Anyone with the Show Dog?

Hi V.--

I successfully bred and showed standard poodles for many years and finished more than ten champions. It was interesting but very challenging.

My first piece of advice is to start with a really good dog and a really, REALLY good breeder. Your dog's breeder should be your best ally in showing your dog since she will want you to be successful. That means he or she should have a consistent record of successfully showing their own dogs. Just about everyone you will contact will say that they have show quality puppies, and, in fairness, believe that. Unfortunately, I've seen many "show quality" dogs who were definitely not. One place to start finding that breeder is at dog shows. I don't know whether you've chosen a breed, but, if you have, breed specialties are likely to have particularly good opportunities to see a larger number of competitors in your breed. One way to find shows in your area is through the AKC website. You can also use that website to find out who's winning.

It's important to remember that you, as a novice exhibitor, are not going to be the most attractive person with whom to place a really good potential show dog. No matter how good a dog may be, if it doesn't show up in the ring in great condition, well groomed, and well presented, it's not going to do much winning. Showing is expensive, time consuming, and frequently discouraging. Learning the skills of conditioning, grooming, and presentation takes time and patience. Most dog show newbies quit well before finishing their first dog. Paying more for a dog will not necessarily get you a better one. I also have reservations about buying a dog with a contract to show it. While you may think you want to show now, it may get really unpleasant for you after a while, and you should be able to back out. I did sell several people their first champions but, at the time I sold them their puppies, I was prepared to see the puppies never finished. I also provided a lot of support for the new exhibitors, and they followed my advice. Doing lots of research and being prepared to wait for the right breeder and the right dog is likely to be a really good investment of your time.

Good luck in your new venture.

M. T

We always get our pets at the local shelter. They come housebroken and very grateful. They have given all our children love and one even got part of the family awake when there was a house fire.
Think about it.
Love to all.

B. v. O.

I have shown dogs - our request is too vague. You might want to go to an akc show and research the breeds.

Hi, I know this is late, but this is the first chance I've hd to sit down and respond.

I agree you need to research and to find a good breeder to get your dog from. Go to the dog shows and hang out, talk to breeders to get a feel for what showing is like. You need to go to more than one to really understand, but most breeders are happy to talk.

To find a good breeder, talk to your local humane society. They know who the good breeders are as well as who the bad ones are. Depending on your breed of choice, they may have you call another county, but they are a good place to start.

Best of luck to you. May you find a wonderful dog, and if you decide to show, enjoy it.

Please keep in mind that all dogs can compete in obedience and agility. Saving a dog a shelter, or from a family in need, is so rewarding! And while, there are responsible breeders out there, many are not. Research the kind of pet that will be good for your family, because that's where it will be most of the time - not in a show ring.

I love dogs, and recently got a puppy from a shelter. She's the best thing ever, for me to be able to have this relationship with this wonderful animal. We're just having so much fun at obedience. While purebreds have their place, be very careful of breeders! Do lots of research into breeds!

Having a pedigreed dog bred from champion stock my advice to you is this: unless you are completely (i.e, been in close physical proximity and spent time with that breed, have no uncertainties about the breed's personality, grooming, and ALL other needs) familiar with the breed you intend to acquire, seek out breeders that will allow you to visit and interact with the dogs - and answer any and all questions you may have, as well as provide independent feedback of their own. I bought a whippet, who from all accounts of what I read on paper about the breed seemed ideal, but after getting and dealing, from puppy to adulthood (and don't get me wrong - - he's my baby for always and I would never EVER let him go without a fight to the finish), had no idea his breed's 'quirks' would be so time consuming and limiting to my lifestyle. I don't regret getting my Whip, but had I known some things first, it definitely would have influenced the outcome...

What kind of dog were you looking for? My Mother In Law has been showing American Eskimos for YEARS. They also breed their dogs and sell the puppies. If you're interested in an American Eski I can get in touch with them.