Yes there are physical and/or behavioural differences in the show "strain" of many breeds - borders, labradors, terriers - in fact, nearly all breeds that are still used to work have variations between working strains to their show ring cousins. With the GSD and lab it gets even more interesting as their are now breeding programmes for specific jobs - some breeders are selectively breeding GSD's for protection work for instance; as the show/pet strains have become to "soft"
yes - the gundogs breeds particulalry have been affected with the split - the labs and goldens, setters (excluding the IRWS) as well as the spaniels breeds. Im glad the HPR although there are diff strains in each breed, tend to be more dual purpose .I know some BSD breeders are concerned about the possible split in the malanois.
Of course, there has been many suspected 'improvements' in the working dogs as documented in books by breed authorities- eg suspected greyhound and the hint of rottweiler in the working lab, setter (poss 2 infusions), collie and springer in cockers which hasnt helped in trying to maintain 1 breed.
I honestly dont know about all strains of show cockers. I do find it worrying that there hasnt been a full CH for decades though, I dont know if this is because breeders/owners have no interest in training their dogs, or because of lack of latent instinct. I can understand why people restrict themselves to one thing or another though - its not a criticism. What I do observe though,while out shopping, passing cars, out walking, at shows, is many show bred cockers being noisy, barking etc. I have one!! This is never tolerated in a working dog and is an eliminating fault at a FT. I will not keep a puppy that even sighs heavily.
I really dont have the answer to be honest!! Maybe if there wasnt a SH CH title, the split would not be as great and more would be more interested in gundog work. Im not saying for a minute that I want the SH CH title removed as I think it is a great shame that many worthy dogs in the past did not get titled when the show title didnt exist, but its food for thought. Also, with the greater emphasis on coat and presentation and the cost of showing now, I can understand why many dont want to participate, and its expensive enough doing one activity without trying 2, but again, which judges started rewarding profuse coats with high honours which is not in the breed standard and set the trend. Chicken and egg. I know of only one show kennel that tries to maintain working abilities which is fantastic.
I was planning to show my girl in veteran this year, but I think I am going to have to clip her up as its got to the stage where she cant come on walks through woods with the others as every minute or so we have to stop and remove these fine bits of branch that are blown everywere from her rear end, She now has mats in her too where things have wound round and round. It no fun for her having a show length coat esp on her hind legs and Ive had enough of it. If I trim her the way I would like, she won't be given a second look in the ring..
However, I guess we have to live with what we have now. There will always be people wanting to make easy money and sell to the first person to call. There will always be pups of any breed living in unsuitable homes ready to come into rescue.
