In past issues I have discussed the need for an amateur division in the Sport of Purebred Dogs. And that, again, is the topic of this month's editorial. I have said it before and I will say it again, we need another option for the non professional to exhibit their champion dogs. This is of utmost importance at this stage of development of our sport. We are involved in a numbers game, like it or not.
People are interested in points, rankings, and records.
Even breeders are influenced by numbers. How many champion get their sires or dams have produced, how many champions their kennel has bred, or how quickly they have finished their puppies are all subjects that most breeders are more than happy to discuss with anyone. So, in this world of ours where numbers rule, we have effectively eliminated the average owner-handler who has a 9 to 5 job from competing at the highest levels of our sport. Many become discouraged by these prospects and give up while others just show when they can. This is something we, as the guardians of our sport, must change.