Criticism and Evaluation

 

In renowned late judge Anne Rogers Clark’s book “Annie On…Dogs!”  she begins one chapter by saying that she dislikes reading articles that begin with a definition from Webster’s.  She then proceeds to use the definition of the word criticize.

 

From the current online Merriam Webster’s dictionary, “ criticize – 1: to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly: evaluate  2 : to find fault with: point out the faults of.” 

 

Annie’s definition was “ to analyze with knowledge”

 

Criticism is a very necessary part of breeding and showing dogs.  However, so many take exception to any form of criticism. 

 

The first step is to be the one to criticize your own dogs, in other words “analyze with knowledge”.   The key word here is “knowledge”.   Knowledge of structure and movement is vital in interpreting the breed standard. 

 

If one does not have the knowledge of structure and movement, then they must rely on the criticism of others more knowledgeable.  And this is where the defense mechanism kicks in. 

 

If your dog does not have proper proportions, be the first to admit it.  If your dog is small, admit to it.  If your dog’s movement lacks reach and/or drive, admit to it!  Or, as Dr. Phil says “own it”!  You cannot change what you won’t admit to.  And, when breeding dogs, admitting to the fault and breeding to change it are two very important issues.

 

Corrective Breeding

 

Ideally, it is best to start a breeding program with the best possible specimen of the breed.  We all know that there is no perfect dog, at least I hope we all know that!

 

Again, I will go back to the statement that I made previously, “knowledge of structure and movement is vital in interpreting the breed standard”, and applying the breed standard to the individual dogs is the first step in choosing the right mate.

 

All too often, stud dogs are chosen because of the location, friendships with the owners or contract stipulations, most of which are poor reasons for selecting a dog for breeding.  Remember, in breeding, the object is to improve the breed and to provide the breeder with future dogs to continue a top quality line of dogs.

 

Planning a litter involves not only looking at the immediate result, but also looking to the future and what can be achieved in the following generations.  Some faults cannot be corrected in one generation or even in two.  A breeder needs to be able to think ahead and have a definitive plan.

 

It is also important to look to the past and recognize faults and mistakes so that they are not repeated. 

 

 

Next Month – Evaluating the breeding pair