A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

By Lisa Dube Forman

We all are familiar with the above aphorism which I believe is perfectly suited for purebred dog conformation events and its show photography. However, I feel that people unknowingly pay lip service to this truism. Almost all our average dog show photographers shoot only stacked, profile ‘win’ show photos. Instead, they should be focusing on and we should demand, movement shots. Why? Well, what does that profile photograph tell you? How many times have you observed a dog about to be photographed at a show and instantly appear a flock of people fussing, brushing, whistling, straightening, readjusting, throwing toys to arouse the dog or to lift its head? When seeing the photo, you can gauge breed type and in some breeds, but not all, you can assess forequarter and hindquarter assembly. In a few cases, seasoned fanciers can predict how that dog will move out around the ring based on its still profile. However, having been in sighthounds for nearly 30 years, I can confidently say that the still-life is not always accurate. Mostly, inaccurate nowadays because that little army of hairdressers and assistants are styling that dog just like a film star has to go to makeup before appearing in a scene. Even further, some photographers will take ¾ shots to shorten up the dogs’ body length.

Gaiting photographs are worth a thousand words. Knowledgable breeder/exhibitor/handlers relish sequential moving shots because movement is a critical aspect in almost all breeds. Seeing our dogs digitally, frame by frame, speak volumes on structural and muscling physiology. The experienced observer and breeder can see what is wrong and what is right, and these photos illustrate what is needed to improve upon the dog. Show win photos do not fulfill this function.

Movement shots are vital learning tools to assist all of us in improving our breeding programs and the welfare of our dogs. Why welfare? With all other things being equal, e.g. genetic good health, a sound, properly constructed, proportionate, well-muscled dog will have a greater life expectancy than a dog that is unsound and improperly constructed requiring supplementation of chemicals to relive arthritis and strained muscles. Why the need for chemicals such as Rimadyl and the host of other anti-inflammatory and steroidal drugs? Incorrect angulation and poor assembly causes additional stress to tendons predisposing dogs to bone injury. Inferior muscling or unbalanced muscling increases susceptibility to injury as well. As a result, in many of these cases these medical issues necessitate a need for pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications (chemicals) to comfort the dog over the course of his lifespan.

In conclusion, the advancement of the sport of purebred dogs and its reputation is heavily dependent on the dog’s ability for locomotion. The origin of purebred dog shows was not established on nor did they award the dog who stood still the longest. Lastly, consider that companion dog owners don’t buy dogs who cannot move. It would defeat the purpose of having a dog.

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