The reason why you have a Saint Bernard is because there is a breed standard that describes what the perfect Saint Bernard should look like.
Caring breeders show their dogs to see how they stack up against their peers, and because it is the responsible thing to do if you are going to breed dogs.
I RESENT being tarred with your broad brush regarding dog shows and show dogs. I have shown dogs for MANY years. All my dogs are pets first and show dogs second.
Even in the most carefully planned litters, there will likely be puppies who, in the opinion of the breeder, do not make the grade as far as show or breeding prospects. These puppies make marvelous pets, and deserve responsible loving homes.
It is quite simple to find the Saint Bernard Breed Standard at the AKC's website. http://www.akc.org
Blue eyes are not acceptable for the show ring or for breeding, in Saint Bernards.
Luckily they do not affect the lovability scale of dogs.
There are many of us out here who have studied our chosen breeds for years, and strive to produce ONLY the very best. One of the ways we educate ourself in our quest for excellence is to attend dog shows, and show our dogs.
I RESENT your insinuation that people who attend dog shows or show their dogs are all snobs, or that it is such an evil place that you would need a HOLY WATER BLESSING BEFORE ATTENDING, OR that is it not a fun event for dogs.
Dogs who do not have fun in the show ring don't do very well.
My dogs LOVE dog shows. They CLAMOR for their lead to be put on to go to the ring, and most of the time I have to drag them away from the rings.
i have 2 dogs who just love the show ring,they are just hams, on the other hand
, one hates to show, we know this because we already showed her and won her int'l championship,,,,,,, but she hated the ring, so now she is retired from dog shows.
she still likes to watch her "family" show. most people i have met, top handlers, show dog owners and even judges are so nice,,,,,,,,,, SNOBS,,,,,,,, SOME MAYBE
, BUT NOT ALL,, you can't judge people from the passions they have, and if it wasnt for "show people" you wouldnt have the wonderful breed you have. at the shows, is where you see the breed you might want and how they should look via the standard, meet breeders that have produced champions,,,,,,(a dog that meets and exceeds the stand, temperments etc.)
all my past and dogs i have now are all from show stock, or i bred them myself.
we all love our dogs, no matter what, but when breeding, you want to be able to offer some sound, out of champion parents, or grandparents out of possibly the specials dog(dogs in the top 20 of the breed), not where it says champion bloodlines from 20 generations ago(good enough to win, good enough to breed),, puppies that were bred for a reason, to improve the breed, and look for that,ummmmmmmmm almost pefect puppy.,,,, puppies to perpective buyers, not your local BYB or, god forbid, a pet store pup, from a puppy mill
