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Conformation in Beagle Community

I was thinking about this over the weekend and talked with a couple people about it, but in the Beagle community the show is just an added thing to the hunt. Not many people take it serious. But in the coondog community its a big deal! They take it just as serious as hunt! So my question is, why do we as beaglers leave out half the picture in breeding for a dog that is a TOTAL DOG? Isn't that what we are shooting for anyway? Don't get me wrong, there are some people who value it, but a majority doesn't. Just wanting to hear some opinions here.

Jadon

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Gobbler Creek Kennel
At stud: PCH GRCH Cedar Grove's Mossy Oak
~Gobbler Creek Website~

What dog has ever won Autumn Oaks show n hunt? or World show n hunt? Two totally seperate dogs. So doesnt seem coondogs are breeding for total dog either.

you're right vicky. It just seems to me they value conformation a little more IMO. But I guess we all value different things in a dog!

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Gobbler Creek Kennel
At stud: PCH GRCH Cedar Grove's Mossy Oak
~Gobbler Creek Website~

Before determining that most UKC beaglers do not value conformation ask yourself a few questions:

Do we want our dogs to have the ability to run a track with accuracy at a good rate of speed? Making a turn accurately while in motion requires physical balance. The dog that can smell the turn AND can physically make the turn will push the track forward the most efficiently.

Do we want our dogs to have the ability to run a track in difficult scenting conditions? Wide open nostrils with excellent nasal passages and proper ears and head all contribute to excellent scenting ability. A dog with the physical make-up to facilitate excellent scenting ability has the advantage.

Do we want dogs that are as strong in the second half of the hunt as they are in the first half? Physically excellent hounds are propelled with much less effort. The payoff for stamina and endurance are real advantages. Physical stress and fatigue will always hinder a dog's performance.

There are many more hunt advantages directly related to excellent conformation.

It is important to realize that some do not understand the value of conformation even though they want the performance traits that are greatly enhanced by excellent conformation. Minimal or limited understanding of the direct correlation between a dog's physical make-up and it's ability to perform in the hunt is probably the biggest factor leading to the topic of this post.

To value the importance of conformation would require knowledge and understanding of the subject. Dan M

Just my opinion but I'm not much into the whole show thing. Don't get me wrong I think it's great and I know people and kids enjoy it. Me myself I really don't care what the dog looks like as long as it gets it done in the field. I do like a unique looking dog.

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