A Track and Search Grand Championship requires passing 18 separate tests of increasing difficulty, gaining six different prerequisite titles: demonstrating a range of mandatory skills including the ability to track people in travelling in automobiles, through city streets, track ages in excess of 4 hours, day or night. Tracking and Track & Search are disciplines that require a combination of natural ability, physical conditioning, drive and determination in addition to the extensive training necessary to hone those skills, so I am very proud of Barrett's achievements.
Her career in tracking began as a physio-approved exercise to guard against the implications of the lack of health test results from her sire and dam and quickly grew to be an obsession. Whilst definitely not to the current show standard, Barrett has the gorgeous DDB temperament coupled with determination and drive to succeed and is an amazing sporting dog.
Dogue de Bordeaux make excellent tracking dogs and I would strongly encourage people looking for enrichment activities for their DDB to consider Tracking or Nosework.
I would also strongly encourage people to buy from reputable breeders who health test their dogs (and provide those results) and strive for the betterment of the breed. Please do not compromise on health testing, EVER.
(* ANKC Verified)
