I'm sorry, I guess I should have explained that comment. Breed standards are constantly being reinterpreted by judges in terms of what is considered a top example of the breed. For instance, the English Springers I remember from my childhood were 60-80lb dogs. They were heavily feathered, heavy boned and had very long wavy fur on their chests, ears, legs, tails and sides. The Springers we lost last year were the same, but both came from back yard breeders. When we started attending shows and looking into finding good breeders, we found that our idea of beautiful springers were considered freaks of the breed. Most were around 40 lbs or so, thin little dogs that looked like a slightly taller version of a cocker. In continuing to look, we found some breeders who bred for a larger, stockier, taller dog that looked like what I had and remembered. They were still heavy coated dogs with very long feathers and ears, not field type at all. These breeders would have been laughed out of the show ring. In looking for an IW, we found what I consider to be greyhound type wolfies, long thin heads, narrow bodies, 100 - 125 lbs. This is not what I wanted but it is what I saw winning shows in FL. The last TM I heard of in a shelter was originally purchased from a top winning breeder. Her dogs are well known in the breed circles as having severe hip displasia, yet she continues to show and win and breed. That is what I meant. Top show dogs do not mean healthy, or the best parents for your new pup. It just means that they win in the show ring and have the attributes that the current group of judges in that particular geographic area are looking for. The prettiest bull mastiff I every saw was long haired and most breeders would have culled the pup. Luckily for the people who acquired it, their breeder didn't. If I ever run accross one, I will buy it. Sorry, if my comment offended anyone. I just threw it out there. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with winning shows. I am saying that top show stock may not produce what you want for your pet.
Kathy