Well, let's take a look at this shall we?
I wouldn't be so quick to call it "realism," but rather "extremely detailed." I can see why you don't exactly find favor with this image, as I know from personal experience that the smoothness of a furry's coat appeals to you more than a ruff and gruff coat of fur. But keep in mind that other passionate enthusiasts probably love the thought of a fuzzy hunk of fur representing their collective affinity.

Feel free to agree or disagree, but let's be friends about it! ^V^

I'm actually referring to the face, rather than anything else =P