Page 53 - Chow LIfe - Fall 2021.pdf
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It is important to remember that regardless may love watching the “miracle of birth” and
of the breed, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire enjoy the smell of puppy breath. The passionate
Terrier, a dog cares not about the breed breeder will, naturally, also delight in the magic,
standard, the betterment of the breed, nor his but will continue to pursue excellence–despite
win/loss record in the show ring. Your newest all obstacles and setbacks–because their passion
Grand Champion does not care that he carries sustains them.
the GCH prefix at the front of his name or that
he possesses a “to die for” pedigree. He cares Perspective
that he is fed on time and gets his evening walk. I am quite certain that there are some breeders
out there who would suggest that perspective
In any litter you breed, you should expect is a great deal more important than purpose
to have a puppy (or several) that could use or passion. Perspective allows you to keep
a stronger topline, maybe one that needs a everything in focus. In any endeavor, and
bit more angulation, etc... You might have a breeding is no exception, you can suffer severe
puppy that is superbly put together but lacks setbacks if you lose perspective. It is important
the showmanship that would make him a top to see things the way they really are and not as
contender in his breed. On the up side, these we would want them to be. Regardless of the
young dogs do not care. They are going to grow breed, it does not take any special ability to see
up happy because they have someone that will that the vast majority of problems stem from
ensure their basic needs are met and, especially, that the fact that some breeders have somehow
because they have someone to love them.
allowed things to get out of focus.
Passion What happens when a breeder loses
I have, on occasion, talked about the perspective? You have likely seen it while sitting
importance of passion as it relates to success or standing ringside. Those breeders suffering
in the conformation ring. Passion is even more “Kennel Blindness” simply cannot see any type
critical to success in the whelping box. In our as being correct other than their own, and
sport, passion, in my opinion, is too often used anyone who does not agree is always wrong.
synonymously with the word hobby. There is, Yep, you remember him, the guy who was so red
however, a crucial difference. A hobby is an faced upon leaving the ring you thought he was
activity, aside going to burst; angry
from one’s because it was not his
occupation or “Those breeders suffering Kennel dog that got put up.
job, engaged Blindness simply cannot see any type He is the guy who
in principally as being correct other than their own, is always willing to
for pleasure or tell anyone willing to
relaxation. and anyone who does not agree is listen that the judges
always wrong.” are all idiots and why
A passion, on his dog is the correct
the other hand, type.
is seldom relaxing. A passion may provide you
with a measure of comfort from time to time, I have an acquaintance who holds the belief
but it often prevents the mind and body from that perspective is an essential element of his
getting much needed rest. A passion does not ring equipment in that it helps to soften the
beckon you when you have free time, they disappointment of not winning when he felt he
demand time whether you have it or not. As should have.
breeders, our passion can exact a high price, but
it is not a price we seem to mind paying. Perspective can provide you with solace when
the litter you carefully planned for fails to
You know a passion has you when you continue mature to your expectations. Perspective also
to pursue it despite what it may cost you. allows breeders to enjoy their successes with
humility.
A passion is a powerful thing, so, you think it
would be easily seen. However, you can’t see Physique
a passion just as you cannot see the wind, but The breeder must, as thoroughly as possible,
they can both move you. A hobby can, I believe, decide upon and list the traits they are wanting
certainly turn into a passion, however, a hobby to acquire or maintain, which traits they
will not provide the drive and determination want to avoid, and, then, evaluate how
necessary to excel. For example, a hobby breeder
their bitch measures up. It also helps to
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