What is the big deal about dog shows anyway?

by Jaa Scheffler

The first dog shows in America pre-date the invention of the light bulb and the automobile, the building of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Washington Monument, the invention of basketball and the establishment of the World Series.

Since Westminster held its first show 128 years ago, there have been 24 men elected president and 12 states…

The best decision you will ever make in selecting a puppy starts with a great breeder and great breeders care about the history of the lines that have and the future heath and type that they will leave behind for the next generation..

Done correctly most breeders never make a big profit off a litter of pups..Most produce the litter and win the dog lottery when they get to keep one or two great ones; you win every time by getting everything that they get… that is
minus the work, money and years.

Of course breeders like anyone else come with all kinds of personality types and requirements.  So before you fall in love with a puppy that you see on line or in
person, know what you want from the breeder.

Do you want someone who is a resource for all your questions and problems or do you want someone who is a lot more hands off?  Are you thinking of moving into the world of AKC performance disciplines or confirmation shows and need a mentor to help you along
the way, or are you just looking for a family member that will accompany you in your daily run or walk?

Know what you want is going to help in the purchase of your next puppy.  And that starts by doing your home work and matching up the temperament and discipline of the breed of dog with your lifestyle. Then find a top breeder who can fill your needs.

Finding a “Top Breeder”

Most great breeders have contracts a serious buyer should expect to agree the terms set out in writing. Quality breeders want family companions spayed or nurtured require fenced yards, and will have you agree that if you ever find that you cannot care for your dog that you return the dog to them. They also will place the puppy on what is called a limited registration from the AKC. The limited registration still shows the pedigree of the pup but doesn’t allow for the breeding of that pup in the future.

If you think that you would like to enter the world of showing a breeding you will need to be clear on that and then pick a breeder very carefully. Not all breeders make good mentors, and Show contracts can be very detailed. Read them carefully and be sure that you have the time budget, and commitment to follow through with what you are agreeing to.

There are no short cuts when it comes to breeding, and a great breeder will not place a pup on a OPEN registration unless you are willing to put in the effort to become a great breeder yourself.

So showing the dog, doing all health related health testing, joining the national club and     Showing a commitment to the breed in general, are going to be the things that you will need to Agree to going into the decision to breed top pedigree dogs.

These are also the same things that you should be looking for when picking a breeder to work with.