What's an ace?

[skip11]

Thought I'd start a discussion. What is an ace to you? Does an ace has to prove his gameness or is he/she so good that the gameness can't be proven? Does it have to be unbeatable? Is an ace and a freak the same? Was Gr Ch Buck considered an ace (this is just a curious thought for me)?

In reading some of the older threads these names are what's generally considered an Ace:
- Dbl Gr Ch Tornado
- Ch Melonhead
- Ch Robert T
- Ch Shady Lady (might be more of a freak instead of an ace?)
- Ch Charlie (DTA's)
- Gr Ch Molly Bee
- Ch Silver
- Gr Ch Machobuck
- Gr Ch El Titere

[EWO]

Great topic.

It is mostly opinion but that makes for great conversation.

For me a freak and an ace are different. The freak has a physical attribute that separates him from the competition. Like mouth. The bite is so hard, the shakes so violent and the intensity is so rough nothing can stay. Freak strong as to they can't be kept away from where they are going. A freak just powers through, steam rolls what is front of him/her.

An ace is all about talent and ability. They have every answer and always seem to be a step or decision ahead of any thing in front of them. They appear to have figured things out pretty much as they are happening or even before.

Not the Charlie above but DTA's Ch. Charlie. He was an ace. He moved to spots where he could not be harmed, yet was delivering all the while. He played the game that way til the slightest let up by the other and then he throat checked. 4 went in, 2 did not come out, 1 quit and one was left long enough for aftercare to be a non-issue.

In his third he was going into a RBJ ass end specialist. We were a little worried as we did not have anything like that and none of our dogs had been exposed/schooled for that type of work. The RBJ dog had sent two away.

When they were released Charlie went straight in his back end from the get go. Ruined him at his own game in short order. Never before had he even sniffed in that area. Never had he or had he experienced it.

Simply figured it out before it actually happened.

Another in a line of made up stories to keep the board moving along.LOL

EWO

[S_B]

I agree with your opinion on the matter EWO. CH CHARLIE sounds like a dandy!

If given the option, give me the Ace all day everyday over the freak.

S_B

[skip11]

I agree w/ you both, give me the ace over the freak. I haven't watched a lot of videos but that Silver vs Black Mup vid was the single best vid I've watched. I was so impressed with Silver. I normally don't like brutal matches and 1 where the handler leaves the dog down for too long causing much damage. I totally forgot about Machobuck and Titere gonna edit my Ace list above. So what's your opinion on Buck? He's one of the more famous ones that has won over 5 but I really haven't heard anyone mentioning him as an ace.

[gotap_d]

To me an ace is one that is not going to be beat. They may not be the best at everything but they are very smart and have an answer for everything you do. They dont waste a bite. Some dogs just bite anything like a tail or skin on the rib cage. Every bite an ace makes has a purpose. I've seen a good amount of very good dogs. One not on the list that made me say he is an ace watching him his last time out is Turbo.

[skip11]

Yeah that's what I've heard about Turbo as well. Too bad he was ranked #9 for DOY, should be higher from what I've heard. I think Evo rates him as good as Machobuck in another thread.

[ACEOFSPADES]

EWO pretty much summed it up. An ace should have no weakness. A "one in a lifetime dog". An ace has great offense and defense with off early charts ability.

[skip11]

EWO pretty much summed it up. An ace should have no weakness. A "one in a lifetime dog". An ace has great offense and defense with off early charts ability.

True but I think a lot of people mistake a freak for an Ace.

[EWO]

I can see where the two words would be used to describe the same dog. Freak talent is often used in sports so I guess it could transfer.

Most of the freaks are one trick ponies. Freak mouth comes to mind. They just bite shit down. No defense or style, just incredible mouth.

The Ace on the other hand is exceptional at anything and everything that is put in front of him.

EWO

[skip11]

@EWO: Do you need an Ace to be exceptional on both offense and defense? For example: Silver. I consider him almost purely a defensive dog with no finish but I would say he's an ace.