06/13/2018
Preserving Breed Type
Calling For All Judges to Help Save Type in all Breeds
By Betty Stallard
My breed is Chihuahuas and we have a problem. This problem is not unique to Chihuahuas, nor is it atypical except in the specifics of the problem. We are losing important elements of breed type, and the dogs lacking these essential elements are being rewarded in the ring over dogs of stronger type.
Allow me to explain. In the GSD, the desire for the extreme rear has resulted in dogs bred that end up crippled. They are unable to perform their purpose. They cannot even live a full life with the extreme angulation which causes the rear to be, or to become, crippled. The dogs are pitiful and painful to watch. They are bred to "exceed" the standard. Faults of gait are considered very serious, but these dogs are often put up in the ring because of a 90 degree rear angle instead of a near 90 degree angle, which has become a fad. This is a disservice to the GSD breed.
In Chihuahuas, the general appearance calls for a graceful, alert, swift-moving, compact little dog with a saucy expression, and with terrier like qualities of temperament. The standard then goes on to elaborate on what constitutes the generalization given.
Unfortunately, breeders are importing and/or breeding dogs into their lines with extremely short muzzles. Chihuahuas have never had this trait before. The "new" muzzles resemble those of Japanese Chins or French Bulldogs. They are declared "adorable" and "cute", and sell very well at high prices. They are considered preferable in the show ring to the Chihuahua that has a correct "moderately short" muzzle with lean cheeks and jaws. This is a disservice to the breed, and is certainly incorrect. It manifests problems in bites, breathing, and expression. It is damaging both to health and to appearance called for in the standard.
The ears of these dogs resemble the shape and set of the batwing ears of the French Bull Dog, which is also incorrect for the Chihuahua. Chihuahuas have a very specific alignment of ears, eyes, muzzle, and nose. The deviation caused by the "new" shorter muzzle, destroys the alignment and the saucy expression called for in the standard.
Another problem is the lack of proper topline in the Chihuahuas. The standard calls for a level topline. Recent winning dogs have been exhibiting a topline that slopes from high in the front to lower in the rear. There has even been a "scientific" debate about what causes this and emphasis that this sloping topline is correct because of "morphology". The proponents of this view utilize top winning dogs who have presented this sloping topline as a "prototype" for the new and improved Chihuahua. Level means level. Level is not sloped, dipped, roached, or bumped. With the emphasis put on the "newly correct" sloping topline, breeders are demanding and getting high prices for these specimens because the judges are putting them up. This is a detriment to the breed. There is no prototype for a new and improved breed specimen--the standard is set. Any overt changes are incorrect and should not be rewarded in the ring.
If breeders are breeding Chins or Frenchies into the line to produce the extreme muzzles we see in the ring, or importing dogs bred overseas that have been cross bred to provide this atypical attribute, it is for one of two purposes. Those purposes are making money, and/or winning in the ring. These dogs are not purebred but are mutts. A DNA test would reveal the discrepancy in dogs with an atypical muzzle.
It is not possible to control John Q. Public's buying preferrence. "Adorable" is one of his highest criteria in choosing a pet. It is not, however, included in the standard. Nor is the attribute of being "cute". The buyer is impressed by the breeder's explanation that "this look is what is winning now".
If breeds are to be saved, the standard for each individual breed must be rewarded. Anything more or less than the standard, should be penalized.
We therefore must appeal to the judges to help save breed types. Every judge has to know the standard for every breed he or she judges. Please adhere to breed type in judging, regardless of how cute these extreme specimens may be. While there are no perfect dogs, please avoid putting up dogs that are mutations of breed type which, in Chihuahuas, would include the overly short muzzle and/or sloping topline.
We, as committed breeders and exhibitors, depend upon our judges to maintain proper breed type through their example of rewarding the dog nearest the standard. Breed type cannot be saved without your consistent and dedicated refusal to reward animals that are extreme in any way. Our breed calls for a well-balanced, swift-moving little dog with level topline and moderate muzzle. There is no room here to discuss the rest of the standard, but these are the two main issues at this time.
Judges, we breeders and exhibitors believe in you and your incorruptible judgment. We depend upon you. Help us save breed type across the board. The future of our breeds depend upon you.
