donderdag 29 oktober 2009

Ever ongoing discussion

Right after the clubshow there was a sort of seminar about breedtype given by one of the judges. I did not attend as I do not want to listen to the ever on going discussion about the 'correct' type and most of what is told is the same every time.

First let me say that I think it is a shame this discussion is still held so furiously and too often gets personal.
I also think it is a shame that in these kind of presentations lots of pictures are being shown but it is always the bad examples for the American dogs and the best dogs from the English type. In both styles of Shetland Sheepdogs there are good and bad examples and not every champion where ever it comes from is a good example of the breed in that country.

We all have to breed according to the standard and for us this is the FCI standard for the Shetland Sheepdog.
Most of the dogs that are imported or bred down from lines with American dogs are very well accepted under judges from all over the world, including breeder/judges from England so what is the whole discussion about the correct type?
Isn't it so that in whatever country you are sitting at the ring you see numerous dogs with different types?

I think in the end we do not have a different opinion about our beloved breed the Shetland Sheepdog but a different vision in how to breed that perfect dog.

It is a shame that it seems like the breeders that do not use American dogs are entitled to have their own opinion and can breed among lines which also do not comply to the standard, they can keep dogs that are too heavy and too deep in skull and whatever is being said about American dogs and still are the ones that do not harm the breed?
But the ones making use of American dogs are being 'forced' into having the same opinion and not 'allowed' to make their own decisions.

Yes, I breed from American dogs as I do believe they have a lot to offer and no matter what people have to say about them, I feel I have the right to make my own decisions and learn from my mistakes.
I love my dogs and nothing what is being said about them will ever change that.
If there's anyone out there who can explain to me what that 'true British type' is, I am all ears but as long as I am looking in rings and see just as many types as I see dogs.......

I will continue hoping that we can end this discussion and respect each others opinion but the way it looks now this is still far away.

3 opmerkingen:

  1. I'm 100% agree with you....it's so true what you have written :o) Although I am new in the breed, I have already noticed the lively discussion taking place in the sheltieenvironment – what’s the right type and what’s the wrong type?

    If someone have selected the type someone can endure looking at every day - it's probably the right type! Nomatter what type the neighbour prefer!

    In all breed there are different types and one of them aren't more correct then others!!

    Good luck with your breeding from American/Canadian bloodlines.

    //Bente
    Who loves the American/Canadian Shelties :o)

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  2. I am sorry that some do not like our American/Canadian Sheltie lines. As in all breeds there are exceptional Shelties,showable Shelties and then the pet Shelties. We have had Shelties for 40 years mostly Pet but the last few years show Shelties. I am sure that their are Shelties all over the world with these same qualities. Let us enjoy this breed not degraded it with such negative remarks.Thank you for your kind words and support.

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