Breed Standard - Wavy coats

[Lindsey Jones]

Reading the Irish Setter breed standard which states:

 

"Coat
On head, front of legs and tips of ears, short and fine; on all other parts of body and legs of moderate length, flat and as free as possible from curl or wave. Feathers on upper portion of ears long and silky; on back of fore- and hindlegs long and fine. Fair amount of hair on belly, forming a nice fringe which may extend on to chest and throat. Feet well feathered between toes. Tail to have fringe of moderately long hair decreasing in length as it approaches point. All feathering to be as straight and flat as possible".

 

it seems that a large proportion of the IS's have very wavy if not curly coats; not that I have anything against that but we seem to be getting away from the breed standard?  I understand that coat is only a small part of the important make up of these beautiful dogs and conformation is more important.

[eva ciechonska]

Finn.......you are very welcome to go onto my webpage on this site and go into photos of Concept because I do believe he is top of Val's list.  You can also go onto my latest Blog when my boy turned 7 years old (26.5.11) to see a recent head study.

[eva ciechonska]

On another point, Val said that "if breeders had looked at the whole picture rather than conveniently choosing to forget that the coat does contribute to making up the whole dog" she is of course critisizing the Wendovers and the James.  Well they did look at the bigger picture, which is why the Wendover dogs were so beautiful and that "contribute" is the correct word, not the overriding factor. 

I think there are some who need to read both Bill Rasbridge and Jimmy James on explaination of the Breed Standard.

[Val Martin]

Of course Jimmy James looked at the whole picture...it's breeders like you who unfortunately don't!

Sometimes Eva you just don't know what to type next!

 

[eva ciechonska]

You are deluding yourself if you think that I am wholy responsible for every wavy/curly coat in Irish Setters. If you bother to read my comments from the very beginning you will note that it is I not you who have constantly said that you should consider the overall dog and not just his coat in isolation.  If I remember I quoted a paragraph from Bill Rasbridge's article about "balance and symmetry" which you discarded as being of no relevance.

Another member on this site who has been following this discussion but has chosen not to participate, primarily because of not wanting to get into a confrontation with you has likened you to a cornered snake who lashes out angrily in all directions.  I did not want to say this but, what the hell, the time has come!!!!!

 

[eva ciechonska]

Oh and by the way you will be talking to yourself from now on.

[Val Martin]

There is a God!!!!

[Val Martin]

 

Where did I discard balance & symmetry as being of no relevance in any of my replies?

Also, where did I say that you are wholly responsible for every wavy/curly coat?

Im afraid it's you who is completely deluded!!

Bet it will be hard for you not to try and worm your way out of this one!

 

[Val Martin]

Now! Now! Finn,

Calm down.....these are your words not mine!.

Have you joined the baying hounds ready to go in for for the kill?

[Val Martin]

You can find all the photo evidence you need on this site.....

[Val Martin]

The reason all hell breaks loose when I come on here is because everytime I make a comment about anything Eva butts in with her very sarcastic comments!  Of course Im going to reply!

Funny thing is though, hardly anyone dares to speak against her and yet I know a few who would like to but because they show their dogs, they don't want to get involved.

I expect you will make some sort of comment about how marvellous Eva is and how rude I have been but it takes two to tango!!

Let me make myself very clear on some points you made if you don't mind.......

I am very aware that there are some very responsible breeders who follow the breed standard , I have never said anything different.

I know some breeders have very unfortunately had to sacrifice whole lines for the sake of the breed.

I know the perfect dog has not yet been born...... or is ever likely to be.

I never ever said "LOTS of breeders are ignoring the breed standard"

I am entitled to my opinion as everyone is 'without being shot down in flames' every time I express it.

I will not tolerate sarcastic remarks from anyone without replying to them.

 

[Melinda Auld]

OT, but reading this, Mel, I am so sorry.  What a horrible shock.  Big hugs.

[Val Martin]

I am truly sorry to hear you have lost Tiggy, I know how much your dogs mean to you. 

I had a similar experience last November when my I lost my Aston after being reassured by my Vet that she would make a full recovery from a short illness.