Why exactly are we here?

So another Westminster is behind us.

I find myself waxing philosophical about the topic as I place very little value overall in dog shows as the competition rarely has much to do with fair play, honoring good breeding, or even rewarding excellence. It does have a lot to do with income, posturing, and the pursuit of hollow rewards but that is a post for another day.

There was controversy in my breed. Seems the judge forgot to judge the bitches before deciding on Best of Breed. There are rumors of grumbling about this breech of etiquette and comments about demanding entry refunds.


Then there was apparently some surprise over the BIS choice. Once again a beagle wins- a beagle who has probably never seen a hare that wasn't stuffed and squeaked. She was handled by a handler and is co owned by three people. She is also from Canada.  A much made reference to Uno the previous Westminster winner who also probably has never hunted nor could produce get.Seems Uno is a decidedly sterile winner in a competition that is suppose to be for breeding animals for a purpose which seems to be breeding more show dogs.

So once again I ask myself, Why are we here? Is it to honor a dog who cannot hunt, who was decided best among dogs that have never hunted nor will ever be hunted over?

I frequently ask "why are we here?" among those who raise my breed which is a pet breed well known for being hard to house break, yappy, and brilliant in all training ways. You often see "reputable" breeders of these dogs with a household of dogs wearing diapers if they are allowed out of kennels at all but winning on the weekends. "Really? Why are we here?! What is this excellence and merit we're all blathering about?"