Again, I think there are those that are equating the qualities desirable for a sporting dog as those necessary for a companion protector.

The 5th aspect you stated, Cindy, is not a genetically mediated quality that any breeder utilizes in breeding selections, but it DOES cut to the point. The person that gets the dog, the normal environment it is to participate in and typical training given are aspects to be considered when placing a dog and deciding what genetically predisposed qualities are suitable for these environments. Does one breed hundreds of puppies for that one podium dog and if so, what becomes of the dogs that aren't suitable for the podium and are placed in these homes that have to deal with the various aspects that came along with that breeding for that one dog?

Regarding oldearthdog (I can't remember if that is the exact identity??) - There are those that ignore various aspects in both 'camps'. Again, I don't see that as beneficial for the future of any breed. I think it becomes and excuse for both camps to ignore or be ignorant of various aspects. There are Ch SchHIII dogs just as there are dogs that have the capabilities to be great companion protectors that have no basis in sport dogs, and properly structured dogs that have no basis in show lines. Showing is a tool to use to evaluate a dog's adherence to a standard of structure and type. Sporting is a tool to use to evaluate a dog's abilities in a field of endeavor. Both can either be used to benefit the breed or to ignore one another and not be beneficial to the future of the breed. I think attempting to assess either 'camp' without much actual knowledge or exposure to good representatives of either or both is not possible or valid, but seems to be done with regularity. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

Originally posted by nancylm:
Again, I think there are those that are equating the qualities desirable for a sporting dog as those necessary for a companion protector.

What is it that makes you sure that the desireable traits in "sporting" dogs do not make for a desireable "companion protector"? The traits these dogs are bred for are to make the dog easy to train. If you believe there is a dog that will protect you without training, you need to wake up and smell the coffee, because you are leaving a lot to fate. Not to mention, many sporting/police dogs do live with their handlers, in their homes, and ARE companion protectors.

I am not talking about breeding dogs with gross flaws just because they work well, but as long as the dog plainly is a representative of the breed and is of GREAT character...

The 5th aspect you stated, Cindy, is not a genetically mediated quality that any breeder utilizes in breeding selections, but it DOES cut to the point. The person that gets the dog, the normal environment it is to participate in and typical training given are aspects to be considered when placing a dog and deciding what genetically predisposed qualities are suitable for these environments. Does one breed hundreds of puppies for that one podium dog and if so, what becomes of the dogs that aren't suitable for the podium and are placed in these homes that have to deal with the various aspects that came along with that breeding for that one dog?

The same thing that happens to all the show dogs that had a faulty bite, or a too low tail set, or a dip in their topline.... they are well loved "companion protectors". The other part of the dog getting on the podium has to do with the handler. Not all handlers need nor want the "podium dog". My current dog is not "podium" material, but he is more dog than your average housepet, and is a great dog for me to learn more with. Just because he isn't going to the nationals any time soon doesn't make him a bad dog. I am more than happy to have him to "deal with", matter of fact, I have had quite a few compliments on him.

This is another thread that has seen its' day. This argument can go on for days and has here in the past. I am yet to hear a burgular say "oh sh!t, look at the topline on that dog, I better run fast"

Dog shows are beauty contests. If you look at most of the handlers, that is the only beauty contest they could EVER win... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

BAM...