starplott
UKC Forum Member
Registered: Oct 2003
Location: SW Missouri
Posts: 1405 |
One thing a lot forget is the breed standard is set for two specific reasons. It is NOT to make show dogs! It simply is set to state characteristics of a breed as a whole that 1 separates it from other breeds and 2 defines the things needed to be able to function as it was designed to do. Which is hunt in the case of coonhounds.
My respect goes out to those who take the totality to heart. What good is a dog that has the drive to hunt, yey has to limit hunting due to having to be pulled out 5 days a week because structure is poor and the dog cannot physically do what it was bred to do more than once/twice a week?
Who cares if you have a GRCH that doesn't hunt besides show people? Who cares if you have a GRNITECH that would get excused off the bench due to DQ faults besides the hunters? What is your preference?
There are a lot of dual grands out there. Those are the dogs who have beat demonstrated their worth to the breed standard in its entirety.
Why should one have to choose between hunt and show? The breed is not just a show dog. The standard sets breed traits and structure it needs to be a separate breed and states what structure it needs to function as a coonhound in the woods.
If you have a dog that fits the breed standard and has the drive to function as a coonhound...why not do both if you enjoy both? Versatility is not a bad thing!
You may never win a big show, who cares? You may do some winning in the dual grand class.
Don't limit yourself to one side or the other. If you have a dog that fits the breed standard in its entirety...flaunt it! Take your dog as far as you two can go in both venues. That is what a total dog is! That is what should be looked at as breeding stock. You shouldn't limit yourself or your dog to just one title or another. Go after what it is you and your dog can do and like to do. It IS YOUR dog, YOUR time, and YOUR money!
Showing your dog does NOT negate it's ability to hunt.
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It ain't the bark, it ain't the growl, it's the bite that hurts!
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