Dog Shows: Fan or Not?

I love dog shows and the opportunity to see so many different breeds up close and personal.   I don't always agree with the direction some breeds have gone.  I like a dog who can do what it was bred to do.  

When we decided to get our first dog (20+ years ago), we researched breeds as much as possible so we could find a good match for our lifestyle. Along with plenty of reading and asking friends and family, we went to a few dog shows, including a big one in Portland that's a bench show (or something like that -- it means you can go back and see all the dogs behind the scenes). The shows themselves are fun to watch (in person and on TV), and it's a chance to see so many gorgeous dogs you might never have a chance to see. I had no idea there were so many breeds when we first watched them! But once we narrowed it down to 2 or 3 breeds, the bench shows were how we got to interact with some dogs, talk to the experts there, get a better handle on if they'd match with us, etc. Having said that, I agree with Jackie that it can be disturbing to hear about some of the things that have happened with breeds and certain standards and things that seem to increase the incidence of medical problems and such when the "lines" of a breed are more limited.

"...we went to a few dog shows, including a big one in Portland that's a bench show (or something like that -- it means you can go back and see all the dogs behind the scenes). ..."

Yes, they're called benched shows.  There aren't that many around anymore.  The only other one I know of is Westminster.  

I enjoy going to dog shows, too, although, lately, the only ones we've been going to are when Caleb & I are entered in Rally.  I enjoy seeing the variety of breeds.  Of course, if it's offered, I always end up over at the obedience rings, too.  As has already been mentioned,   I don't like seeing the extremes that are happening in a lot of breeds.  Sadly, most times I look in the ring and have a hard time picturing the dogs doing what they were bred to do.  :(      Another thing I like about dog shows is the shopping.  You'll find a good selecting of vendors at most conformation shows.  

Love them, a great place to educate yourself on all the different breeds.