The Disappearance of the Old-Guard

By Lisa Dube-Forman

The Old Guard, canine husbandry’s authorities, are sadly leaving us. Indeed, as unfortunate as this is, it also leaves us with a very pressing issue. Many of the old guard had an underlying foundation of knowledge of other species such as horses and cattle and were able to apply it effectively and successfully to canine breeds. Their departures are especially worrisome when you consider who may be filling their ranks. Owner/handlers who, although having many, many years of experience attending shows and breeding dogs, nevertheless lack the discipline and intuition to fully understand animal husbandry, including canine husbandry and the study of various species anatomy. The architectural reference, ‘form ever follows function’ is essential to living, breathing working animals. As often is the case, many of the aforementioned ‘invested’ fanciers lack the intellect of the old guard. Certainly, everyone can admit knowing at least one dog fancier who has exhibited and/or bred dogs for decades who simply has not the ability, the finesse, the expertise to breed or recognize superior animals. This is not a disrespectful indictment of many reputable, honorable fanciers whose valuable participation over these many years was and is indispensable. Rather, and quite logically, it is an innocuous fact that all our ranks cannot be virtuosos in canine husbandry despite being well-intentioned.

I refer to livestock often in my writings on canines because it is extremely pertinent. In centuries past, authorities were exceptionally erudite in the development of horse and cattle breeding. Their knowledge was formidable and was not limited to the latter animals but likewise to dogs. Many of these arbiters developed and controlled almost all of our canine breeds except for a few whose origins reach into the mists of antiquity, so ancient that no records exist today as to their advancement. Their routine husbandry also involved canine reproduction, thereupon nearly all canine stock were selected carefully according to the dog’s purpose, performance, quarry and terrain. It is safe to conclude that present day canine fanciers are not so learned as these progenitors were.

Additionally, another troubling effect of the old guard’s passing is our diminishing ranks evidenced by the significant loss in AKC dog registrations. This should concern everyone as our long-term replenishment rate is dismal. Apart from the younger professional handlers and assistants, we look around the average all-breed show ring today and there is a majority of senior and middle-aged exhibitors. Keep foremost in mind that AKC data supposedly reveals that 80% of exhibitors are owner/handlers. For our sport to thrive and ensure continuity, we need the passion and participation of the younger generations. For many of us who have participated in the sport for decades and who have raised families, it is the same old story. Many but not all of our children have grown up displaying little to no interest in the sport. In truth, some dog fanciers’ children, now adults, harbor resentment toward “the dogs” and are indifferent or even belittling of the sport. I can count on one hand the number of my acquaintances and friends’ children who participate in conformation dog shows. We have and still are losing precious assets.

I am not suggesting that canine husbandry is going the way of the dodo bird as mankind’s bond with and love for canines is timeless. There will always be corrupt, disreputable commercial puppy mills and auctions who will take up the reins and supply the American public with unhealthy, poor quality breed specimens raised in appalling conditions to satisfy and profit from the economics of supply and demand. Likewise, there will always be unscrupulous ‘backyard breeders’ and ‘show-mill breeders’ to fulfill the same purpose. I liken myself as a boutique breeder and I have my self-imposed limitations as to the number of hounds we keep and when I breed, coupled with maintaining a healthy balance in my schedules of work, judging and exhibition. I, along with all the others like me, can only do so much. Perhaps we dedicated, knowledgable, intuitive breeders will be the one’s going the way of the dodo bird.

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