Since we're talking about color... - Page 1

At a recent conformation show, I became aware that some of the exhibitors were using what they called "color enhancers" on their dogs primarily to make the dog's pigment look better, I think. To me, this is paramount to dying a dog in the hope that it will place higher in the competition and it raises some interesting questions. I, personally, don't see myself ever doing this but am interested in knowing what others think. Keith skyd1ve@hotmail.com

There are several nutritional supplements such as Olewo, that are high in Beta-carotene and will eventually change the color of the hair if you give them long enough. Feeding large amounts of carrots will do the same thing... so is this color enhancing or supplementing for the overall health of the animal? As far as mousse and sprays go, I know that a lot of people use mousse/dry shampoo to fluff up tails, pantaloons and withers, particularly if the dog is out of coat. I'm not sure I've ever seen any judges actually fooled into thinking a dog is IN coat when mousse or dry shampoo is used. I don't bother, mainly because I hate to have sticky hands and putting that stuff on while prepping for the ring is GOING to get me sticky. Nope, not happening. To prep for the ring, I use a grooming spray (colorless!), towel it in well, rake it off and then a "shine spray" (designed for people hair) just because I like the way the black on the coat looks when Pink Spray is on it. I've never been told that my dogs didn't look well prepared enough for the ring. I WILL confess to shaving the bottom line of a bitch a couple of times. She would gain 2 pounds and it would ALL be in her belly. You could see her ribs, she wasn't fat anywhere, but didn't have a bottomline. So we made one. JDN - US