MASCUSA Conformation Judging

I’m so disappointed to read the comments from Judge Nannette Newbury on the conformation judging at the MASCUSA specialty. I’ll never agree with any judge who thinks their “first cut” should be based on type in a working breed. Type is largely irrelevant in working breeds and should only ever be treated as a deal breaker when evaluating two dogs who are both built to be perfect working dogs. Movement and soundness are ALWAYS the most important physical traits in working dogs. This is why the AKC conformation ring doesn’t get my money. I only wish we had a breed standard that allowed for a wider range of type (more similar to that of border collies). Breed standards are written by humans and are not perfect. There are lots of things in the MASCUSA standard that I would love to see changed. We need to remember that we are a NEW AKC breed, less than 15yrs old, and our breed standard needn't be set in stone!