Kate Newcastle, ME 2/10/2012 5:11:47 AM I think the last responder missed the point of the article. For those of us who love our breeds, are adhering to the standard and trying to participate it is next to impossible. It doesn't mean that particular dog was the best it just means that the owner/backers had enough money to compete year round. I am one of the disillusioned who is watching my breed deteriorate while the AKC awards a breeder of merit to a breeder who proudly states on her website that she practices "genetic sculpting".
Lyn Canoga Park, CA 2/9/2012 9:14:22 PM Good article but it under estimates the cost of compaigning, The mentioned cost of $100,000 to campaign a dog with a handler is just a down payment, the real cost for the dogs that are being specialed is closer to 200,000 to $400,00 a year. I've been there, done that,