Form vs Function in the working dog

[BGpa]

Thank you for saying this.

I know so many focus on show breeders and thinking its all for fashion. Its not though. The standard for every breed is written in detail for a reason. It is what makes our breeds, our breed! I never understood all the hate or criticism for show breeders while putting zero pressure on working breeders, to practically putting working breeders up on a pedestal while they completely ignore the standard! Working breeders like that are just as guilty for this divide between show and work. Did you know the standard also covers the bite and how many teeth they must have? That seems important for a working dog that a working breeder maybe wants to pay attention to? At least some working breeders are taking part in UDC so there is effort. Effort in wanting to learn, effort in wanting to do better in producing dogs bred to the standard not only in working ability but also structure. The standard also doesn't just touch on structure, but temperament too.

These to me are all important features in a working breed bred to literally live alongside and protect man. Because while you may not care for one, or two things, then the list continues to grow of what you are willing to let slide while focusing on one aspect of the doberman to the point we have something that structurally looks vastly different than the other besides having the same paint job. A person may not care now, but once you educate yourself on the standard, these differences absolutely will scream out to you.

On the flip side, I see more and more breeders, especially of my generation (millennial) wanting those ROMs, wanting to do more with their dobermans to prove they are truly a confident, fearless, obedient, and versatile breed. The tides are shifting.

Thanks @Rits on the observation about younger generation wanting to do it all, with the breeds that can do it all.

I've been wondering as from time to time one reads about younger women especially taking on big goals in IGP, etc or other highly specialized jobs in the career steps to get to the peak. So you go girl (woman)!

What I can personally "see" is just limited to what I read on line and thats anecdotal, of course...but that also looks like anyone who really wants to understand dobe world, its highly valuable to go in person, get business cards from those doing it, and then followup.

I'm so envious and wondering where do I get my "do over card" or another lifetime...

Just mho but its a YUGE good thing you do and some of us are cheering heartily from the peanut gallery. Plus thanks again for educating us noobs and lurkers here.

Looks to me like UDC annual event is happening in your neck of the woods in 2027, amiright?