Non-Sporting may qualify as the strangest manifestation of purebred culture. And I’m never one to dis this quirky, marvelous sport. But here’s the thing. The various subdivisions that dog shows have spawned over the decades are fairly straightforward, defined primarily by function. Because lest we ever lose sight of the bottom line (although mass media does their damnedest to corrode that ideal), every breed has a function.
In July, at some of the first shows to be held since the shutdown, AKC Board of Directors Vice Chairman Dominic Carota discussed the challenges of hosting a dog show during the pandemic.
I had a good conversation recently with a great, highly-respected judge about learning new breeds. He started in the sport many, many years ago with a breed in which movement was king. His thought was that because of his initial background, he wondered if he sometimes put too much emphasis on movement over type in his newer breeds. Accordingly, he was working on learning about the subtleties and details of breed type in those breeds. That simple insight alone tells you exactly why he is a highly-respected judge. He has the passion to learn and continually improve no matter how long he’s been in the sport. As important, he was keenly aware of his beginnings and how that perspective consciously or subconsciously could affect his outlook over a half-century later.
Watch as Elaine chats with Judge Johan Becerra about his looks and what inspires his fashion choices. #GlamCam – Johan Becerra, Closet Confidential with Elaine Lessig
We have another fun #ThrowbackThursday photo to share with our readers on this Thursday. Can you name the master breeder pictured in this week’s Throwback? Guess Who? Check back on Monday for the correct answer! The correct answer to this week’s throwback is Lisa Miller! Don’t forget! Do you have a fun photo that you […]
Follow Will Alexander as he investigates the Wildwood Kennel Club Winter Classic Show with his new team member, Rex Noozman.
Westminster, that cornerstone of staid traditionalism, has truly busted out of character in recent years. Remember when even the mildest inquiry about maybe… someday moving the show out of Midtown or possibly to a more amenable season received a swift and unpleasant response? Those heretical ideas got slapped down pronto. But lately, it’s hard to keep pace with the mind bending changes going on with everything from format to location.
Ric and Lea Plaut are on their way to their new home in Alabama. Southern California will not be the same without you guys! Safe travels and best wishes in your new home.
Here are a few Around The Rings from Jacksonville Dog Fanciers Association
Are dog shows fair? Is judging fair? Do dogs that win do so because they’re the best ones in the ring? Ask two populations of people in the dog show world and you’ll get two very different answers.
