What do you think about old working french mastiff changed into show breed in modern times ?
Lots of people make similar claims about other breeds being “ruined” by being drawn into the show ring (examples: Border Collies and the Jack Russell vs. Parson Russell Terrier). Frankly, a large dog like the Dogue de Bordeaux will never be universally popular and therefore I doubt that dedicated breeders will move far away from the original traits that attracted them in the first place. Dogs that can be bred and kept with ease are the ones who will be more greatly affected by popular crazes. EDIT: Plus, many breeders are very proud of working & performance titles that they put on their dogs. I have dachshunds and my club promotes showing in the breed ring, agility, earthdog, tracking and field trials (rabbit tracking). A very good percentage of breeders strive to make sure that their dogs can actually do the job they were bred to do — hunt badger/vermin underground and track/scent game such as rabbits in the field.
