Originally Posted by
CA Jack
I understand what you mean.
To me, unless someone is repeatedly and consistently producing dogs that win in open competition, their "opinion" on their dog means nothing to me.
However, if a person is breeding dogs that can (and do) seriously compete anywhere, repeatedly, then I simply take their word on their assessments.
Regarding the subject of finish, this is another element where few really know what they're talking about. The Old Man once said, "Jack, what most people call a 'finisher' is a dog that just happened to kill another one accidentally." Meaning the opponent 'happened to die' after the fight, but in no way was the dog a casualty in the pit by a true assassin.
There is a major difference between two dog that fight, both get banged-up, and one 'happens to die' from the injuries afterward ... and a fight where one dog is absolutely going after a kill spot, with the knowledge and intent on killing his foe with that hold. These are typically throat dogs, and gut dogs, and there is no mistaking they know what they're doing, and are hell-bent on doing it. (Many dogs that "like the throat" or "like the stifles" are not even close to being true finishers. When you see a true finisher, there is no mistaking what you're seeing.)
I know all lines differ, but in all honestly I have only owned two 100% finishers in 25 years of owning dogs ... though I have had scores of game, determined dogs "that would kill something" if it went on long enough. The two dogs I am referring to knew exactly what they were doing, and would immediately go for that spot when they had the opportunity, and could DOA a dog with that one hold, if they got it right.
Jack
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