Books, articles, reading and writing, there's nothing better!

If I see something of interest in relation to Welsh Corgis or Welsh history and the author agrees, I will share it with you here.

From time to time you may also find some of my own thoughts on dogs and dog shows in general and definitely Welsh Corgis, their breeding, exhibition and judging and how I have watched the Pembroke breed drift in various aspects over the years.  You may or may not like it, you may not want to read it and if the latter, you know what to do - click and depart.  ;)

Let me explain, the Welsh Corgi breeds are my first love and very important to me.  I have my opinion on what I like in Cardigans, however my eye and knowledge in this breed are still developing.  I do know what I like when I see it! 

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi on the other hand I believe I really do have a fairly good concept of based on years of study, observation and experience and listening to and learning from wiser breeders of the past.  Over more recent years I have observed some changes I do not like in this unique little Welsh Working dog.  When I entered the Show Judges Training Scheme some years ago it was solely so that I could qualify to judge my own breeds and 'doing' the whole Group was the best means to do so.  I had a half-hope to perhaps contribute my knowledge and opinion at some future time, - what a futile hope, as if that would change anything! 

The biggest surprise was that as an offshoot I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the other 28 breeds in the ANKC Working Group.  Both from the breed lectures given by specialists in their respective breeds and then attempting to apply that information via hands-on judging of the various breeds and Group Specials at Open Shows over several years.  That in itself has been of immense benefit in furthering the understanding of my own breeds and how they fit into the bigger picture.

On the other hand another reality that was to provide disappointment was the politics inherent in so much dog judging.  Guys, its meant to be about the dogs, not about stroking the exhibitor's ego.   Dog shows originated to judge breeding stock against its breed standard.  What I've sadly concluded about much of dog showing is that many don't care about how their dog fits the breed standard, (if they have even read it!) or fulfils the original function of the breed, they just want to WIN.

I might be showing my age but I'm sure it used to be more about the DOG and less about the SHOW.  I remember with gratitude the knowledgeable and fair, honest (sometimes brutally) judges of the past who are with us no more.  Judges with a genuine interest in all dogs, not just having a social outing and who demonstrated a depth of breed knowledge.  There are still a few around, but not enough to tempt this Little Black Duck out on most weekends..

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