In recent months, several friends each lost the last dog of their original breeds. For various reasons, they decided it was time for a change. In working through their wish lists of what the new breed needed to offer, it was interesting to see how personal priorities varied. It’s so important to assess those subjective “must haves” if you are going to find the most compatible match. General appearance is, of course, a consideration, but it’s seldom at the top of the list for longtime dog people.
So, what priorities do YOU consider?
Are you looking for a breed with the same temperament (mellow, laidback, reserved, spirited, high energy) that your original breed offered, or do you need a total change of pace? Two of my friends have become empty nesters and decided that the perpetual motion of their original Terrier and Sporting breeds, respectively, that suited their energetic kids over the years, is less appealing to them now. There are many breeds, in all sizes, spanning many of the variety Groups, that tend to conserve energy and bark when there is a reason, but otherwise are happy to hang out with you, napping quietly for hours at home and in the car.
Hand stripping and detailed scissoring produce beautiful results, but months, years, and decades of it take their toll on owners who are beginning to suffer with carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. Hoisting Old English Sheepdogs and Afghan Hounds onto the grooming table and into the tub can exacerbate back problems. If you can and want to continue the hand stripping and scissor work but on a more portable canvas, the smaller Poodle sizes and Terrier breeds are all worth considering, as are many drop-coated Toy and Non-Sporting breeds. Others, like Cavaliers and Tibetan Spaniels, while coated, have strongly worded Breed Standards that penalize obvious trimming and sculpting. If you’re looking for minimal grooming, there are many short-coated breeds in all the Groups, as well as the hairless breeds that are far from maintenance-free but require little grooming in the traditional sense.
Many exhibitors participate in dog sports beyond Conformation, or have always wanted to. In my area, I am amazed at how many friends in the larger Herding breeds have taken to Barn Hunt with their dogs, and travel to compete in it every chance they get. If you love the outlet that performance events provide, but are looking for something less physically demanding than Agility, Lure Coursing, or Field Work, AKC offers an array of activities, with many breeds enjoying success in these disciplines.
After decades of success breeding and finishing many generations of champions, some dog people find themselves operating on auto pilot. Does “enter, drive, show, repeat” describe your current dog show life? How about giving back to the sport by embracing a newly recognized breed, or one currently in Miscellaneous and desperately in need of seasoned mentors to guide novice owners and a newly formed parent club? Whatever variety Group you come from, there are “new” (to our shores) breeds knocking on AKC’s door that may intrigue you. Politics at club meetings and in the ring tend to be minimal, and your years of knowledge will be appreciated by newcomers in the sport, whether you are advising them on club paperwork, handling in the ring, or whelping litters.
Your original breed may be one in which competition is so fierce that you have always relied on professional handlers to get your dogs shown and finished. Owner handlers in Dobermans, Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles, and others have their work cut out for them. Do you miss the thrill of getting into the ring yourself, but would prefer a less stressful environment? Are you perhaps newly retired, with more time to travel to faraway shows? A less popular breed might be the answer. How refreshing to know that your dog stands a good chance of going Best of Breed and appearing in the Group every weekend. If you tend to get jitters before exhibiting, you’ll be much less stressed competing against just two or three dogs in your class, probably also owner-handled by friends in the breed. After Breed judging, you can all sit around over coffee, relax, and chat. The whole showing experience becomes friendlier and less intense.
The beauty of breeding and showing dogs is that, as our personal circumstances change, the sport continues to accommodate and embrace us. Reinventing yourself with a new breed, for whatever reason, can be a joyful experience if you make good decisions.
