Meet “Babe,” a Tibetan Terrier bred and owned by Katja Rauhut. Katja did a pretty wonderful thing we wish more people would do to further the cause of education, but we’ll get to that in a minute.
“Babe,” at two and a half years old, is a multiple champion world winner, so it couldn’t have been easy for Katja to do this ↓↓
“Gasp,” right?
Katja shaved half of “Babe” to educate people about the optics of coat, and to show that what’s underneath a coat isn’t always what you think you see. Put another way, you have to get your hands on a dog to properly evaluate it.
The “coated Babe” may look longer than she is tall. In her breeder’s view, she is a smallish TT whose impressive coat, coupled with her size, make her look longer than she really is. As you can see from the photo above, however, “half naked Babe” is totally square, and she should be. “Babe” lives in Europe where the FCI standard prevails, and the standard reads, “General Appearance: Sturdy, medium-sized, long-haired, generally square outline. Important Proportions: Length from point of shoulder to root of tail equal to height at withers.”
Katja reports (with frustration, we suspect) that a few have said “Babe” is too short on leg. In her breeder’s view, she’s not. Evaluating dogs, of course, is somewhat subjective, but Katja’s point isn’t to instruct people about what is correct in the breed, but to stress the importance of “going over” a dog with one’s own hands before forming an opinion. It’s difficult to tell from “coated Babe” whether or not she has a forechest, deep chest, or if she has correct angulation in front or behind. What we see is a head, topline and tail set. From the “half shaved” photograph, however, we can see “Babe’s” forechest and angulation, something that can also be determined by educated hands feeling for those same things.
What has response been to Katja’s photograph since she posted it on Facebook? It’s been “liked” 2300 times (and counting), shared over 700 times, and messages from breed clubs around the globe asking for permission to use the picture for breed standards, education and breed seminars have been pouring in. People are hungry for this kind of information.
Katja tells us that “Babe” will regrow her hair and be shown again in about two years. Motherhood may be in her immediate future, though that’s not why she was shaved. In our view, Katja exhibited the kind of educational spirit we love. Our thanks to her for allowing us to share her pictures, and for explaining story behind the picture.
Awesome perspective!
Isn’t it just the coolest thing, Peggy?
The point of sternum in front of the point of shoulder is so important for a judge to feel in most breeds – although I do not read this important point in breed standards. Sadly there are dogs without this; I have seen the point of sternum far below where it is supposed to be, which restricts front end movement drastically. This dog demonstrates the proper conformation and how except for movement, you really could not know for certain that the sternum was properly constructed without your hands on …..although there are hints with the coat on that you learn. This beautiful Babe stands with such lovely posture. While reading this, sit-up/stand-up straight if you can, with your shoulders back …….Your sternum is in front of your shoulders …….if you forget how it is supposed to be…..just stand-up straight!
I wish that breed clubs would offer “wet T-shirt” specialties now and then. No need to shave them down, just run them through a pool and trot them into the ring so we could see the structure underlying the delicious coats. I had wondered for years what Bichons had under all that plush coat and facial fur, but didn’t dare touch one till last weekend, when they had a table at a pet supply convention. Surprise! a sturdy substantial little body.
Depends on the breed, Holly. We suspect mutiny if this was proposed at, say, a Puli or Komondor specialty, lol. But we get what you’re saying, and yes, it would be really educational!!
very very interesting. That´s why it is essential to use your hands and visualize when you are examining. Also movement, the placement, co-ordination, kenetic balance and firmness of the trot helps a lot.
Spot on, Romy!
This is a terrific educational tool. Babe is gorgeous, both in structure and in full coat. Thank you, Katja, for having done this. Just terrific!
We loved it too, Wendyll!