Concerned About Breed Standards for an Average Housepet?
I finally met someone in CT (aside from our vet) whose knows what a shiba is. They were in the parking lot at the grocery store and, after asking if Tosca was a shiba, preceded to tell me what a horrible example of one she is and that she "does her breed a great disservice". She said that, for the good of the breed, I should say she's a mutt because she's "such a complete disaster". (Jerk, Idiot, Moron, Loser, Cretin, Miscreant, ect, ect...) Was I offended... ohhhhh yes.
Yes, Tosca's coloration, while beautiful in my eyes, is abysmal to anyone who is concerned with the standards set for showing shibas. She's even more abnormal than a cream. She's also 6 or 7 lbs too heavy for a show shiba. She's spayed - a no-no for show dogs. To top it off, she seems a lot softer post-bath, so I'm sure I used a "bad" shampoo for a shiba, but as long as it won't do her harm (make her coat not insulating enough, make her itch, ect...) I don't mind. All the better to snuggle with, in my opinion.
Those of you with dogs that are purebred, but only pets, how concerned with the standards were you when you got your dog(s)? Obviously, since I was rescuing mine, I was not picky in that regard. (Look what I chose, after all.) I was curious to see if I'm in the minority or not. I also want to know (dumb as it sounds) if Tosca's as ugly an average pet as that woman/heifer made her out to be. Should I be proud of my unique, beautifully multi-colored little girl, or less than inclined to show her off? I ask this because there is a possiblity that Tosca may be making an appearance on stage with me in a few months. (Let's see how she does with a large group first.) I don't want my company dealing with this dumbness.
I've submitted photographic evidence for your consideration.
Yes, Tosca's coloration, while beautiful in my eyes, is abysmal to anyone who is concerned with the standards set for showing shibas. She's even more abnormal than a cream. She's also 6 or 7 lbs too heavy for a show shiba. She's spayed - a no-no for show dogs. To top it off, she seems a lot softer post-bath, so I'm sure I used a "bad" shampoo for a shiba, but as long as it won't do her harm (make her coat not insulating enough, make her itch, ect...) I don't mind. All the better to snuggle with, in my opinion.
Those of you with dogs that are purebred, but only pets, how concerned with the standards were you when you got your dog(s)? Obviously, since I was rescuing mine, I was not picky in that regard. (Look what I chose, after all.) I was curious to see if I'm in the minority or not. I also want to know (dumb as it sounds) if Tosca's as ugly an average pet as that woman/heifer made her out to be. Should I be proud of my unique, beautifully multi-colored little girl, or less than inclined to show her off? I ask this because there is a possiblity that Tosca may be making an appearance on stage with me in a few months. (Let's see how she does with a large group first.) I don't want my company dealing with this dumbness.
I've submitted photographic evidence for your consideration.
Comments
The only things the owner of a pet-quality dog need to be concerned about is temperament and health. The rest is all up to personal taste. If I ever owned a Shiba, I would like a black and tan because that's the colour I prefer. I would probably not own a cream because I don't like that colour so much, but if the right cream came along...
Our Boxer is white which is a HUGE no-no in the showing world. But since we only wanted him as a family pet, what does it matter? Not too long ago white Boxer puppies were killed shortly after birth because they were seen as an enormous defect and disgrace. I don't think any pup is deserving of that fate, and that's why breed standard doesn't matter so much when it all comes down to it.
I also wanted to add what a complete Bitch that lady was!!!
Furthermore, she should be happy that Tosca is spayed & that you are not breeding her. [ not that you would
In all honesty, COLOUR has little to do with anything! While I also may have certain preferences for colours in the nihon ken, it doesn't make the ones I don't preffer any less special! What does she suggest we do with puppies who aren't the right colour? Drown them????
Also, You live around some real nutters! lol
Screw haters.
I'm agreeing with everyone else here. Stuff know it alls can go stuff something up their something and stop bothering happy people with their happy pets
Tosca is beautiful, and seems to be a terrific partner for you. Don't let stupid people drag you down to their level!
If I were to pay good money for a Shiba from a reputable breeder, I would expect it to be near standard, but not perfect, as I would still be paying for pet quality, and not show quality. As far as rescue Shibas, or any other dogs, it really doesn't matter as long as their personality works for me.
Just love Tosca for the Diva that she is and don't worry about stupid people.
Does she criticize parents with adopted children for not being ideal examples of their parents ethnic makeup? Seriously. I would be fuming. And I totally understand you being offended. Tosca is a beautiful girl and a perfect addition to you family. You love her, and she loves you, that is so much more important than whether or not her coloring meets standard. Love is something that woman clearly did not receive enough of growing up otherwise she would understand that.
We had our pick of the litter when we were looking for a new pup to add to our family. Instead of picking one of the three red pups (who looked like they were going to be a perfect standard), we picked Nola. Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with Nola (other than her over-excited-ness), however, her colouring is less than standard. Since she was going to be a pet (and spayed), I could care less about colour standard. Her temperment won me over as soon as I met her! Not to mention that both parents were gorgeous (mum was red, and sire was B&T), healthy, and tested. And THAT is what matters.
Not to mention that while Bella's colouring is within standards, her size is not. However, I would never fault her for being too tall or above weight standards. She is my princess, and I love her for who she is... not what she is supposed to be.
If someone ever told me that either of my pups were a disgrace to their breed for colouring or size, I might do something that could get me arrested. No one should EVER disregard a companion dog for outward appearances.
It's weird how people are dicks about animals. No matter what you do, somebody is holier than thou.
Because slaughtering and entire breed of animal regardless of temperament, health, and history, is how we make the world a better place....
At least you can live with yourself knowing you helped and you have a wonderful companion to boot.
The point is, there are all makes and models of Shibas. Appreciate the unique quality of yours. Of the many 350 or so breed of dogs, I think the Shiba has to have some of greatest variation. It amazes me when I look at all the dogs here and in rescue.
Snf
PS: here is a picture of my dog and I have heard all sorts of things....I can tell I would not care if she were purple. In my mind she is better looking than half the show dogs out there. She has no papers and who knows about her background.
I hate how breeds get a bad rap but people don't. In doing research I found that a lot of towns in MA have Akita's on their "dangerous dog" lists and some even ban the breed all together! Drives me crazy! Even Siberian Huskies are on the dangerous dog lists and my two girls were sweet as pie, couldn't hurt a fly!
This world is jacked up.
But for a pet, if you are going to a breeder, a reputable breeder, you should be able to pick a dog that excels in all areas. Nola is beautiful, she'll always be a striking sesame!
If you are rescuing or adopting from a shelter, I really don't think looks matter at all. This is your best friend, your companion - I don't choose my humans friends based on their looks! I choose them based on their capacity for compassion and trust (and sense of humor, that is very important to me). Same with my husband, while I think he is very handsome, that wasn't what sold me.
My Tsuki is double whammy being a creamie and her structure is just awful, but weight and height are within standard. Kitsune looks more like a fox than a shiba - his snout is long and pointed, he's called "dirty red" instead of sesame, but I love him just the same. She and he are a dog, they are my dogs who I want to be happy and healthy for the rest of their days and I don't care about much else - even though I think my dogs are stunning.
eta: Even Hanzo, I think he is incredibly good looking, 3 legs and all
Tosca is beautiful and she is all shiba (if that matters!), don't let anyone let you think otherwise.
I wouldn't love Kuma any less if he was spotted like a Dalmatian. I wanted an Akita mainly for the temperament and not for the "right looks". Most of all, I wanted my Dog (with all the meaning implied in it), and that's what he is to me, and that Tosca is to you.
"Nancy, we may be outspoken about our dislike for the people that recklessly and irresponsibly breed dogs that don't meet the standard, but the dogs themselves are just as valuable to us as the international champions a reputable breeder may produce"
beautiful, exactly Dave!!!
Nola's breeder will probably never breed that same pair again as to try and keep her puppies to the breed standard. And Nola will never be breed (she is spayed).
In summary, I guess what I am trying to say is that all breeders should strive to produce puppies that meet the breed standard. However, I know (just as everyone else should, including that idiot that lives in Nancy's neighborhood) that there will always be a chance that even the two most perfect parents will produce a non-standard puppy. Those puppies deserve a great life just like the puppies that meet the standard. And if anyone thinks less of them as a companion dog, they are idiots.
IMO breed standards should put less emphasis on cosmetic details and should focus on health, physical robustness, and temperment, anyway.
I think when looking for a pet companion, as others mentioned...it doesn't matter what the dog looks like as long as you feel the connection with the dog and the dog is healthy and stable. Of course if you were paying for a show/breed dog, then you should get show/breed quality.
Sorry, I am only being hateful. Of couse we are all beautiful. It is just we get ugly if we lose sight of the real meaning of life and some folks will never acheive the kind of Love and Happiness that is available. This woman was a nasty example of the human race and likely will open her mouth one too many times one day.
Huggs for the Holidays, Tosca is gorgeous and I see a Beautiful Shiba !
Ron
I feel this is no different than someone going up to a parent stating how ashamed they should be of their autistic, downs syndrome, MR, cerebral palsy and so on child! As many of you know that I work in this field. I have one child that is a genetic mess (no toenails or fingernails, her eyelids dont close, her teeth are coming in black and in the center of her palate, her skull is misshapen, her feet are deformed...) but she is my little princess. You will never know what you will get. If I was told that there was something wrong with Elijah we would not of terminated. I would love to know what this lady believes with it comes to non "normal" children and people.
I can go on and on but screw the ignorant!