THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
Author: Marilyn KoyanagiPublished on: Nov 3, 1999
The ultimate goal of the breeder is to produce the perfect specimen - the ideal conformation dog that is able to excel at the work for which he was bred. To this end, the breeder uses dogs of outstanding type and quality, constantly seeking to better each successive breeding.
Once you are prepared to make the commitment required in raising a litter, the next step is to determine if your newly finished champion is a suitable candidate for breeding. This will require an objective assessment of her virtues and faults. A brood bitch must have qualities that will benefit the breed and her faults should not be of a serious or disqualifiable nature. Most importantly, she must possess a good degree of breed type.
With your involvement in showing, thus far, you will have learned the basics of structure and movement. Recognizing faults is not difficult nor does it take years of experience to be able to determine whether or not a dog is sound. What does require considerable knowledge is developing the ability to recognize correct type.
Type is defined as the characteristic qualities that distinguish a breed - the embodiment of a standard's essentials. More simply stated, it is the overall look that distinguishes one breed from another. While it is easily defined, this intangible quality almost defies description. Readily apparent to some, it will never be seen by others. Recognizing type is a talent and, like all talents, it must be developed.
Despite their similarities in general appearance, the Irish, English and Gordon Setters are distinctly different from one another. The most obvious differences make them easy to identify but there is much more to recognizing type than simply identifying breeds.
BIS BISS Can Am CH Cairncross Forerunner
Russell Setters - Susan Russell
Imagine these three dogs painted the same color. To the trained eye, they would still be easily recognized because of their outstanding type. Obvious traits such as color are immaterial.
More important and difficult to discern are the subtle differences in outline, movement, character and expression. These factors combine to create type and set each breed apart from all others.
BIS BISS Am Can CH Feunoir's Autumn Sonata
Canada's Top Winning Gordon Ginette & Jacques Babin, Canada
Outline provides the silouhette of a dog's shape and proportions. Length of muzzle to skull, neck to back, back to legs all combine to create the outline. Once you learn the shape and proportions that are correct for a particular breed, you should be able to determine if an outline is typical.
Picture an all black Doberman with a short, thick muzzle and a body that is twice the length of his legs. Do you instantly think Doberman or do you question whether this dog is a purebred? This is an extreme example but it illustrates the importance of a typical outline. Correct color may help you in identifying the breed but it will not make the dog a better Doberman.
Movement is determined by structure. If a dog is constructed correctly, he will move correctly. As eye-catching as it may be to watch a dog fly around the ring with great reach and drive, it must be correct for the breed in question, or it is nothing more than generic showdog movement.
The speed with which a dog moves should never be confused with his ability to cover ground. The critical factor is the number of steps required to cover a given distance. Some breeds were meant to cover ground more efficiently (with fewer steps) than others.
The reach and drive of this well moving Bichon is stunning but it would be highly untypical of a Chow or an Akita. Being straighter in stifle, these breeds are not meant to cover ground in the same way as a Bichon.
Bred to course large game, the Saluki is built for speed and endurance. Herding breeds such as the Australian Shepherd and draught dogs like the Bernese would be incapable of performing their jobs if they were built like a Saluki.
Timaru Valkyrie of Jazirat
Character is the essence of a breed - the way a dog carries itself, its attitude and temperament. The Afghan is aloof and dignified. The Standard Poodle is elegant, intelligent and carries himself proudly. The Golden is happy and friendly while the terrier is alert with tail up and ready to go. An overly friendly Afghan, a Standard Poodle without elegance, a timid terrier or an unfriendly Golden would all be highly untypical of their breeds.
Closely related to character, expression is described as the unmistakable look in the face of a dog that identifies it as being a member of a particular breed. More than just a look, expression either adds to or takes away from the overall impression.
Without these deep, far-seeing eyes that so typify the ideal Saluki, the exotic aura of this dog would disappear.
Jazerit 1 Drak Asra
Imagine the soft expression of a Cavalier replacing the intensity of this Welsh Terrier.
Ch Saredon Mistress Nora Owners:
Darren and Larisa Welsh
or this beautiful Beagle's warm, pleading expression being replaced by the hard bitten look of a Wire Fox.
This exquisite head which is so critical for correct type in a Boxer, is only part of the total picture.
Head is a major component of type in all breeds but particularly important in those with distinctive head features - i.e. Bulldog, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Pug. Despite its importance, however, one cannot concentrate on one feature to the exclusion of all else.
What would a Boxer be without this powerful, yet elegant body and its tremendous dexterity of movement? As these photos so aptly illustrate, it is possible to get it all in one package.
If type was not a critical factor, we would not bother to separate and judge dogs by breed. We would put them all in the ring together and pick the showiest specimen. The quest to produce a more eye-catching dog causes a serious loss of type and leaves us with dogs who are all built the same regardless of their purpose.
In the pursuit of excellence, type is a quality that cannot be overlooked. Breeding good dogs is a balancing act and type must be balanced with soundness to enable a dog to perform the job for which he was bred.
If you have determined that your bitch possesses both type and soundness and is indeed a suitable candidate for breeding, the next task will be to choose an appropriate stud dog. This will be the focus of the next article in our series on breeding.
The dogs featured in this article are outstanding examples of their breeds. Their achievements and those of their breeders are too numerous to list. We sincerley thank their breeders and owners for allowing us to share their special photos and we invite you to visit their sites by clicking on the names of their top dogs.
*Boxer photos by Janine Starink