We’ve grown weary of those who say that today’s purebred dog can no longer do the job for which its breed was created. In fact, we think it’s rubbish to suggest that a sound, well bred dog bred by a heritage breeder mindful of the breed’s purpose can be nothing more than a companion. Well bred dogs are so much more, and to prove it, we’ve been doing a series called, “Not Just Another Pretty Face.”
Meet “Blue,” a Dalmatian. Her full name should give you a clue about her versatility: Champion Zdar’s Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About AX, AXJ, RA, BN, CD, CGC. She recently received her Versatility Certificate and Versatility Excellent Certificate from the Dalmatian Club of America, but more to the point, she’s added a new title to her name: Road Dog (road trials are held at the Dalmatian Club of America’s National Specialty).
“Blue” has six titles in Agility, and is currently competing in the Master’s level for standard and jumpers. She already has two rally titles, as well as two obedience titles. She also earned her conformation championship title with 4 majors. For good measure, throw in her Canine Good Citizenship title.
The Dalmatian Club of America awards a Versatility Certificate to Dalmatians who have earned points in three different disciplines, and also awards a Versatility Excellent Certificate for earning points in four different categories. “Blue” has earned both of these while demonstrating that she is an excellent example of her breed. She is not just another pretty face.
If you have a dog who has demonstrated that he or she isn’t “just another pretty face” and can do the job for which s/he was bred, send us pictures and your dog’s story to nationalpurebreddogday@nationalpurebreddogday.com
Photos shared by Blue’s owner, Cindy Chaytor
They can, they will, and they do! Love it.
What a wonderful anecdote, Jenny! We’ve found that stubbornness is typically associated with a stinking intelligent dog more inclined to listen to his or her own mind than the nonsensical demands of their idiot owner (our own stubborn dog made us write that).
Bingo, Sally!
The picture is Lily helping in the barn.
We rescued a beautiful liver Dalmation puppy many years ago. She pointed pheasants, and herded calves and sheep. She could find about any lost object if she understood what you were looking for.
We never got any titles on her because she understood basic obedience, but was stubborn enough to not obey if she didn’t feel like it. If you called her in from the pasture, she might count sheep and check the chickens before getting to whoever called her.