socks 32,253 Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 What is the great draw and fascination of these shows that people drag their dogs all over the country in this heat to parade them around a ring for a poxy Rosette ... Or worse enter them in racing and simulated coursing ... I never go to shows and if I do I don't take the dogs ... I took Tilly to a show a few months back so that I could asses her temperament around loads of dogs and people and gunfire etc she was great so she won't see a show again ... I recognised faces that I had seen in shows years previously and it seemed all the people showing knew each other by name and were friends etc ... The majority of classes were filled with women so is it the case that its becoming a woman's meeting place to prance around the ring with no e working dogs because apart from 1 or 2 women only men post hunting trips and pictures on here .......... 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skycat 6,173 Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 I guess it's all a bit gay for many working dog men Pedigree dogs seem to attract more than their fair share of gay blokes, but lurchers and terriers remain the bastion for red blooded proper men: I think! Probably why they're not into showing off their dogs: doesn't do their field cred any good. I did show my dogs a bit many years ago, but got bored witless waiting for one person's opinion of my dogs ... for that is all it is, one person's opinion. For most people it can either be a social day out, or a frenzied bid to have the 'prettiest' dog on the day. Lurcher and terrier shows have changed a lot since the days when they were just an occasional day out where friends could meet up out of season, spend a few hours catching up and having a beer or two. The serious show goers have turned lurcher shows into a sort of Crufts for mongrels; it's their main hobby. But let them crack on: they aren't doing anyone any harm, so long as they keep the dogs cool and don't run them in the blazing heat on rock hard ground. All sorts of people in lurchers, the same as any other type of dog: for example, not all gun dog breeds are workers, and there's plenty that are only show or pet. Just as well not everyone with a lurcher works it or there'd be nothing left to hunt. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
socks 32,253 Posted July 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 I guess it's all a bit gay for many working dog men Pedigree dogs seem to attract more than their fair share of gay blokes, but lurchers and terriers remain the bastion for red blooded proper men: I think! Probably why they're not into showing off their dogs: doesn't do their field cred any good. I did show my dogs a bit many years ago, but got bored witless waiting for one person's opinion of my dogs ... for that is all it is, one person's opinion. For most people it can either be a social day out, or a frenzied bid to have the 'prettiest' dog on the day. Lurcher and terrier shows have changed a lot since the days when they were just an occasional day out where friends could meet up out of season, spend a few hours catching up and having a beer or two. The serious show goers have turned lurcher shows into a sort of Crufts for mongrels; it's their main hobby. But let them crack on: they aren't doing anyone any harm, so long as they keep the dogs cool and don't run them in the blazing heat on rock hard ground. All sorts of people in lurchers, the same as any other type of dog: for example, not all gun dog breeds are workers, and there's plenty that are only show or pet. Just as well not everyone with a lurcher works it or there'd be nothing left to hunt. The problem arises penny when these show champions are included in the lurcher gene pool ... Pups from champion racer blah blah blah over Farley hall country show champion winner blah blah blah ............. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pip1968 2,490 Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 iv never been into the dog show thing but started going last year to the knutsford show which wasnt bad tbh,then this year i went to the chirk show it was only a small show but beats the knutsford show by a mile i for one really enjoyed it Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skycat 6,173 Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 I agree that people who don't know what's what in the lurcher world can be had over like that, but if everyone did their homework properly, only bought a pup on recommendation from serious working dog folk, AND if breeders were totally honest about their dogs: then it wouldn't matter. I'm sure that there is a wider and wider gap happening between proper working lurchers and those which are pet/racing/showing dogs. But does it really matter if someone new to the game gets a dog that won't be up to much in the field as long as they are happy with it? There are far more 'hobby' hunters than there are serious, and I don't mean that as an insult or criticism. Most people are happy if they go out once or twice a week and their dog catches a few rabbits. That's fine by me, and I think I may be approaching that stage in life myself after busting my guts in the field for over 30 years As long as there are serious dedicated people breeding and working proper tough stock, then the working lurcher is safe. Most people don't stay in the game very long these days either, so yes, the amount of lurchers being bred is insane considering how many end up in rescue. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TOMO 26,284 Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 Simmo loves shows,, he loves prancing round the ring,,,, or should that be rimming round the ring,,,lol 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pip1968 2,490 Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 i got my pup lurcher from the knutsford show but i knew the lads who were selling them,but i never paid what they were asking i waited till a few days later and got in touch they accepted a price that i offered, and no big fancy names just worker to worker Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dytkos 17,803 Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 What is the great draw and fascination of these shows that people drag their dogs all over the country in this heat to parade them around a ring for a poxy Rosette ... Or worse enter them in racing and simulated coursing ... I never go to shows and if I do I don't take the dogs ... I took Tilly to a show a few months back so that I could asses her temperament around loads of dogs and people and gunfire etc she was great so she won't see a show again ... I recognised faces that I had seen in shows years previously and it seemed all the people showing knew each other by name and were friends etc ... The majority of classes were filled with women so is it the case that its becoming a woman's meeting place to prance around the ring with no e working dogs because apart from 1 or 2 women only men post hunting trips and pictures on here .......... You obviously didn't win a rosette then! Cheers, D. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
socks 32,253 Posted July 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 What is the great draw and fascination of these shows that people drag their dogs all over the country in this heat to parade them around a ring for a poxy Rosette ... Or worse enter them in racing and simulated coursing ... I never go to shows and if I do I don't take the dogs ... I took Tilly to a show a few months back so that I could asses her temperament around loads of dogs and people and gunfire etc she was great so she won't see a show again ... I recognised faces that I had seen in shows years previously and it seemed all the people showing knew each other by name and were friends etc ... The majority of classes were filled with women so is it the case that its becoming a woman's meeting place to prance around the ring with no e working dogs because apart from 1 or 2 women only men post hunting trips and pictures on here .......... You obviously didn't win a rosette then! Cheers, D. :laugh: ............... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rake aboot 4,936 Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 I have a great crack at the shows. Me and the missus go about in the camper catching up with friends from THL and having a laugh We don`t care about rosettes,, but the grandkids do, they love taking the dogs,(ours and other folks) into the ring, and I don`t mind, because it is getting them fully into the dog game. They love lurcher, terriers, and all the bollocks that goes with em ! lol Plenty people knock the shows,(blah blah, not working dogs, blah show ponies blah) But to be honest, it`s a load of crap. Most of the dogs that I seem to see regularly are all worked, and I have met some cracking characters at the shows as well. Maybe if you take life THAT seriously, you may not have the temprement to go to shows, regardless of what type they are. Or you could just sit about all summer posting on here. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fitchet 788 Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 I know of a family some race there lurchers some work there dogs harder than most. Does it really matter aslong as they enjoy there dogs ?? And as for racers being brought into working lines how many greyhounds are working in this country yet how many first xs are bred year after year. The same could be said of collies,bulls, salukis. I used to think the same but when you sit down and actually speak to some of the racing fraternity they can open your eyes a fair bit. All the best. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
socks 32,253 Posted July 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 I have a great crack at the shows. Me and the missus go about in the camper catching up with friends from THL and having a laugh We don`t care about rosettes,, but the grandkids do, they love taking the dogs,(ours and other folks) into the ring, and I don`t mind, because it is getting them fully into the dog game. They love lurcher, terriers, and all the bollocks that goes with em ! lol Plenty people knock the shows,(blah blah, not working dogs, blah show ponies blah) But to be honest, it`s a load of crap. Most of the dogs that I seem to see regularly are all worked, and I have met some cracking characters at the shows as well. Maybe if you take life THAT seriously, you may not have the temprement to go to shows, regardless of what type they are. Or you could just sit about all summer posting on here. Or I could be working my dogs everyday or going fishing or walking out of evening with the gun and dogs or whole host of other things ..... You obviously like your shows well done as the ones up your way must be very different to the ones I have been to if the ones you go to are full of working dogs .......... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gonetoearth 5,144 Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 Socks. Many foot packs and terriers/ lurcher clubs rely on there summer show to raise funds and yes they are meeting places They have been a part of the scene for many many years and long may they continue 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
socks 32,253 Posted July 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 Socks. Many foot packs and terriers/ lurcher clubs rely on there summer show to raise funds and yes they are meeting places They have been a part of the scene for many many years and long may they continue I understand that and when its a working pack or club show with working dogs then great ... Back in the 70's 80's i was a member of a great club that held yearly shows ...It's the shows you see with overweight women dressed in pink combats pouncing around a ring with an oiled down manacured lurcher at the end of the lead that grates me ... If these ladies want to get into showing then do it with a pedigree dog and not a pretend working lurcher ........ 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
johnny boy68 11,726 Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 I first met TOMO at a show and funnily enough he was wearing pink combats too. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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