Breed type (dog)

Breed type in the parlance of dog fanciers refers to the qualities that define a dog breed and separate it from all other dog breeds. "Breed type" is outlined in the written standard for each breed, and "breed type" is the basis of judging in conformation dog shows.

Qualities that define a breed

"Breed type" encompasses appearance, character, condition, bone structure, temperament, and movement; "breed type is all these things." [Citation | last =Rose | first =Sue | author-link = | title =Breed Type (judging seminar notes) | publisher =English Cocker Spaniel Club of America | url =http://www.ecsca.org/breedtype.html | accessdate =05/14/2008] "Breed type" also includes a character specific to each breed, a combination of behaviour, temperament and carriage that demonstrate an essence of the breed. [Citation | last =Beauchamp | first =Richard | author-link = | publication-date =2008 | title =Solving the Mysteries of Breed Type | edition =2nd Edition | publisher =Doral Publishing | isbn =9781593786632] "He exuded breed type," writes Anne Marie Rasmussen of a particular King Charles Spaniel. [Citation | last =Rasmussen | first =Anne Marie | author-link = | title =Understanding Line Breeding | publisher =Cavaliers.co.uk, 'The number one site for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed in the UK' | url =http://www.cavaliers.co.uk/articles/linebreeding.htm | accessdate =05/14/2008] An Akbash Dog "with correct breed type [is] confident, protective, intelligent, brave, affectionate yet reserved, and always loyal." [Citation | last =Nelson | first =Judith | publication-date =March 1993 | title =Akbash Dogs: A Breed Apart | publisher = Dog Fancy Magazine | pages =40-41 | url =http://www.flockguard.org/akbashbreedapart.htm | accessdate =05/14/2008] The exact definition of "breed type" for any given breed can be very subjective and elusive.

The Standard

For the most part, the ideal "breed type" is defined in the breed standard, a written list of attributes that defines the breed and separates the breed from other breeds based on the same ancestral type. The standard leaves room for interpretation; breeders may choose to select for emphasis some aspects of "breed type" over others, and, if conformation judges agree with that selection, the breed will change over time. [Citation | last =Caras | first =Roger A. | author-link = | publication-date =2001 | title =Going for the Blue, Inside the World of Show dogs and Dog Shows | publication-place =New York | publisher =Warner Books, Inc. | page =13 | isbn =0-446-52644-4]

Each element of the standard is considered both independently and part of the whole of "breed type". In writing about the Borzoi, Jon Titus Steel says, "The neck is a key element of breed type", affecting a dog's outline, balance, movement, and function. [Citation | last =Steele | first =Jon Titus | author-link = | publication-date =May, 2008 | title =The Neck - Element of Function and Grace | periodical =American Kennel Club Gazette | publication-place =New York | publisher =American Kennel Club | page =55]

Judging

In conformation judging, judges compare the dog to the ideal "breed type" represented in the standard. [Citation | last =Grossman | first =Dr. Alvin | author-link = | publication-date =1998 | title =Understanding How Dog Shows Work | publisher =Doral Publishing, Inc. Online Catalog | url =http://www.doralpub.com/doral/dshowtip.html | accessdate =05/14/2008] Since breed standards leave room for interpretation, conformation show judging is highly subjective, and individual judges will place more or less emphasis on the various elements of "breed type". In addition, all-breed judges may not be knowledgeable about all of the details of each breed's "breed type". The director of the Bedlington Terrier Club of America writes of the Bedlington Terrier's standard for gait that "all too often, judges either ignore [the standard's] description or completely lack knowledge of it." [Citation | last =Friesen | first =Laurie | author-link = | publication-date =May, 2008 | title =Unique Bedlington Movement | periodical =American Kennel Club Gazette | publication-place =New York | publisher =American Kennel Club | pages =67]

Even judging that adheres strictly to the standard tends to reward the most outgoing and energetic (showy) dog. In order to win, showing "must be fun for the dog." [Citation | last =Alston | first =George G. | author-link = | publication-date =1992 | title =The Winning Edge | publication-place =New York, Toronto | publisher =Howell Book House | pages =150 | page =59 | isbn =0-87605-834-9] But for some breeds, excessive showiness is in opposition to the "breed type" and should not be rewarded. The American Kennel Club Mastiff standard cautions, "Judges should also beware of putting a premium on showiness." [ [http://www.akc.org/breeds/mastiff/ American Kennel Club Mastiff standard] (Retrieved on 05/14/2008)]

"Breed type" and performance

"Breed type" usually takes into account the work the original dog type from which the breed was developed was bred to do. In order to counterbalance the overuse of appearance in awarding championships, some major registries and breed clubs have instituted performance events as part of the awards at conformation shows. [The United Kennel Club (US) has a Total Dog Award for dogs that win both conformation and a performance event on the same day. See the United Kennel Club [http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Rules/DEConfoNonlicensedConformationClasses Dog Events Rules] . Retrieved on 05/14/2008]

Types, "type", and breeds

Dog type, "breed type", dog breed, and purebred dog breed are at times all used interchangeably, but they all have distinct meanings. "Types of dogs" are varieties developed for a specific work; they may be very ancient or modern in origin. "Modern breeds of dogs" are refinements of older dog types, bred so that all closely resemble each other, and documented in a stud book kept by a breed club or major dog registry. A "purebred dog" is a dog of a documented modern dog breed that has been selectively bred to emphasize "breed type" for the sport of competitive conformation dog showing.

The word "type" may be incorrectly used instead of "style" to refer to an identifiable 'style of appearance' or 'working style characteristic' of a particular kennel or "dogs of a well established line". [cite web |url= http://www.workingpitbull.com/real3.html|title= The Absolute Importance of Type|accessmonthday= 05/03|accessyear= 2008|last= Jessup |first= Diane|work= workingpitbull.com] . This terminology is incorrect. The word "type" in reference to a dog refers specifically to the description of what defines that breed and what makes that breed of dog different from every other breed, as can be found in that breed's written Standard. When comparing dogs of the same breed, you look at "type" first and foremost, and then you look for different "styles" of dogs within that breed. The term "style" refers to characteristics that are different in each dog that already has "breed type". There can be a vast variety of "styles" existing in each breed of dog. These characteristics develop from a breeder's desire to create a distinct 'look' (or "style") within their line. Breeders create their own "style" within their line, being careful not to stray from "breed type".

See also: Health Problems

Health problems of dog breeds and objections to dog showing have been covered extensively in the following articles:
Purebred dogs | Genetic disease | Criticism of dog showing | Dog | Dog breeding | List of dog diseases | Canine reproduction | Inbreeding | Founder effect. Also see articles about individual breeds for more on health issues of individual breeds.

References