Definition of style

[AmiableLabs]

Style is about attitude. Is the dog confident and ENJOYING the work. A 2yo can be moving fast but running scared and out of obligation and the 12 yo can be moving slow knows where he is going and having the time of his life. As a judge, Which dog would you rather call back to the next series to watch again?

+2

Quoted for truth. Desire, desire, desire, it is all about DESIRE!

Desire to work! Desire to be there! Desire to find the bird! Desire to retrieve!

See my signature line.

[Evan]

Kevin! It's good to see that name! I hope you and your family are well!

Evan

[Criquetpas]

+2

Quoted for truth. Desire, desire, desire, it is all about DESIRE!

Desire to work! Desire to be there! Desire to find the bird! Desire to retrieve!

See my signature line.

In my opinion you nailed it my friend. I might add it shows in pure desire to do the work and if the dog goes out , well one cannot say "it didn't go out in style" with a tongue in cheek. The old adage of I would rather see my dog break, then go out in some lack of "something or another ", might apply. Except I have had one break in her last 6 all-age starts and never telegraphs it, just goes. I don't know if I believe the old adage any more! How you been Kevin ?

[Randy Bohn]

Everybody seems to have the right idea!! So then why are judges giving dogs who are running with bad attitudes, lack of desire to be there blue ribbons who title FC and AFC?? Scared to drop them....your friends...blame it on your co judge?? WHY??

[Brian Courser]

I agree you know style when you see style. As an aside, I have never witnessed a dog failed for style in a hunt test. Has anyone seen style as the reason for being dropped in either a trial or test?

They usually fail on something else. Hard fail on style as I feel it objective.

[EdA]

Has anyone seen style as the reason for being dropped in a trial?

yes I have both seen them dropped and I have personally dropped them

[fishduck]

I only asked because in my tailgate and gallery discussions I have only had one person admit to losing or dropping a dog for style. He didn't train the dog initially but was rehabbing it. I think judging style is both good for the breeds and discourages heavy handed training practices. I am encouraged that it is more widespread than I imagined.

[1tulip]

Is "style" like "beauty"... in the eye of the beholder? Or like pornography... can't define it but know it when we see it.

To me the best definition of style is "a thrill to watch". Intensity. When you get goosebumps watching an animal do what it was bred to do... you're watching style.

[Steve Amrein]

I guess every region wants to think the group of dogs is better than others. That said of the TRIALS I have attended or judged I have seen less than can be counted on one hand for a good number of years. IMHO if the dogs has ears back, tail tucked is slinky and so on is most likely wont finish a trial. I have made note on the judges sheets but the dog(s) have never been in contention. If the dog acts like that it is most likely a unpleasent training day. I like th dogs that while on the way bay to the line look out in the field for the next mark, sit with ears up when they lock in and wag the tail. A dog that jumps nicely into the water whle returning with the last water mark is nice as well. As for the porn metaphor I like to watch the midget with a flaming goat with a hermaphrodite in a tub of tapioca pudding.

[Evan]

Is "style" like "beauty"... in the eye of the beholder? Or like pornography... can't define it but know it when we see it.

To me the best definition of style is "a thrill to watch". Intensity. When you get goosebumps watching an animal do what it was bred to do... you're watching style.

Sorry I missed this post. I have no opinion to offer on the porn metaphor, but I really like your second paragraph. That's a description that anyone who has seen a stylish dog can relate to. I think that's what the passage previously quoted from the rule book defines.

Evan