Terrier Man says it right

How many breeds have been killed off by vanity, rosettes and cash for puppy schemes?

Does anyone, anywhere, who knows what they are doing, go the Kennel Club when looking for a working dog of any breed?

Terrier Man (see his blog listed to the right) says it rightly (not that I agree much with his political views!) but even at hound shows (proper ones that is) the huntsmen will tell you that often the most correct hound that wins the rosette is one of the most worthless of the lot when it comes to hunting. There are those beautiful times when tight feet, strong loins and pretty heads go with a nose, stamina and heart... but rarely.

I was at a dog show (yes, I know) with some corgi folks (they have really cool dog books stalls at dog shows I discovered) and there was a judging clinic held in one ring where they focus on a couple of breeds to educate people on what to look for. I think it must have something to do with judging certifications or something too but the public was invited. So I went because one of the breeds they were focusing on was the American Foxhound. Talk about disappointing! My corgi show friends were trying to push a show puppy on me at the time and I told them no. I like my 0ld-fashioned corgi. The ones now have chests almost touching the ground and fluffy coats. Charlie has proper little legs and a fine all-weather coat that takes rain a long time to get through. I wish that there were still corgis out there like him in the States. Carol told me that he is what they were pinning in the 50's in the ring but they are going to this new style now. Why mess with something that was working?

Look at what has happened to our terriers and working dogs. It is the same thing that is happening with our American Thoroughbred.