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Originally Posted by Sayuri
I'd also like to know what you think about dual-titled animals? What about dogs that show and have their lure coursing titles, their JHs, or herding titles?
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I have already told you this, but maybe I was not clear enough.
I am ALL for breeding dogs that CAN do both conformation AND *what they were originally bred to do*. In fact, it is my opinion that certain breeds such as springers, border collies should HAVE to have at least one field test title, or herding title, before they are allowed to obtain their CH. It is the only way to insure that the instinct will be passed on....because right now we are losing all that instinct in the show bred border collies and springers. (Please note: I understand that there ARE dogs that can do both. I've even talked to some of those handlers and breeders by means of email. But, up here in ohio and around in MI you don't see those dogs. You see the very large, big boned, very furry and 'perfectly marked' dogs that have very little, or close to none at all, instinct.)
And I'm not just talking about border collies and springers. I'm talking about all herding dogs, sporting dogs, hounds, and terriers... any breed that still has means to test and do what they were originally bred to do.
Now, I think you are all getting me wrong. I am NOT some biased, ignorant, conformation hating person. I love to handle dogs! I believe conformation
can be a good thing. In fact, I will be getting a Border collie from a conformation/herding breeder this winter that I plan on showing in both jrs and conformation. This dog will also herd from a young age, if I can find a place in my area that has herding or instructors. I will also compete in agility and obedience all along while showing this dog.