I do think when I first started going to Crufts, the Labs were carrying more weight. However over the years they have still got the bone, but much less of the fat now, so it'll be interesting to see how much our UK Labs shapes have changed in maybe 10-15 years time.
That's interesting to hear anyone else have thoughts on this?
The way I look at it is by looking at a lab in the show ring and asking myself "could that dog do a days work in the field?". And I find myself saying "no" more and more.
But there is some quiet movement forward. As of Jan 2011 each new gundog breed judge being put forward for approval to award CCs has to have attended a field trial at open stake level or a gundog working test for that breed. Basically this is so that they know how the dog is designed to work and what should be expected of it. The theory is if they are armed with the knowledge, they should be placing dogs that could stand up to doing a days work.
If you think its tricky in the Labrador world, don't even mention Cocker Spaniels!! Lol!!!
On the whole I think the UK Show people are more mindful of excessive weight these days and many are making a concerted effort to ensure their dogs are kept in hard, fit condition. There are, however, some dogs that do continue to be kept overweight as determined by their owner, that do wobble when on the move
One thing I have noticed over the past 12-18 months is that show judges at all levels seem to becoming less tolerant of overweight dogs when placing, and will often comment on this in their critiques.
On the whole I think the UK Show people are more mindful of excessive weight these days and many are making a concerted effort to ensure their dogs are kept in hard, fit condition. There are, however, some dogs that do continue to be kept overweight as determined by their owner, that do wobble when on the move
One thing I have noticed over the past 12-18 months is that show judges at all levels seem to becoming less tolerant of overweight dogs when placing, and will often comment on this in their critiques.
So maybe the change in breed standard and the KC fit for function etc is filtering through, that's great news. Also good news about Judges having to attend WT's/FT's Cathtor too. I heard a while back about that idea but wasn't sure if it had been implemented
when I first started going to Crufts, the Labs were carrying more weight. However over the years they have still got the bone, but much less of the fat now, so it'll be interesting to see how much our UK Labs shapes have changed in maybe 10-15 years time.
Looking at late 90's and early 2000's crufts champs compared to recent years, I think I can see that too Jules. Not something I've looked at before, the photos that is.
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anyone else have thoughts on this?
