Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment Lochan, that is sensational. You are more likely to be able to get your hands on a show quality dog than a bitch, unless you have the right connections (which you are highly likely to have). Both my Labs were/are from show lines and both were/are easy to train, keen for instruction and attentive. I do not do gundog stuff - but I do do obedience and Flyball. Flyball requires that a dog run, jump and retrieve all day long, trying their hardest on every run. It's not so different to field retrieving in that respect. My first Lab, Nicolae, would try his heart out for me. He was show lines through and through. I don't believe that show lines have lost what it takes to do well in the field or in the sporting area. They are not likely to be as fast, but that is all.
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment Lochan, this is dedication for sure , brilliant thing to do , I wonder if I could persuade my husband to let me do the same ?
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment [quote author=JulieT link=topic=4651.msg57422#msg57422 date=1393495844] It's worth pointing out this does not appear in the UK standard - the only reference to weight is to specify that the barrel chest must not be achieved by carrying excess weight. [/quote] And neither is there a weight given in the Australian standards, but they all also have a proviso that the barrel chest should not be achieved through excess weight. Given that the US is the only one that refers to a specific weight band (and very precise heights too, which I wonder how can be adhered too if the legs are shortened unless also adding 'condition'), it makes me suspect that this 'working condition clause' is the one that would then allow leniency?? Clare
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment [quote author=JulieT link=topic=4651.msg57398#msg57398 date=1393489058] I very much like Romeo - I think there is a great deal to like about him. Maybe we should have a "say something nice about the opposite type of labrador from which you own" game - and do our bit for convergence! [/quote] To do our bit for convergence as you put it, we must say what we don't like and also what we do? If that dog is the breed 'standard', then we have a long way to go. IMO the conception of what a Labrador should look like has been altered to fit in with the show scene, it has happened with other breeds as well. Bulldogs, Pugs come to mind having breathing problems issues because of breeding to get the right look for shows. I think the show Lab has lost its long distance relationship with the original fishermans dog.
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment Really interesting thread..I don't really know much about labradors apart from our pup Benson and obviously the research generally into the breed. Benson does have a Crufts best of breed in his lineage, which we didn't know until recently not that we care particularly, although he does seem chunkier than one of the working labs here and definitely has a broader head. His father before going to stud was competing in some county type gun dog trials, and did very well.When we collected Benson we saw him in action, he was chunky and muscular just beautiful watch him sprinting across the field. He is what I would've called a "chunky" type, but I noticed a very thick, heavy coat. The breeder was focussed on healthy pups, and gave us loads of advice on exercise and nutrition, she did talk about the fact she had merged gun dog genes into her lines in order to develop a good traditional labrador retriever. I must admit not seeing anything there that remotely resembled the sort of tubby show labs in the photos. Incidentally Benson is going to his second gun dog lesson on Saturday..so wish us luck!
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment Hmmm Project Puppy is going to be more difficult than I thought. Just had a phone conversation with a successful show breeder who would not consider me as a suitable home for one of her pups. The reason - she wanted show homes for her dogs and if I intended to work as well as show the dog would never be in "the right condition" to show successfully.....Really need to go and do some work now, but this doesn't end here! More research required.....
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment Right, because that is the most important consideration when looking for homes for your puppies.......
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment [quote author=Lochan link=topic=4651.msg57444#msg57444 date=1393506586] Hmmm Project Puppy is going to be more difficult than I thought. Just had a phone conversation with a successful show breeder who would not consider me as a suitable home for one of her pups. The reason - she wanted show homes for her dogs and if I intended to work as well as show the dog would never be in "the right condition" to show successfully.....Really need to go and do some work now, but this doesn't end here! More research required..... [/quote] Does this mean that she wants to bask in the reflected glory of " her " dogs doing well in the show ring ? If so , thats not good at all and as Pippa says , surely a first class home is a priority ?
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment You could just not mention the fact you'll be working the dog too... I'd be very interested to see a few pictures of what we are calling show type labs and working type labs. I have a picture in my head but I'd like to see other peoples ideas too... I'm starting to think that Penny doesn't fit in either category :-[
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment [quote author=Lochan link=topic=4651.msg57444#msg57444 date=1393506586] this doesn't end here! More research required..... [/quote] No, quite right too. It seems obvious that you are going to encounter more negative, defensive, and closed minds, than positive, welcoming and open ones (based on the "different camp" tone of most debates on this subject). But your approach is so inspirational, and an incredibly positive move - you'll overcome the hurdles!
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment Lochan, unfortunately probably too far away from you, but have a look anyway, show dogs who work but still have show dog conformation. Warringah Labradors.
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment [quote author=Oberon link=topic=4651.msg57400#msg57400 date=1393489895] Not a Romeo fan here. His muzzle is too short and the top of his head too domed. [/quote] One judges agrees with you about his muzzle (Rachael for next Crufts judge!) - these comments are not from Crufts, but another show (I always find it difficult to find the Cruft's comments A dog who has had much publicity and I surprised myself with my view of him. However, to compare him to the breed standard he is hard to knock. His head his broad yet balanced, masculine with a kind gentle expression. To be hyper-critical I would prefer a bit more length to his muzzle, but as soon as you look into his face he exudes biddability and that willingness to please that just makes the Labrador what it is. He is powerful and strong in neck with well placed shoulders. His chest is deep with well sprung barrel ribs, short coupled, well developed quarters, good turn of stifle. Unlike many today he was in full coat which was of good texture. The thing that struck me when judging him was his physical fitness and muscletone with no excess weight, something that may not be obvious to spectators. He covers so much ground on the move. Truly delighted to award him the CC today.
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment So, this is probably not the best way to pick a breeder....and these dogs have won at Crufts, but in the gamekeeper's ring...but for my next lab, I will call the person who wrote this: http://www.wylanbriar.com/gundog-work-information/try-working-your-showbred-dog/
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment [quote author=editor link=topic=4651.msg57472#msg57472 date=1393517122] This is Diana Stevens' kennel. Her Tom is Rachael's Dad [/quote] I love Tom! Been much admiring that dog!
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment What a handsome boy Tom is too , is this Diana from the other forum ? She is a very knowledgeable breeder , lovely dogs and a comprehensive website too . A friend of mine had a chocolate puppy from her as an assitance dog for her autistic son , she is a lovely dog and training wonderfully with Dogs for the Disabled
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment Yes that's right, Diana Stevens. There are some great articles on her site too.
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment He's gorgeous isn't he. I think Rachael looks a lot like him But then I would
Re: Slimdoggy - the next instalment [quote author=editor link=topic=4651.msg57478#msg57478 date=1393517669] He's gorgeous isn't he. I think Rachael looks a lot like him But then I would [/quote] Yes, lovely, really lovely. Are we due some grown up Rachael pics...?
