As I have written a few posts over the years, lol, it has come to my attention that some folks feel that I'm against showing or competing with their GS in sport.
Nothing is further from the truth, I think both venues are excellent for the breed and necessary to keep the breed strong. They exhibit the strength, versatility, and noble essence of the breed. What I do think is detrimental to the breed; is breeding to WIN in sport or show. There is a difference in my opinion. Because the breed should be moderate and versatile in all aspects, breeding to win in these venues usually leads to creating extremes in the breed, and loss of versatility. Notwithstanding, breeders striving to reach these mountaintops often become very opinionated, very intolerant, and not good ambassadors for the breed except in their small circles. I find this thinking and attitude counter to the widespread versatility and functionality of the breed.
I think good breeders should utilize the show and sport world in exhibiting that their breeding is capable of both form and function.....butbreeding TO win is traveling a slippery slope away from essence of breed.
PS....these thoughts open for discussion are not written to try to change folks that see things differently, but rather to give encouragement to new/future breeders and food for thought to the future breeders.
Nothing is further from the truth, I think both venues are excellent for the breed and necessary to keep the breed strong. They exhibit the strength, versatility, and noble essence of the breed. What I do think is detrimental to the breed; is breeding to WIN in sport or show. There is a difference in my opinion. Because the breed should be moderate and versatile in all aspects, breeding to win in these venues usually leads to creating extremes in the breed, and loss of versatility. Notwithstanding, breeders striving to reach these mountaintops often become very opinionated, very intolerant, and not good ambassadors for the breed except in their small circles. I find this thinking and attitude counter to the widespread versatility and functionality of the breed.
I think good breeders should utilize the show and sport world in exhibiting that their breeding is capable of both form and function.....butbreeding TO win is traveling a slippery slope away from essence of breed.
PS....these thoughts open for discussion are not written to try to change folks that see things differently, but rather to give encouragement to new/future breeders and food for thought to the future breeders.