As a breeder we often have people ask us “What do all those letters even mean?” and “What is the importance of titling a dog, I just want a pet?” Let us take some time to answer those two VERY GOOD questions!
“What do all those letters even mean?”
The titles that come before a dog’s registered name (ex. CH, GCH, RACH, PACH, CT, etc) are indications that a dog has achieved a CHAMPIONSHIP title, that is an award of high degree showing proficiency in a particular sport. Champion and Grand Champion are titles of conformation and are used to show worthiness of breeding stock. RACH/PACH/CT/etc are sporting championships and show extreme ability to perform a sport to the highest level, these are even harder titles to earn.
The titles that come behind a dog’s registered name are any of a variety of other obedience, sporting, temperament, working or other accomplishments. Having a variety of these titles can show versatility in a particular dog which can be correlated with a dog with great potential in workability or performance sports or just great versatility of the dog. We aim to obtain a minimum of obedience/rally and temperament titles to show basic responsiveness and good temperament of our stock prior to breeding. Some dogs have quite a variety of titles and this really showcases the versatility of the breed.
“What is the importance of titling a dog, I just want a pet?”
Titling a dog is valuable in showing a stable temperament, a quality dog for breeding, and versatility of a dog to be in any environment. This should be especially important for future puppy families because we all want to see good well adjusted dogs who can adapt and perform at any level with their new families. I don’t believe anyone gets a Corso with the intent for a fearful, nervous dog or a dog with a bite risk. By showing stability and versatility in temperament and workability, we can show on paper just what stable and excellent parents we choose to use in our program. We really do take seriously the temperaments we produce and that translates into having really good family dogs as well.
A seemingly insignificant photo of Myst (mother) and Grizz (son) next to their new title ribbons is more than just appreciation for the hard work that has gone into earning these ribbons, but rather, it is also a show of how genetics and stable temperament is passed down through generations of good tempered, versatile dogs that also make excellent family companions. Titling a dog is so much more than just a few letters before or behind their name.