The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Pets & Working Animals => Dogs => Topic started by: SallyintNorth on July 28, 2016, 06:35:30 pm
-
To state explicitly that dogs should be capable of standing comfortably, unaided, on their own four feet. linky (http://www.dogworld.co.uk/product.php/163018/KC%20imposes%20tough%20measures%20on%20GSD:%20Standard%20to%20change)
-
I don't know what they mean by double handling but I suppose that's what you are referring to when you have said they should be capable of standing comfortably and unaided.
I thought both dogs in the clip in your link looked awful. More like hyenas who slink along rather than, what I think of, as a GSD.
-
Double handling is where one handler is in the ring with the dog and another is outside the ring attracting it's attention to make it look more alert. Clapping hands, chirping, whistling throwing a ball up in teh air. It's against KC rules in the UK, but still done, albeit surreptitiously!
In the case of Brittanys however, it would add to their already over alertness to the extent of making them almost impossible to handle in the ring :roflanim:
I much prefer dogs to be 'free' stood anyway. 'Topping and Tailing' is so artificial.
First photo is me and Allez - totally free standing - ther is actually nothing in my hand although he thinks there might be
Second photo is a retriever 'set up' - top and tail - one hand at the muzzle, the other holding the tail out. There are varying degrees and methods of this.
-
I don't know what they mean by double handling but I suppose that's what you are referring to when you have said they should be capable of standing comfortably and unaided.
I thought both dogs in the clip in your link looked awful. More like hyenas who slink along rather than, what I think of, as a GSD.
There are two issues, I think. Quite distinct. The conformation of GSDs with the exaggerated sloping hips, which in the extreme results in dogs that can't stand straight, can't walk without wobbling - and which probably genetically have poor hips, resulting in a higher incidence of displasia in their offspring. This has been an ongoing welfare issue since the 70s, and the continued failure to address it effectively is one of the reasons a lot of people still give the British Kennel Club a bad press.
So, ludicrous though it would seem that being able to stand unaided needs to be specified in a breed standard, it's good to see the KC taking this step, since it seems that the breed folks are unwilling and/or unable to sort out the issue themselves.
The double handling, as Annie says, is there being some one outside the ring attracting the dog's attention. It seems there is also a thing about running the dogs two at a time, and fast - the implication being, to me, that all techniques possible are used to encourage the dogs to move, and to look as though they are comfortable and able to move.
-
The fact that the forces will not entertain using GSD's with the conformation of show dogs means that the show dogs are not fit for purpose. The way the breed aficionados refuse to improve this is very disappointing. Well done KC for standing up to it (albeit after public outrage!)
-
The fact that the forces will not entertain using GSD's with the conformation of show dogs means that the show dogs are not fit for purpose. The way the breed aficionados refuse to improve this is very disappointing. Well done KC for standing up to it (albeit after public outrage!)
Actually, I had a notification from the KC before I saw it on TV.
-
The fact that the forces will not entertain using GSD's with the conformation of show dogs means that the show dogs are not fit for purpose. The way the breed aficionados refuse to improve this is very disappointing. Well done KC for standing up to it (albeit after public outrage!)
Actually, I had a notification from the KC before I saw it on TV.
?
The latest round of outrage began after Crufts 2016; as far as I know, these changes have only just been announced?
-
After Crufts 2016 KC said would review the GSD again - these changes announced this week as far as I know - Dog World etc
-
I had an email after Crufts saying that the KC were looking into the GSD breed standard. I'm on their Secretary and judges lists
-
I had an email after Crufts saying that the KC were looking into the GSD breed standard. I'm on their Secretary and judges lists
Oh, that's good to know. Thanks.
-
As a lover of the working line GSDs, I can only say this is a good thing and a small step in the right direction. However, I think it is probably optimistic to think the shape of the current West German show line shepherd will change drastically in a short space of time.
-
I'd love to hear more of your thoughts, [member=4610]Shepherddog[/member]