I went to Oklahoma last weekend for the 89er show. The dogs there were great and so were the people. The thing I can't figure out is the huge difference it what judges want and what a good pit looks like. I saw dogs that had the perfect confirmation but were not aggressive towards other dogs they lost or didn't even place. People who had "alright" looking dogs but had a aggressive attitude won. I was confused. The worst thing I saw were dogs that were in control of their owners not owners in control of their dogs. That really bother me since we are trying to make a good name for APBT. I can tell you one thing " game bred " type in looks won blue ribbons."old family 35-50 pound pits" I have spent a lot of time in obedience and working my dog like a true " dogman" I thought, anyways. I have a 70 pound male who respects me and what I say through extensive training with me and a professional handler. I think the ADBA may need to take the control of the handler in consideration in judging confirmation. I love the gameness of the dog not aggressiveness. One last thing ; confirmation is the looks and attitude of the dog. Aggressiveness is not attitude and defintely not gameness. The people and their kindness to help, blew me out the water. Thanks. Thank you letting me vent here. Anyone else who thinks the same thing please let me know so i don't feel so alone.

Sounds to me like a jugding problem!

I'm not sure that I agree when said that conformation is judged on looks and attitude. All my dogs obey me but will not tolerate another dog and my dog placed first in show. Now keep in mind my dog was well behaved and displayed very little aggression but I also so many dogs with aggression place as well. It is a matter of a judge's personal preference and for him/her to pick the best dog that fits the description. For example, my dog did not place in the first show on saturday nor did he place on sunday but took first place in the second show on saturday. 3 different judges, 3 different shows. Its a hit or miss thing. That was also my first show and I too had my own opinions as to whether or not some deserved the win, but bottom line its in the hands of the judge.

I disagree slightly that a dog that has fight blood or aggressiveness can not tolerate other dogs. My dog does have problems with being around other dogs especially when I had red nose female and my lab with my male. My male and lab never ever got along before I started training him and working towards a confirmation award. I have built his confidence through weight pulling and training now he acts like he is to tuff to bother with growling or showing his aggression with lesser dogs. Good looking male pits and bigger breds he shows a little but not bad. If he wasn't on a leash obeying me he would be attacking the other dog.

I'm not saying a gamedog can't tolerate another dog, I'm saying that mine do not. Each dog is different and APBT are pack animals. I don't agree with the statement that conformation is based on "attitude". If that were the case, most of us would not have placement ribbons.

that is why I love this forum we disagree and agree at the same time. It is all in good fun.

Of course. This is the best forum for a debate session. That is why I left all the other forums alone, except some...lol