Article  Dog Show Favorites from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the Rhodesian Ridgeback Become Favorites as Pets Who doesn’t enjoy watching the dog shows and the Kennel Club competitions on television? Do you root for for the same dog each time or do you pick a new favorite year to year? As the dogs sit at attention and the trainers prepare for their turn to impress the judges, the audience sits and eagerly awaits the announcement of the winners by class. Watching the dogs and their handlers prance around the stage is entertaining and so regal. The dogs look as if they know how cute they are and the handlers seem intent on ensuring their canine friends behave to the best of their abilities. These well groomed and manicured dogs show class, discipline and agility; their handler’s love of their animals shines through with every circle they run and every award they boast. Two crowd favorites and frequent champions are the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback. These two breeds of dogs are unique and different in various ways. Both show dogs with impressive pedigrees, they differ in size, shape, coloring and temperament. The most prominent difference between these two breeds is size. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is dwarfed by the enormous Rhodesian Ridgeback. The spaniel is characterized by its silky, shiny coat often with long hair and small stature. A member of the toy breeding group, it’s often referred to as a lap dog. Its average size is between ten and eighteen pounds and stands between twelve and fifteen inches tall. This highly affectionate dog is playful, patient and eager to please. These dogs crave companionship and are eager to please their trainers who work with them to prepare them for dog shows. This characteristic makes them a successful competitor at shows and is often a winner in its class. By comparison, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a majestic looking specimen which, on average, weighs 70-85 pounds and could stand from twenty-four to twenty-seven inches tall. Initially breed in South Africa to hunt lion, this breed is known to be highly intelligent, loyal, brave and willing to do anything. This breed is considered to be easily trained with reward based incentives and can be a loyal companion to his master. Prone to aloofness with strangers, it is a loyal companion to his trainers thus making him a successful show dog. With their short hair and ridged back, they are easily groomed and always appear to please the judges at the shows. Classified as part of the hound class, these strong animals make great pets to the right owner who can provide them exercise, patience and much needed love. Watching the dog shows give the general public the idea to purchase these beautiful dogs as pets. While some of these show dogs make great pets due to their docile nature and ability to adapt to children, others aren’t as adaptable to lives as pets. Being a good show dog doesn’t always correlate with being a good pet. Show dogs are trained and exercised daily and spend hours a day training for their shows. These dogs thrive in a structured environment with significant amount of time interacting with humans. Before purchasing a dog seen on the television at the dog shows, it is important to research and consult with breeders to ensure a dog is a good fit for your personal situation. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Rhodesian Ridgeback are often pursued as pets after seeing them at the dog shows. Due to their success as competitors and their beauty, people are attracted to these dogs. One thing is certain when selecting a dog as a pet; do your research, select a reputable breeder to guide you in your selection, and have the time and patience required to train and welcome a new dog into your home. Dog shows give us insight into obscure, unique breeds, but before you commit to a dog selection, find out if the dog is a better show dog or a good pet. Category Society Author WOA Member Add To Favorites Print This Article Email Article To A Friend Post Comments   Rate This Article (0) 1 - Poor2345 - Good678910 - Excellent Added On 22 September 2009