGC, TDI, TC, HIC & Pepper, HIC)
Member of: DCA, GSDCA & GTCDC
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