This is good news, and places the British Kennel Club ahead of the American Kennel Club, which has seen its registration numbers drop 55% in the last 15 years as word has gotten out that AKC dogs, as a group, are are NOT healthier or smarter than cross bred dogs.
As for the American (non-LUA) Dalmatian, it remains a mess. As I noted in an earlier post:
Who speaks for the dogs in America? Not the AKC, that's pretty clear.
Just look at Patti Strand if you have any doubt. Here you will find not only an AKC Board Member, Dalmatian breeder, and dog show judge, but an open apologist for puppy mill registrations, pet-shop sales, and ribbon-chasing within a closed-registry system.
Stand for the health of the dog? Sorry, but at the Dalmatian Club of America and the American Kennel Club that idea seems to take a back seat to blue ribbons and green cash.
Every time I say this I get yelled at, but I have yet to find a Dalmatian that lives up to the hype. The ones I've been around have been the most scatter-brained creatures.
ReplyDeleteThey have spots.
So?
They are a very good example of a breed that was bred for appearance alone. Combine that with the high endurance needed for the carriage dog work, and you have a dog that is very hard for the average person to keep.
They make lovely rugs and coats however.
ReplyDeleteP