Westminster 2011

[Clip-Clop]

Originally Posted by Princess Doreen

I tend to agree with you as to the static balance of the Dobe, but movement counts a lot especially for a breed like Dobes. When I saw how she moved the dog, I figured she was sunk. The breed rings are teeny tiny at Westminster, and they don't get to move the dogs well there. But the group ring is huge and a handler has to take full advantage - not mincing around the ring expecting the dog to look its best. Gaiting shouldn't be about how fast one can run - just gaiting the dog fast enough to show its reach and drive capability and the strength of the topline. The lady handler on the Dobe was not able to do that. But, maybe, just maybe, the judge didn't like the dog for other reasons.

Some other info which some of you might find interesting.

Popularity list of breeds according to AKC registrations -

http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm

Nice to see Dobes are getting more popular, great dogs. We actually got ours from a shelter here and despite being fixed and having his ears and tail I have been told by breeders that he "could've really been something" we think he is anyway.