Show dogs: Treat them right
A typical show dog who is generally imported from a good breeder has already been a champion in his country of origin.
A right reason…
People seem to have got so engrossed in just winning that at times they have forgotten the main reason of shows and or breeding a particular breed, which is for the love of the dog breed. Some clubs have made conscious efforts and are doing really well in improving the dog show scene in India.
Family first…
Dogs must be part of our family and then show dogs. That’s how we can actually enjoy a particular breed and his individual traits which along with his looks drew us to him in the first place. Don’t make these dogs mere exhibits and prized processions kept in enclosures or cages. Let’s not reduce them to just an object, like an expensive car in our garage or an artifact in the house.
Little differences…
Most breeders in other countries share their homes with their dogs and one would find them in their house enjoying what a dog loves the most, roaming freely in the house with the entire family. Yes, if the breeder has too many dogs it’s not practical to have them all at the same time at home. There are some breeders who keep dogs on terraces or roof tops in their houses or flats. Let’s think—is it advisable in the hot and dry climate of India? Of course, there are breeders in our country who maintain ample places or kennels with proper facilities for their dogs.
Reality check…
Most people in other countries have home-bred dogs of great standards and occasionally get imported dogs to further improve their stock. Why can’t we do the same in India? If we truly love dogs, showing and breeding them, why do we just follow breeders overseas? How many of us have visited a typical breeder or kennel in India and found old show dogs or brood female dogs residing together with the current show and breeding dogs? Very few I would say! Should this be the life of aged/retired show dogs in India? Are we the so-called dog lovers becoming so heartless and is money the only driving factor for some breeders?
Bring a change…
We can make a difference together and save the Man’s Best Friend from this ill fate. Let’s rethink over the reason of keeping a pet dog – which was love for the animal. Let us try together to rebuild the past glory of the dog world in India. Let us take an active part and give our suggestions to Kennel Club of India (KCI). In this way, we can further bring a prosperous, friendly and brave new world for our furry buddies to a greater height where we can sweep out all unethical or puppy mill breeders.
(Dinkar Singh is a passionate animal and bird lover. The love for all types of living things runs in his family. He likes to occasionally show and breed dogs as a hobby).