what do you think of dogs in competition?

A dog should be a dog yes, but i've met some dog owners who's dogs are in competion, and i too, told them i was worried that their dogs couldn't just be dogs, always had to look made up and all. But they told me it was only in the few weeks before the shows, at all other times, they are just dogs, playing in dirt and all. I think the dogs look happy to be the center of attention, to be surrounded by other dogs, and so on. As long as they can still be dogs after the show's over, than i think it's great.

I show Great Danes in AKC conformation and let me tell you, they are the most spoiled, happy babies you would ever meet!! Some people do take it too far and that's sad to see but the great majority of people that show their dogs take better care of them and have happier, healthier dogs than the GREAT majority of pet dogs I've ever seen! I paid about $2000 for my current dane and drove many hundreds of miles to pick him up from his breeder because I could tell he'd be an EXCELLENT show dog. He's proven me right with his wins! Would I take a dog like that and toss him out in the yard with no toys, crappy food, and no attention?? In his day to day life he lives indoors with us, gets loads of attention, pats, rubs, etc, has more toys than the kids, gets the best food, regular vet attention, loves to explore the woods and lake with us, roll in the grass and get filthy, gets regular baths (which I admit he hates LOL), has been vet tested healthy and free of genetic defects out the wazoo, even has his own couch... Believe me, he's a pet first but enjoys showing too! I'd love him and treat him just the same if he never showed! He aint sufferin ;)