In the UK, the phrase "it does what it says on the tin", originally from an advertising campaign for a well known wood-sealing product, is now in common usage.
The other day, Gail was checking out the Kennel Club's breed standards webpage and found the WFT temperament described thus:
Friendly, forthcoming and fearless.
She also noted, among the characteristics required of my breed are:
Alert, keen of movement, quick of expression, on tiptoe of expectation at the slightest provocation. Eyes dark, full of fire and intelligence.
And you know what she said after reading these descriptions?
"Well Nobby, this reminds me of that Ronseal ad."
Gail also said, perhaps less flatteringly, it called to mind the notion that certain phrases can require a degree of de-coding. Think, for example, of those commonly used in workplace appraisals:
Good social skills - drinks a lot
Quick thinking - offers plausible excuses for errors
Character above reproach - still one step ahead of the law
etc.
Can you believe she suggested the following 'translations' would be appropriate in my case:
Friendly - never met a dog he didn't want to play with
Forthcoming - can spot another dog at a distance of half a mile and will rush off at speed, ignoring all calls, to greet him/her with boisterous enthusiasm
Fearless - never, ever backs away, even when the situation demands it
Alert, on the tiptoe of expectation etc. - never fails to spot an opportunity for mischief when Gail's back is turned
Eyes full of fire and intelligence - smarter than his owner...
I'm wondering how accurately my canine readers meet their official breed standards?
