AWDF
Conformation Show Canceled
The long planned inaugural AWDF conformation show was
suddenly cancelled weeks before the expected date. Lack of response and interest is probably a good thing, the last
thing the American working dog world needs is the glorification of show dogs
without working titles.
Prior to the cancellation, the premium list, with the
official requirements for the AWDF conformation show in St. Louis in mid
November, had made the farce is complete.
With two exceptions, the Shepherds and the Rottweilers, this is not a
working dog show at all, is in fact just another beauty show. Although it is true that Bouviers will be
eligible on the basis of their home brew temperament test, the stunning fact is
that same absurd standard applies to the Dobermans, who will be allowed in as pretend working dogs on the basis of
their very own temperament test. The
Schnauzers and Airedales have no requirements other than minimum age, and it
goes down hill from there. The Belgian
Sheepdogs, including the Malinois, seem to be missing in action, which may
prove the be the most interesting aspect of all in the end.
How can this be ?
Was not the reason for founding the AWDF to get away from all of this,
to have an American organization that was serious about working dogs? Who would have believed that we would see a
conformation show that has no working requirements at all ?
To their credit, Schutzhund USA, for the Shepherd, holds
the line and requires all dogs to hold a Schutzhund, IPO or HGH title and enter
the working class in order to compete for top honors. There is of course no "Open" class. The Rottweiler set up is a little different,
but by requiring the Schutzhund or IPO title holds the line on quality.
In light of this, how can anybody take the AWDF seriously
as a working dog federation?
How long will the Shepherd and Rottweiler people continue
to participate, or even maintain AWDF affiliation?