I'm astounded by the number of people who class showing as a hobby, that one can pick up and put down whenever you like!

OK, I have shown Murphy a couple of times - that's a hobby!

But for people who attend shows nationally and internationally, nearly every weekend; travel hundreds (if not thousands) of miles to do so; and pick their dogs specifically for success in the show (and usually breeding) world.

It's not a hobby! To be that dedicated to something that it takes precedence over your other aspects of life; takes up all your money etc surely can't be classed as a hobby?

And re cost - M&M's breeder broke even on the first litter and lost hundreds of pounds with the second after an emergency c-section and the death of 3 pups. Not a money-making job at all!!

Hobby Definition....
Yes - people spend a small fortune on it - I do on my dogs....but the same could be said of many other hobbys.....the major difference between Dogs and say Photography is the fact that one involves living creatures that need care for thier entire lives.

Just because you spend a small fortune on it and you allow it to dictae your life outsdie of your work doesn't make it any less of a hobby?

The Showing is a Hobby....the dogs are not!

[quote=Tassle;1872883]Hobby Definition....


Yes - people spend a small fortune on it - I do on my dogs....but the same could be said of many other hobbys.....the major difference between Dogs and say Photography is the fact that one involves living creatures that need care for thier entire lives.

Just because you spend a small fortune on it and you allow it to dictae your life outsdie of your work doesn't make it any less of a hobby?

The Showing is a Hobby....the dogs are not![/quote]

Exactly
If you think of showing or anything as anything other than a hobby then IT becomes more important than the individual dog

[QUOTE=Ben Mcfuzzylugs;1872893] What about looking at it as a "sport" - do people become very competitive when showing - maybe they do - then money (and maybe the proper welfare of the dog) becomes secondary to the "winning" and the prestige in having what has been judged to be best - just a little thought to throw around

[QUOTE=aerolor;1872916] i will have you know that i find showing competitive, it is competetive, but do not say that the welfare of the dog is second or even third!!! how dare you generalise, that just because people are competitive they do no put their dogs first!!!!

I think you'll find those that exhibit dogs "generally" if you (Benmcfuzzylugs) want to generalise have fitter, better socialised dogs than many pet owners. Their coats and condition is usually perfect.

[QUOTE=x-clo-x;1873000] Agreed....I'm also very competative - what's the point in competing otherwise???? I and all the people who I know and see at shows put the dogs first, and anyone who doesn't isn't thought highly of, whether their dogs do well or not. Most people with show dogs want theirs to be the fittest, healthiest, best groomed, best fed specimens. Is that not putting the dog's needs first? A dog which doesn't love and respect it's handler won't show itself as well as one who does. A dog should be vibrant in the show ring, a sad depressed animal would not be.

[QUOTE=x-clo-x;1873000] I bet there are some fab people out there who show their dogs , they love their dogs and they show them and they have their dogs forever xxxx But I do wonder from various experiences, how many do not look at their dogs as a forever companions and love the thrill of winning , more than the dogs themselves

I'm afraid I am one who believes that first and foremost it should be fun...thats why I compete - If I am not having fun I will not compete - but I do not go to win....I go to have fun. (It used to drive my mother up the wall...she refused to pay my entry fees in the end!)

[QUOTE=Loki's mum;1873021] I am glad you said most. In my limited experience of KC Breeds and showing, I have seen another side of that coin. Dogs that are fed cheap food and given little excercise until a show is coming up then put on a rigorous excercise regime, to look toned etc I am glad this is not the norm, assuming that it isn't.