AWDF Conformation Show Cancelled
September, 2001
The long planned inaugural AWDF conformation show was suddenly cancelled weeks before the expected date. Lack of response and interest is probably a good thing, the last thing the American working dog world needs is the glorification of show dogs without working titles.
Prior to the cancellation, the premium list, with the official requirements for the AWDF conformation show in St. Louis in mid November, had made the farce is complete. With two exceptions, the Shepherds and the Rottweilers, this is not a working dog show at all, is in fact just another beauty show. Although it is true that Bouviers will be eligible on the basis of their home brew temperament test, the stunning fact is that same absurd standard applies to the Dobermans, who will be allowed in as pretend working dogs on the basis of their very own temperament test. The Schnauzers and Airedales have no requirements other than minimum age, and it goes down hill from there. The Belgian Sheepdogs, including the Malinois, seem to be missing in action, which may prove the be the most interesting aspect of all in the end.
How can this be ? Was not the reason for founding the AWDF to get away from all of this, to have an American organization that was serious about working dogs? Who would have believed that we would see a conformation show that has no working requirements at all ?
To their credit, Schutzhund USA, for the Shepherd, holds the line and requires all dogs to hold a Schutzhund, IPO or HGH title and enter the working class in order to compete for top honors. There is of course no "Open" class. The Rottweiler set up is a little different, but by requiring the Schutzhund or IPO title holds the line on quality.
In light of this, how can anybody take the AWDF seriously as a working dog federation?
How long will the Shepherd and Rottweiler people continue to participate, or even maintain AWDF affiliation?
Jim Engel, September 2001