I'm curious (and really not trying to be snarky about it) - do you think that is really an option in all breeds at this point in time? Now, I'd guess from my limited knowledge of Rottis (limited pretty much to admiring your dogs here) that Rottis do exist who can perform well in the show ring and also perform the tasks they were originally bred for. I'm willing to bet there are other breeds like that; ones that haven't been dramatically altered for the show ring.
But there are some breeds where I really don't see how it is possible because of physical changes. The Clumber still stands out in my head from the pictures of dogs in the early 1900's that were posted. I housesat for 2 Clumbers a while ago, and they looked a lot like the ones I've seen at shows. They could barely move or breathe, and were so heavy-headed they looked like their eyes were squintly. I can't imagine them being able to actually go out and hunt - which I can totally see the ones in the old pictures doing. If someone walked into a show ring with a Clumber that did actually fit the standard, but wasn't the extreme version that I assume wins - would they not be laughed out of the ring?
Obviously it's an extreme version, and the one always used in this sort of argument, but what if someone starting breeding English Bulldogs back to a working build? If they could still keep the dogs purebred (obviously this would take ages, so it's really just a 'what if'), and keep the dog within standard, how would the show world receive them? Is there enough flexibility in the standards to actually permit that?
I'd be interested in anyone's opinion on this, although Red - you usually give really good answers to these sorts of questions!
But there are some breeds where I really don't see how it is possible because of physical changes. The Clumber still stands out in my head from the pictures of dogs in the early 1900's that were posted. I housesat for 2 Clumbers a while ago, and they looked a lot like the ones I've seen at shows. They could barely move or breathe, and were so heavy-headed they looked like their eyes were squintly. I can't imagine them being able to actually go out and hunt - which I can totally see the ones in the old pictures doing. If someone walked into a show ring with a Clumber that did actually fit the standard, but wasn't the extreme version that I assume wins - would they not be laughed out of the ring?
Obviously it's an extreme version, and the one always used in this sort of argument, but what if someone starting breeding English Bulldogs back to a working build? If they could still keep the dogs purebred (obviously this would take ages, so it's really just a 'what if'), and keep the dog within standard, how would the show world receive them? Is there enough flexibility in the standards to actually permit that?
I'd be interested in anyone's opinion on this, although Red - you usually give really good answers to these sorts of questions!
I'm also curious about the breeds whose purpose has become obsolete (or illegal), to the point where the breed has been transformed into a breed that has little to no chance of even doing its original jab.... how many people hunt birds with nets anymore? Should English Setter people be out catching birds with nets?