What is a "specials" dog?  For those readers who are unfamiliar with the American dog show scene, a specials dog is a dog which, after completing its championship, continues to be shown in "best of breed" competition, in hopes of group placements and "best in show".

In the American ring, the competition is acute, especially in the area of coat. - amount and length - though , sad to say, not in quality.  No dog can expect to win at the higher levels without several inches of coat trailing on the ground, ear fringes nearly sweeping the ground, and face furnishings to match. This emphasis on hair effectively excludes the dog whose coat is not wrapped and packaged for protection against all the normal activities of life.

These dogs never eat or drink from a bowl unless their face and ear furnishings are wrapped, braided, snooded or otherwise protected.  Their feet are often not allowed to touch the ground, as they are kept on wire grates, and exercised on mechanical treadmills - with their coats wrapped and packaged, of course. If this sounds a a bit unbelievable, just watch the maintenence grooming that takes place just after a Breed competition at any big show, as the hair is being re-packaged to save it for the next competition.

Don't get me wrong. I love the spectacle of the long flowing tresses. It is spectacular! It's not that I don't know how to do it either.  I know how, but I won't.  My dogs are dogs, not Barby dolls. They run for hours in the garden, in dirt and grass.  They dig holes and lie in them.  They burrow through the bushes, and collect branches in their coats.  They get muddy paws, and muddy faces. When they bury their faces in their food dishes, they sometimes eat their moustaches, and they always come up dripping from the water dish.  Their beds are plush and thick padded. Yes it breaks the hair!  They run wildly in the yard, playing games of tag, and wrestling, and yes, PULLING hair! They have hard muscles, and strong bodies from natural exercise, and healthy appetites.

They are dogs! And no matter how correct they are according to the standard, or no matter how well they move, they will never be "Specials" dogs.

The question is: are specials competitions good for the breed? Do they promote excellence in breed type?  Do they present the epitome of health and desirable characteristics that the breed has to offer? You have to answer that question, because I have already made up my mind.