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Type and Functionality
By F.P.A. Odenkirchen,
________________________________________
Since the standard of the Chow Chow has been
modified several times and is not identical worldwide
even today, it is obvious there are no absolutes.
So far, a perfect specimen has never been agreed
upon, and if it ever comes along its only major fault
will be that neither you nor I own it. This column is
therefore not intended to suggest what is right and
wrong, but hopefully to facilitate the preservation
and development of the Chow through intelligent
discussion of type and functionality. As breeders,
exhibitors or simply fanciers, we have a
responsibility to the breed we have chosen to
perpetuate.
It appears many of us easily lend ourselves to
questioning the ability, objectives and perhaps
even the mental stability of our judges, especially
when decisions do not favor our entry. More often
than not, such opinions are greatly influenced by
tunnel vision, kennel blindness or ego. The vast
majority of our judges are not Chow experts,
but really try to evaluate our breed objectively,
guided by the standard but also by the entries
the fancy presents as close approximations
of perfect specimens. The standard is only a
part of their appreciation of our breed; the
rest is based on their perception of what the
fancy wants by observing what is most
frequently presented in the ring.
Therefore, what is successful in the ring
today may become the accepted interpretation
of the standard in the immediate future.
The ensuing overemphasis on characteristics
deemed desirable at one particular time has
historically tended to lead to gross exaggeration
of type and functionality. We have seen a period of
plain heads and exceedingly long, soft and silky
coats, followed by a period with great numbers
of exaggerated, wrinkly heads, followed by
small dogs with short, stubby legs, ski sloping
toplines and disproportionately large,
overdone heads.
We also saw a meteoric rise in numbers,
with a concurrent proliferation of open pedigrees
The wisdom seemed to be that large numbers by
themselves would ensure the chance of obtaining
a few good specimens, while continued outcrossing
would achieve such a mix-up of the hereditary
makeup of individuals that the occurrence
of polygenic defects, such as hip dysplasia,
would effectively be eliminated However,
both rationales are a sure recipe for the decline of
a breed. This subject will be further discussed
in a future column.
Fortunately, the popularity of our breed is
currently declining, so hopefully through a more
enlightened approach we can reverse the damage
that has resulted from this period of increasing
popularity. In order to do this successfully, we have
to go back to basics and focus on type and functionality.
Type, as defined in the May column, is most evident
in the dogs that prove to be best suited to perform
the particular functions for which they were originally
intended. Note the word "functions," which indicates
that correct structure, mental and physical soundness,
condition and sufficient intelligence to successfully
complete their tasks are of prime importance
Beauty became a factor in assessing a dog only
after the useful role of the species had become
obsolete And even though beauty has become
increasingly important, disregard of type will lead to
the ultimate loss of the breed.
Alterations to breed type can only be justified to
secure its preservation within the constraints of
today's society. For instance, the original Chows
were far from friendly, which was a requirement
for their role as guardians in a hostile environment.
It was part of the correct type.
This may have been quite acceptable for the
desolate areas where they came from, but totally
unacceptable in a suburban environment where 95
percent of our Chows end up as pets. As breeders,
it is our responsibility to root out any sign of
unprovoked aggression or threatening behavior
toward people. Such aggression is sometimes
the result of nervousness, shyness or cowardice,
but generally reflects mental instability. This has
been demonstrated to be an inherited defect,
and a responsible breeder has no business
perpetuating the problem by claiming it to be
an acquired behavior, breeding with such an
individual or getting rid of the dog by foisting
it on an unsuspecting person. A serious breeder
has to accept that culling is an integral part
of sound and responsible breeding practices.
To recognize this defect, the eyes will have it.
Rolling eyes indicate the dog is looking to escape.
In the mature Chow with a deep-set eye, look for
posture and a stiff, cautious approach. This type
of dog should be avoided when breeding or
showing is contemplated. A young pup should be
inquisitive and friendly, while the properly
socialized mature Chow should be self-assured
with a calm, steady gaze and normally quite aloof
to strangers.
When evaluating the Chow, we should always
remember that it is a member of the spitz family
and its general appearance should fit that picture.
Whenever it inclines toward Mastiff like
characteristics or behavior, its type is incorrect.
On the other hand, the picture of Chow VIII
shows a dog typical of the spitz family.
Even though we have really improved the breed
in the past century, we should try to maintain
this elegance in appearance, the exceedingly
proud carriage ot head and neck and the
impression of solidity without cloddiness.
The breed should be strong, agile, well muscled,
alert and full of life. Any suggestion that beauty
was obtained at the expense of functionality
is an aberration of type.
The Chow at its best has an arresting personality.
Its proud and independent character does not
suit everybody. Let us try to keep this unique
breed true to type, the preserve of those who
appreciate it for what it is supposed to be,
rather than what the general public would like
it to turn into. Do give it a thought
F.P.A.
Odenkirchen, PO Box 863, Waterdown
Ontario, Canada LOR 2HO
Статья помещена в оригинале, взята с официального сайта питомника MI-PAO.
Для себя я частично перевёл статью в Сократе, очень понравилась.
By F.P.A. Odenkirchen,
________________________________________
Since the standard of the Chow Chow has been
modified several times and is not identical worldwide
even today, it is obvious there are no absolutes.
So far, a perfect specimen has never been agreed
upon, and if it ever comes along its only major fault
will be that neither you nor I own it. This column is
therefore not intended to suggest what is right and
wrong, but hopefully to facilitate the preservation
and development of the Chow through intelligent
discussion of type and functionality. As breeders,
exhibitors or simply fanciers, we have a
responsibility to the breed we have chosen to
perpetuate.
It appears many of us easily lend ourselves to
questioning the ability, objectives and perhaps
even the mental stability of our judges, especially
when decisions do not favor our entry. More often
than not, such opinions are greatly influenced by
tunnel vision, kennel blindness or ego. The vast
majority of our judges are not Chow experts,
but really try to evaluate our breed objectively,
guided by the standard but also by the entries
the fancy presents as close approximations
of perfect specimens. The standard is only a
part of their appreciation of our breed; the
rest is based on their perception of what the
fancy wants by observing what is most
frequently presented in the ring.
Therefore, what is successful in the ring
today may become the accepted interpretation
of the standard in the immediate future.
The ensuing overemphasis on characteristics
deemed desirable at one particular time has
historically tended to lead to gross exaggeration
of type and functionality. We have seen a period of
plain heads and exceedingly long, soft and silky
coats, followed by a period with great numbers
of exaggerated, wrinkly heads, followed by
small dogs with short, stubby legs, ski sloping
toplines and disproportionately large,
overdone heads.
We also saw a meteoric rise in numbers,
with a concurrent proliferation of open pedigrees
The wisdom seemed to be that large numbers by
themselves would ensure the chance of obtaining
a few good specimens, while continued outcrossing
would achieve such a mix-up of the hereditary
makeup of individuals that the occurrence
of polygenic defects, such as hip dysplasia,
would effectively be eliminated However,
both rationales are a sure recipe for the decline of
a breed. This subject will be further discussed
in a future column.
Fortunately, the popularity of our breed is
currently declining, so hopefully through a more
enlightened approach we can reverse the damage
that has resulted from this period of increasing
popularity. In order to do this successfully, we have
to go back to basics and focus on type and functionality.
Type, as defined in the May column, is most evident
in the dogs that prove to be best suited to perform
the particular functions for which they were originally
intended. Note the word "functions," which indicates
that correct structure, mental and physical soundness,
condition and sufficient intelligence to successfully
complete their tasks are of prime importance
Beauty became a factor in assessing a dog only
after the useful role of the species had become
obsolete And even though beauty has become
increasingly important, disregard of type will lead to
the ultimate loss of the breed.
Alterations to breed type can only be justified to
secure its preservation within the constraints of
today's society. For instance, the original Chows
were far from friendly, which was a requirement
for their role as guardians in a hostile environment.
It was part of the correct type.
This may have been quite acceptable for the
desolate areas where they came from, but totally
unacceptable in a suburban environment where 95
percent of our Chows end up as pets. As breeders,
it is our responsibility to root out any sign of
unprovoked aggression or threatening behavior
toward people. Such aggression is sometimes
the result of nervousness, shyness or cowardice,
but generally reflects mental instability. This has
been demonstrated to be an inherited defect,
and a responsible breeder has no business
perpetuating the problem by claiming it to be
an acquired behavior, breeding with such an
individual or getting rid of the dog by foisting
it on an unsuspecting person. A serious breeder
has to accept that culling is an integral part
of sound and responsible breeding practices.
To recognize this defect, the eyes will have it.
Rolling eyes indicate the dog is looking to escape.
In the mature Chow with a deep-set eye, look for
posture and a stiff, cautious approach. This type
of dog should be avoided when breeding or
showing is contemplated. A young pup should be
inquisitive and friendly, while the properly
socialized mature Chow should be self-assured
with a calm, steady gaze and normally quite aloof
to strangers.
When evaluating the Chow, we should always
remember that it is a member of the spitz family
and its general appearance should fit that picture.
Whenever it inclines toward Mastiff like
characteristics or behavior, its type is incorrect.
On the other hand, the picture of Chow VIII
shows a dog typical of the spitz family.
Even though we have really improved the breed
in the past century, we should try to maintain
this elegance in appearance, the exceedingly
proud carriage ot head and neck and the
impression of solidity without cloddiness.
The breed should be strong, agile, well muscled,
alert and full of life. Any suggestion that beauty
was obtained at the expense of functionality
is an aberration of type.
The Chow at its best has an arresting personality.
Its proud and independent character does not
suit everybody. Let us try to keep this unique
breed true to type, the preserve of those who
appreciate it for what it is supposed to be,
rather than what the general public would like
it to turn into. Do give it a thought
F.P.A.
Odenkirchen, PO Box 863, Waterdown
Ontario, Canada LOR 2HO
Статья помещена в оригинале, взята с официального сайта питомника MI-PAO.
Для себя я частично перевёл статью в Сократе, очень понравилась.
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