[HarleyQuinn]

I had no intentions of opening up a can of worms on that statement, but so many of us and other dog people are so quick to ask right away about conformation titles when someone pipes up with breeding questions, honestly breeding is not a task that ever should be taken lightly and its good that we are throwing that out there in hopes of discouragement. However, I as a BC owner ( first timer at that) and one who was SO unprepared for the dogs intelligence, I could have easily become another statistic on a rehomed BC that was driving their owner nuts with destructive behaviour. But Im more stubborn than any dog lol. I couldnt allow myself to be defeated by Meiko. Although its a constant battle trying to keep him mentally stimulated I must say, but it keeps me on my toes trying to find new activities for him.

We're in the same boat except I have double the trouble with my pair. I love it though. Im always so entertained.

[Curbside Prophet]

tirluc, I don't know if you're missing my point, or are arguing the same point...at this point. My point is, and has been, that in order to have an excellent herding dog, it takes more than the dog's nature to build it's working abilities. Imprinting is important, socialization with the flock is important starting at birth. Most of the connections in a dog's brain are developed in puppyhood...that's a fact. And unless the dog is nurtured in the job it will do, it's nature is diminished. So in my example of the 2 pups with equal drive, the dog that was nurtured on the farm will always be the better herding dog than the New York dog. The brain connections aren't there for the city dog. Yes, you can train the dog because it has the nature, but you're fighting an uphill battle if you think this dog will be an equally talented herder as the farm nurtured dog. Try taking a gun dog who's never been socialized to gun fire when young on a hunt, and see how well he is when he hears his first gun shot. He may be an excellent retriever, but if he panics at the gun fire, he's a worthless gun dog. It's both, nature and nurture.

[MagicToller]

There are so many in's and out's with the Conformation ring, I can't even begin to tell you. Incase people were not aware, the Conformation Ring means one thing, and one thing only: breeding. Success in the ring can mean alot for a breed, so it is important for Judges to have a "working eye" as well. Breed clubs should take measures to make sure that the dogs are indeed being worked in their respected areas, to preserve the natural essance of the breed. All of the inbetween drama and the pretty stuff is all part of the show and drama.. as well as the political aspects that can seriously damage a breed just as easily as it can improve it.