Idle question for dog experts

[nancy324]

Just an idle question. I have a canine nephew who is a Wheaton Terrier. I've noticed that the contenders at the dog shows always have this kind of bearded facial grooming that looks kind of odd and uncomfortable (doesn't it get messy when they eat?), and their ears are always shaved. My nephew continues to get the "puppy cut" which I think is much cuter and looks more comfortable for the dog. Here's what I mean:

They all start out the same, as adorable darker-colored furballs:
http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL282/1578952/5951789/310669988.jpg

Typical adult grooming:
http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL282/1578952/5951789/310668905.jpg

Puppy cut (my canine nephew with his sister):
http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL282/1578952/8777217/124816853.jpg
Anybody know why? Just curious.

 

[hiitdogs]

Nancy,

This may have something to do with the breed standard for Wheaten Terriers. According to the breed standard the head should have a "rectangular" outline. So I guess in a dog show it is done to emphasize the terrier outline, and the show standard is to have to coat on their legs to be a sufficient length to "flow" when the dog is in motion.

I think it is silly and I agree with you that it looks uncomfortable. And for my taste, I like the puppy cut of your canine nephew MUCH better, it actually looks like a dog.

Very beautiful dog!!!!!!

HTH

 

[nancy324]

Thanks, Carola. Don't they almost look like two different breeds? I like the leg fur, and maybe the fur over the eyes shades the eyes. But the "beard" just seems silly.

Can you tell how busy I am today?

 

[LauraMax]

I'm not an expert, I just wanted to say OMG how cute is that dog? (with the short hair of course)

 

[SRP]

Gosh, I think they should just leave them alone so all the doggies look like that first picture! That is soooo cute!

 

[Kathy G]

I'm a dog lover (far from an expert, lol)....but I think the puppy cut is much cuter!

Kathy

 

[nancy324]

You think they're cute? Good, I thought it was my prejudice. Of course, to me my canine nephew is cutest dog in the world. Another pic:

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL282/1578952/5951789/76399481.jpg

This is when he still had some of the dark puppy coloring around the face. When they're fully grown, their color is lighter.

 

[kathryn]

>Gosh, I think they should just leave them alone so all the
>doggies look like that first picture! That is soooo cute!


I agree!
The dog with the show cut looks uncomfortable and kind of snooty!

 

[kathryn]

>Another pic:
>
>http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL282/1578952/5951789/76399481.jpg

He looks so snuggly!

 

[nancy324]

I have ZERO bragging rights, because he's not mine, but he's as sweet as can be. The kids play rough with him, and he doesn't mind. He's just happy to be with them. Too cute.

 

[andtckrtoo]

I agree - I like the puppy cut! Your doggie nephew is simply adorable! You see it with poodles too. I like the poodle puppy cut much better than the official cut.