AKC Gazette October 1996

Words To The Wise

The most dangerous term in dogdom, the phrase that strikes terror in the heart of every breeder, handler or exhibitor, is, "I really want your honest opinion."

Anyone who's been in dogs more than a week has probably heard this chilling statement. No one, not your mother, your spouse or your partner, let alone a competitor, really wants your honest opinion about anything unless, of course, you happen to agree with them. The term is most often used in one of three situations: evaluating a litter, assessing the merits of someone's dog (the most dangerous ground!) or evaluating someone's performance as a judge. Proceed with the utmost caution, at the risk of losing a friend or having your opinion repeated out of context to all who will (eagerly) listen. Luckily, there's a solution for each of these dilemmas.

When looking at a litter, say nothing until after the breeders tip their hand by gushing about the spindly, dane-faced pup hiding in the corner. Don't succumb to the temptation to rave about the beautiful, typey, bold pup that was not favored from birth with a full white collar and was thus discarded as a show prospect. After all, don't you know judges won't put up a Boxer that isn't painted like a clown? Usually, after the litter owners go on about their favorite, they'll forget they asked for your opinion and you'll be off the hook if you remain silent.

The most prickly situation involves a request to evaluate your friend's dog as a specimen of the breed or a valuable producer or-- God forbid! --in terms of temperament. Tread lightly! I usually try to be absolutely truthful on the positive points, but I tactfully skip over the negative aspects. Remember, your friend is convinced Rover--and his puppy, if that's the case--roaches his back because a judge was too heavy-handed with him as a baby and he crawls on his belly because a big dog growled at him at an impressionable age. Just say Rover has a beautiful bite and excellent tail-set and forget the rest.

Judges, their public image to the contrary, are not very thick-skinned. They take their job seriously and don't treasure the opinions of ringside quarterbacks who couldn't see Rover's wry mouth or light eyes. If they had a tough time deciding between two dogs, they may later ask for your "honest opinion" as a friend. Be careful! They just want you to confirm their choice and will argue with you if you disagree. Just say you're sure they did the right thing--and so they possibly did!

With the rarest of exceptions, keep your honest opinion to yourself.

Stephanie Abraham
P. O. Box 346
Scotland, CT 06264