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Why Title a dog

Ron Ackerman

Well-Known Member
I found this while perusing the Internet and thought it might mean something to some of you.


What is a Title?

Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher title, not just an adjunct to competitive scores, a title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honor the dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain in the record and in the memory, for about as long as anything in the world can remain. And though the dog her/himself doesn't know or care that her/his achievements have been noted, a title says many things in the world of humans where such things count.

A title says your dog was intelligent, adaptable, and good-natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that pleased you, however crazy they may have sometimes seemed. In addition, a title says that you loved your dog. That you loved to spend time with her/him because she/he was a good dog and that you believed in her/him enough to give her/him yet another chance when she/he failed and in the end your faith was justified.

A title proves that your dog inspired you to that special relationship enjoyed by so few, that in a world of disposable creatures, this dog with a title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return. And when that dear short life is over, the title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend. Volumes of praise in one small set of initials after the name. An obedience, agility, flyball, herding, protection, etc. title is nothing less than true love and respect, given and received and recorded permanently.

--Author unknown.
 

2nd Chance

Well-Known Member
I think its a beautiful sentiment
Im dont think a dog needs a title. I grew up with some fantastic working dogs. They were too busy working to attend competitions, so no title.
And seeing what is these days passing a GSD at conformation shows, i wash my hands of showing
 

Tiger12490

Well-Known Member
Though im titling Kronos (Schutzund) it is in no way that important.... TBH why do conformatiom titles count for anything without the backing up of a working title, especially in dogs that are supposed to have a certain temperament that conformation has already ruined.....

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
 

Cody

Well-Known Member
This is about working titles, not conformation. Conformation is a tool, it is the performance/working titles that bear more meaning IMO. I show my dogs, because they conform to the standard. None of us LOVE it, but we do it. I work with my dogs because we LOVE it. I may not be participating in bite sports, at this point that is not my goal, but getting out and doing things with our dogs is important. It builds that bond and trust between us and shows the versatility of these breeds. Conformation is just that, one person's opinion on any given day. I am proud that my boy is finished his Ch in Canada and the States and did so quickly, (out for 3 shows in Canada 4 in the States) not dragged around for a year plus to finish, as given time anything can. But that is just one piece of the puzzle so to speak. I would rather take a working title or a dog with an actual job any day over a CH. This speaks of the pride of accomplishing something WITH your dog, the work that went into getting to the trial. This to me is far more real then a ribbon at a show.
 

alwcm4

Well-Known Member
While I do think this was written for working titles, it rings true just as equally to me with conformation titles and therapy/temperament titles. Alot of work and training, time, patience, disappointment, companionship, and hard work go into those titles too.
 

Duetsche_Doggen

Well-Known Member
Tiger I share your views as well. Overall I look at most titles as accomplishments that my partner and I completed. Others just a matter of $$$ or opinion.
 

Cody

Well-Known Member
While I do think this was written for working titles, it rings true just as equally to me with conformation titles and therapy/temperament titles. Alot of work and training, time, patience, disappointment, companionship, and hard work go into those titles too.
I consider a therapy dog a working dog. It has an actual job that makes a difference in people's lives.
 

Ron Ackerman

Well-Known Member
This is about working titles, not conformation. Conformation is a tool, it is the performance/working titles that bear more meaning IMO. I show my dogs, because they conform to the standard. None of us LOVE it, but we do it. I work with my dogs because we LOVE it. I may not be participating in bite sports, at this point that is not my goal, but getting out and doing things with our dogs is important. It builds that bond and trust between us and shows the versatility of these breeds. Conformation is just that, one person's opinion on any given day. I am proud that my boy is finished his Ch in Canada and the States and did so quickly, (out for 3 shows in Canada 4 in the States) not dragged around for a year plus to finish, as given time anything can. But that is just one piece of the puzzle so to speak. I would rather take a working title or a dog with an actual job any day over a CH. This speaks of the pride of accomplishing something WITH your dog, the work that went into getting to the trial. This to me is far more real then a ribbon at a show.

I agree 100% with Cody!