![]() Unlike conformation shows which only allow intact purebreds, it is open to mixed breeds. But the judging at these shows almost exclusively places an emphasis on physical appearance, effectively ignoring the genetic factors like health, temperament and function that enable a dog to live a successful life as a working or companion animal.Īgility exists on the opposite end of the spectrum from the conformation world, offering a far more dog-positive arena free of controversy. The essential purpose of the more than 20,000 conformation shows held annually in the United States is to assess dogs for breeding stock or, more specifically, in a way that promotes selection of parents in order to produce the “best” puppies. The conformation portion of Westminster is one of America’s longest-running sporting events and what most people envision when they think of dog shows (or, indeed, Best in Show), but vocal critics have claimed it enables the breeding of dogs for beauty over health and function to the detriment of the animal. “There’s two people that can beat us,” she says. That’s why it’s so addicting, because you can’t guarantee it.”Ījoux, who plans to retire Fame shortly after this year’s Westminster after a decorated career, strikes a more confident pose as the competition looms. “Agility is funny because I’ve had so many good runs with Verb and every time I wonder if I will ever have another, because it always feels like it’s just lucky that it happens. “I do feel a little bit of pressure of being the reigning champion, because I think everyone’s watching and everyone’s expecting you to do something,” DeWitt says in the days before the trial. In a couple days’ time, they will make the two-hour drive north to New York City and attempt to make it three in a row for what’s fast becoming the winningest household in the sport. Fame, aged nine and in the winter of her career, won it the year before and remains a formidable threat to regain the crown. The six-year-old Verb, owned and handled by DeWitt, captured last year’s Westminster masters agility title with a sensational final run that went viral and enters this year’s competition as the defending champion. View image in fullscreen Pink the border collie competes next to handler Jennifer Crank at the Westminster Kennel Club’s agility title (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) Photograph: Bebeto Matthews/AP
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