Staci, You are right that in God's eyes all dogs have championship bloodlines. That was a beautiful thing to say and realize.

There is one thing that I personally could not give up in my dogs and that is the ability to show them in AKC events. I want a dog that is a companion and competitor in field, obedience and show. Showing my dogs is NOT a thing I do to get titles on my dogs. It is something I do as a hobby. I don't do anything else with such passion as I do in working my dogs and getting them ready for competitions.

It is kind of like horse racing. If you want to compete then you have to have the thoroughbred to do it. This does not mean a mixed breed dog is not loveable. It just means I can't do what I find exciting and thrilling with them. Take the Westminster dog show for example. Every dog there is purebred. Even watching from TV you can feel the electricity in the air. That is what I thrive on. The sweating palms and thumping heart and the ultimate joy of placing is a natural high I have come to love. That I can achieve this with my best friends (my dogs) is the greatest feeling in the whole world to me.

In order to do this you need the bloodlines and past guarantees that the line is capable of producing what you are looking for. It also has to be a AKC registered purebred dog. Unfortunately mixed breeds don't fit this catagory.

Since I find dogs to be a hobby in the competitive sense too, I have chosen the breed that most fits what I want in a dogs temperment, looks, and working ability. That happens to be a GOLDEN! I love all dogs and never fail to make a fuss over one but for me and my house, GOLDEN are the only breed that fulfills my desires and passions!

I know not everyone gets as worked up over competitions as I do that owns a dog and to that end I say GOD BLESS THEM! That they love dogs is what matters! But for me it is a driving force and a passion (kind of like how Aly puts so much energy into rescue). We all need our loves and I do not tell anyone they have to get a purebred. I only ask them what they want from their dog. If they show a desire in showing in any venue then I recommend a purebred dog.

Kathi and Bob also fit into this catagory of competitive dog showers. All their dogs in addition to doing SAR work are shown in competitive obedience and agility.

Actually we are going on Sunday to see the Mother dog working in field on Sunday. This will be her last time to actively do field work before the litter arrives!