Will any of the listers be joining Wendy
& I @ the French National next weekend?Ian
I hope that American visitors will not be
disappointed at what they see if it is the first French show they attend.
The French concept of a dog show is entirely different from that found in
America. Only a very small percentage of the dogs will have been
bathed, although most will have been brushed in some way, none will have had
any coat treatment, let alone the sculpturing seen on the top showdogs in
America. There are no professional handlers, and outside attraction is
allowed. The judges often consort with the judge in the next ring on various
matters. Smoking and the use of cell phone in the ring is not frowned
upon. Not all of the dogs have the attributes typically ascribed to
the "wonderful French lines" they have just as many faults, and more, in
some cases as can be found in Pyrenean Mountain Dogs on any of the
continents on which I have judged. It is the homeland of the
breed and there are many many very good dogs, it is just that these
Pyreneans seem to have a certain elegance which is specific to France
alone. A very good French showdog would do well in most countries, as
indeed would a top American or Scandinavian dog, but trust me when I say
that that these top dogs are just as rare in France as good showdogs are
anywhere else in the world.
It just seems to me that the French exhibitors
are very laid back about the whole show scene, I have found that the most
enthusiastic people at this show are the visitors!
Having said all that I am taking my new
Scandinavian pup for a look at the French judge.
Will read you all again next week.
Ian