WHAT MAKES A SHOW DOG
Written by Peggy L. Doster of X-Pertise AST.
Here is the short list for what I look for in a show quality dog:
Temperament:
First and foremost, without it nothing else matters.
Health:
Without health there is no point in looking at anything else. The dog is genetically flawed.
Structure:
Proper structure is not described in the AST standard. I believe the authors of the standard knew structure and assumed that anyone who would call themselves a breeder would study and understand correct structure before beginning a breeding program. If you don't have structure, there is no point in wasting your time in looking at movement because it won't be there.
Movement:
I am looking for a springy terrier bounce, proper convergence front and rear and not overstepping itself in side gait.
The standard:
Now, if the dog has proper temperament, health structure and movement, then I start looking at the details of the standard.
Personality:
Does the dog have a personality that will tell the judge that this indeed is the dog to select. A dog can have all the other attributes, but if the dog doesn't show enthusiasm in the ring it will be overlooked.
My short list on the selection of a pet quality dog:
Temperament:
Must be stable and rock solid...same as show quality.
Health:
I am looking for a dog that has the same unquestionable health as a show quality dog. Pet owners want healthy dogs too.
Structure:
The pet may also have excellent structure, or may have some shortcomings in this department.
Movement:
The pet may have excellent movement, or might not move perfectly due to shortcomings in the structure department.
The standard:
If the standard is not met, I definitely designate pet quality. Blue eyes, incorrect bite, badly carried tail, faulty topline, dudley nose, full white heads I designate as pets. More than an inch over or under the standard height would make them pet quality.
This is what I look for in the dogs I breed. I have placed many a 'show quality dog' in a pet home. The quality of the home is primary in my selection of owners, whether it be a show home or a pet home.