03.2010
As I sit here writing this in early March with spring flowers out in Northern California – the January Flushing show seems so long ago. Yet the memory of a brutal snow season is still fresh on the minds of our members in the East and Mid-West.
Thinking back to January - what a sight to see the BIS ring filled with a representative of EVERY spaniel breed and variety – including the Boykins. At lunch on Sunday of the show, our Best in Show judge Dr. Robert Smith commented to me on the grand tradition of the ASC and what an honor to do BIS at this most unique event. It really is special – and others outside of the breed remind me of that. I know we often take it for granted and some just look at it as just another set of points with majors all around. With a tradition that goes back to 1881 – it is certainly NOT just another show. Buy yourself the video (available on our website) – and on the next cold and snowy day, make some popcorn and enjoy the show!
Speaking of tradition – the topic of natural tails is still taking far too much attention in my view. Speaking for myself, I feel this is what happens when extremists get play in the media and in legislatures around the country. Clearly, anti-docking sentiments are NOT seeded in the world of experienced dog breeders but are heavily promoted by animal rights proponents. If you have ANY experience you know that tail docking is a simple procedure causing little if any pain. Anyone who has witnessed docking a litter would be challenged to describe it in any other way. And there is simply no science to indicate otherwise – despite the unfounded and sadly unscientific recommendations of the AMVA or the uniformed at the Banfield Pet Hospital chain for example. (As an aside – I hope the Westminster KC throws the book at the attention seeking PETA protesters at the show – I heard they are pressing charges and hope they do).
The ASC issued a judges directive last year that strongly states the history, reasoning and explanation of the docked tail. There is a copy on our website – feel free to distribute widely. The natural tail is a fault – and should be judged as such. Tails, as all aspects of a breed, are judged on the standard at the judge’s discretion. The ASC will not discard our history because of the pressures of a few splinter groups with unreasonable perspectives and suspect philosophies on the role of domestic animals. We must be diligent in this fight. But, the ASC Board is also not recommending to the ASC membership that we amend our standard to disqualify a natural tail either – it’s a fault like straight fronts or bad bite and our directive is clear on that. One thing that a long time breeder/judge pointed out to me is that our current standard just mentions a docked tail with no specificity. There are other breeds right within our own Sporting Group that are very specific on the docked tail. The Brittany standard says tails should be docked to approximately 4 inches. The German Shorthaired Pointer standard states the tail is docked to approximately two-fifths of its original length. The Spinone Italiano standard says the tail is docked to a length of 5 1/2 to 8 inches. The Weimaraner standard says docked (tail), at maturity should measure 6 inches. And the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon standard states it (the tail) is docked by one-third to one-half of its length. Food for thought – and worth a discussion among yourselves at shows or on the ASC Yahoo Group. It’s interesting no Spaniels are specific in this area. In any case, if you want to know what the enemy is plotting, just listen to Nancy Peterson of the HSUS who recently commented in the online Veterinary News portal that breed clubs won’t voluntarily change to outlaw docked tails – maybe it’s time for legislation. There you have it –lets stand-up for ourselves as knowledgeable breeders and parent clubs and as advocates dedicated to the welfare of our animals.
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President
American Spaniel Club.
