Who breeds and Shows dogs?

[Celtic Hill]

I was wondering who breeds and shows dogs out there?(for the breed ring) There must be a few of you! For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to have a show horse (Check) and a show dog. I have made a few connections with different people in the area who have been successful showing their dogs and have championships on them. I don't see me getting a show dog for a few more years, but I kinda want to start looking around (and saving!) Im not totally set on a breed yet, although I don't want to go the lab, retriever route. I like pointers and bird dogs, not big on terrier, Im a sucker for palpions and poodles (of all sizes), and I like Gordon setters. I can have a high energy dog because we live on an 18 acre farm so space is not a issue.

I know I should probally "get in" with a breeder and mentor them, correct? Not totally sure how to go about this. I know all the top breeders higher handlers to show their dogs, but that's not my thing. Does that make ma a disadvantage that I want to show my dog?

Can't wait to hear for you guys! -Ian

 

[hollyclyff]

I used to show my dogs, but haven't in a few years. I suggest going to as many dog shows as you can. Find a breed that 1) you like and 2) has a high percentage of owner/handlers. Not all breeds are dominated by professional handlers.

 

[greyhorsewoman]

I started showing dogs in 1968 through the 1990's and have continued to be involved in the dog fancy in other ways (worked for AKC and then had a vendor booth). I always handled my own dogs (Belgian Tervuren, mainly, but also Pembroke Welsh Corgi and a varied group of other breeds I helped friends with). It is tough to be an owner-handler. Tougher now more than ever. If you want to show your own dog, you need to learn how to present your dog as well (actually better) than the professionals. It is one of the only 'sports' where the amateur competes on the same level as the professional.

Decide what breeds you are most interested in specifically (no more than five), then go to dog shows and watch, watch and WATCH. How far are you from the BigE in West Springfield, MASS ? There are dog show circuits there nearly every month now. (You can find information on dates at http://www.infodog.com/showinfo/showCal.htm) Try to chat with a few folks, but don't be put off if you don't get the warmest reception initially. Dog show people are quirky. I say that in the kindest way (I've been around them most of my life.)

As you study the breeds you are interested in, learn their strengths and weaknesses. Some breeds have a lot more health issues than others. Some take a lot more grooming. Some are great duel competitors (show/obed/agility/etc), some are not. This information will help you find the breed that 'does it for you.' Oh, and for the most part, it's a 'money out' hobby ... not much profit in showing/breeding dogs.

Good luck !

 

[Celtic Hill]

Thanks! Im not that far from the big e, enough to drive up there. Im going to have to go up to a show and look around. Is there any kind of difference between owning a show dog vs family dog? as far as care and handling? I have not decided if I want a grump or a stud dog. Another decision to make.

 

[Anguissette]

I used to breed and show english springer spaniels and to be honest I didn't find a real "mentor" until I bought my first grump from a big time breeder who had a vested interest in that grump being successful. I went to tons of shows and watched as Grey suggested but I didn't know better than to try and talk to people. Really, they just don't have the time. There is so much going on. But I didn't understand that at the time and it was VERY discouraging!

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

If you like a big dog that has a good mind, how about a Rottie? Redyre shows her own homebred Rotties. She is definitely a person who knows the breed AND the ring AND she is right here on BYC.

Just a thought.

Rusty

 

[greyhorsewoman]

Whether you start with a female or male is pretty much a personal issue. All my dogs are/were show quality family dogs. Not all family dogs ARE show quality. Every male isn't a 'stud' dog ... in fact, few are. Even once it's achieved a championship, it doesn't necessarily mean it's worth breeding (or that anybody will solicit you for stud service). A good quality female is probably better to start with as a foundation but be prepared for disappointment. In the years I was involved in Tervs, I chose NOT to breed more of my dogs than I chose to breed. Either they didn't pass eye clearances or score high enough on hip clearances, turned up epileptic, or even more simply, just didn't grow out to be good enough to take forward in conformation or temperament. Sometimes it's hard to make that call when you invest a lot of time and money into finishing a dog (I witnessed plenty of folks who convinced themselves it was still OK to breed 'even though.')

Which is why you need to take time to get to know the folks in the breed you choose. Sometimes the 'best winning' dog really ISN'T the best dog of the breed. Developing an 'eye' for what makes a good dog is as important as looking at pedigrees and winning stats.

Look into joining your local kennel club. Often they hold conformation classes, match shows and other helpful events. You can find additional information on the akc website: http://www.akc.org/

 

[FogTownChix]

I grew up showing dogs with my family (mostly Irish Setters). Showing dogs is a wonderful hobby, but it is time consuming. I would start by going to some dog shows and finding some breed specific meet up groups (I have a friend who goes to a Pugs in the Park group that has 50+ dogs there--and we live in a rural area). Once you find a reputable handler, you will soon find reputable breeders as well.

We had a Gordon Setter and they are GREAT dogs. They are a lot of fun, very sweet--not the brightest dogs in the pack, but loving and full of personality. Any long haired dog (especially setters) with hair rather than fur is going to require a lot of grooming in order to show. Most show dogs don't have run of a lot of acreage in order to keep their coats clean, keep them from getting into things, etc.

 

[carolinagirl58]

I used to show a Bouvier Des Flandres, which have a very thick heavy coat. We live in the country and during show season, she could not play outside and just be a dog. Keeping her coat in show condition was too important to risk letting her run and play and lay around in the sun (she was black the too much time in the sun bleached it). So we gave up showing, trimmed her coat short and let her enjoy the rest of her life free from the stresses of showing. Now, years later, I am once again thinking about showing. And since I need a livestock guardian dog, the perfect choice for me is an Anatolian Shepherd. they are large, hardy, genetically sound (as compared to many other breeds), make wonderful LGDs and family watch dogs and have a nice clean low maintenance coat. I did a lot of research and found a breeder who has what I am looking for (working dogs who are also show champions). so my deposit is in for a show quality puppy. The breeding should take place later this month. After that, I will have about a 4 month wait.

 

[Celtic Hill]

Thanks guys! I totally understand the ethics of breeding as im big into horses. On the info dog show schedules what type do i want to look for? Conformation obviously, so I want to look at ones with "C"?


Two big important factors for my dogs is 1. They are fairly sound of genetic problems, and 2. Can be around horses and new people with out too many issues. But i think that has a lot to do with socializing when they are young.

One of the biggest things with me is I really really really like showing in halter classes with horses where your handling your own animal and fit them out yourself. I lover perfecting, I also like flashy animals. I would LOVE an old english sheep dog, BUT that's TOO much grooming right of the bat.