Pedigree Dogs Exposed

[Giselle]

So just for kicks and giggles (or sad and remorseful kicks and giggles), let's share what breeds looked like back then (how they were supposed to look) and how they do now:
Pekes



German Shepherd Dog



Doberman Pinscher (Dobes don't count as much because they've been crossed with many breeds over time, but you get the idea)



Rottweiler



Labrador Retriever

[Giselle]

Pomeranian



Need I go on?

Shows are meant to preserve breeds as they were originally meant to function. Do you feel like this is truly preserving the breed?

On the OTHER hand, there are dogs who have been bred to maintain their original functions:

Greyhound


(Westy Whizzer ~1960's)

(HB's Commander ~1980-1990. Virtually unchanged)

Saluki (just imagine it with all the hair)



So what are we doing with some and not others that causes such a dramatic difference in form and health???

[Miss Z]

Add to that list, the pug....



.... is now this.



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2005/...g?v=1204434008

[cali]

the original BC, Old Hemp


Wiston cap, the father of todays working BC


working BC now


now...a show BC
this was the BOB winner at the world dog show this year
http://www.tkdogs.com/dog/database/I...kory+Incognito

[IRescue452]

Last time I was watching a dog show I was wondering how obesity became a dog breed standard for pugs, pekes, norfolk and norwich terriers, westies and so on. Why do they have to be fat? I see plenty of skinny pugs at the dog park, but not at shows.

[CathyBogart]

Working in a vet clinic I don't think I EVER saw a pug that wasn't fat fat FAT! It made me so sad. There are two that come to my dog park that are in great shape, and I always say something to the owners about how wonderful they look....it's pathetic IMO that we have bred them to the point where fat is "normal".

Brachycephalic syndrome breaks my heart too. Pugs and Pekes in particular have a very special spot in my heart for their wonderful temperaments, but the problems we've bred into them in the name of good looks....it's awful.

[Suki Wingy]

That's one of the reasons I like Dalmatians so much.

Ch. Tally Ho Last of Sunstar, 1926 BOB at the DCA national specialty


Ch. Panore of Watseka (b. 1969)


BIS / BISS CH TCJ N Satin's Star Appeal, BOB at DCA National Specialty, #1 Dal all systems 2007
http://www.tandavadalmatians.com/