What does it mean to have a "show quality dog?"?

Question

I'm currently looking at purchasing an APBT puppy that is "show quality" and that comes from a lineage rich in show Champions. What is the difference between this dog and taking in a dog that doesn't come from a lineage of "Grand Champions"? What are the added responsabilities and expectations that a breeder may have upon someone who purchases one of these pups from them?

Answer 1

All breeds of dogs have a written breed standard of what that dog should be like. Dog shows are where dogs compete and the one who conforms most to it's breed standard wins. Of course this is not always the case, but this is the way it should be. A show quality dog is one that has no major conformational faults and conforms very closely to it's breed's standard. A champion is a dog that has won at least 15 AKC points from shows. When a dog wins a championship it shows that he is a good representative of it's breed. A dog has more chance of being good if his parents were good, you can't just breed 2 faulty dogs and get a really nice dog. the parents have to have the good stuff to pass on to their pups. That is why a ch. bloodline is a good thing to have in a show dog.

Show dogs are still dogs and you don't have to do something special, just keep them happy and healthy like you would any other dog.

Answer 2

Mine are not show quality either and I could not love them more. I think some people take it as a personal insult because they have no clue what a Breed Standard is.They have an AKC registered dog and think it's good enough to go to show just because it's registered.They don't realize that AKC is a dog registry. It does not automatically mean their dog will win 29,000 titles.It does not mean their dog follows the breed standard. Registering a dog only means that everyone knows where the dog is. I know where my 2 are and that's all that counts.Both of mine have AKC papers. So what. I'm not paying them to add mine and our dogs names to a list. Neither will be bred so what's the point other than another way to prove ownership which is a good idea but at the same time I triple dare ANYONE to question who owns my dogs. But then too, I've had a couple of "Show People" who could not wait to run up and tell me my dogs were not "Show Quality" with an attitude of disdain because I dared bring mine out in public.Altho they were kind enough to compliment me on what good condition I keep them both in and how well mannered they are first. I've just told these people that's wonderful for them but my dogs have a tendency to bite when they get insulted so they'd better move along and stop annoying us.

Answer 3

it means the dog comes from a champion line of breeding in the dogs genealogy history- winning points in dog shows, meets all the 'AKC breed standards' and will be more expensive because of this specific breeding. There can still be beautiful,wonderful dogs from the same litter but do not meet the 'standard' so they should not be bred or sold as 'show quality dogs', only difference is the AKC Standards and they have 'faults' so they can not qualify as show quality...ie head not the right shape, ears set to low, tail not staying up, that kind of thing. There are lots of breeder specifics,contracts and responsibilities for you as the new owner with show quality purchase. Study-research and ask questions on your specific breed, the more info you know the better off you will be when dealing with breeders, sorry to say but like some other answerers said-it's true, they are not all the same and not all practice the same ethics. Good luck

Answer 4

Many breeders are not going to take a chance on selling you a really good show potential pup unless you have been around the breed some and have shown your trustworthiness. Get invoved with the breed at shows and get yourself known, even if its just to watch and visit. Many breeders are going to expect you to show if they sell you a show pup and it turns out as hoped. Don't expect to be able to get a top pup just because you have the money, you need to get known and show you are serious.

Study the standard and watch the dogs. Maybe there is a breeder whose dogs you admire more than others. It does take a long time to develop a good eye but you can learn alot by talking to the exhibitors.

NOT all breeders will charge you big bucks for a show puppy. A good home is the most important thing. I sell my show potential pups for the same price as the pets and have sold some very nice pups to pet homes. If they decide to show or course, thats great! If not thats ok too.



BTW - APBT are not AKC registerable, they are UKC

Answer 5

Well, that will also depend on the individual breeder. *Some* breeders aren't terribly ethical with their dogs, in my opinion. Some of them say that as long as their dogs live to be 5 years old, so they can finish in the show ring, then that's good enough for them. They don't care after that. Just make sure your breeder breeds for longevity as well as health, temperament, and appearance.

A dog with Champs in his bloodline will have good genetics, but maybe not the *best* traits. If he was *the best* example, he probably wouln't be sold as a pet. However, he should still be a wonderful representative of the breed, and be everything you are looking for in the breed. That's the nice part of dealing with such a breeder. They've been working hard on their "lines" and are very careful about how they mix their genetics.

You should get a health guarantee as well. It holds the breeder responsible for certain genetic problems that may arise. You may well be required to sign a contract holding you responsible for the care of the dog as well. Ask the breeder to see a copy of their puppy contract before you agree to buy a puppy from them. Make sure you agree with the contract. You will most likely be required to sign a spay/neuter contract as well. Most breeders don't want their dogs to be used in unethical breeding practices, or mixed back in with dogs with heavy medical issues, etc. They've put a lot of time and money into refining them and clearing up their medical histories.

This has been a lot of babbling, but I hope there's some useful information in there. Good luck to you!

Answer 6

Show quality dogs meet the "Breed Standard". My dog is heavily pedigreed, his family tree is full and amazing, but he is not a show quality dog. He is a Yorkie and has beautiful blonde hair and is beautiful to me. He would even be a great stud dog. But he does not qualify as "Breed Standard" for several reasons. Breeders want to make sure a pup is getting a good home. They will interview you to find out about how much time and money you can spend. What is your family like? Do you have small children?
Things like that.

Answer 7

the breeder may have the expectaion of a new owner to show their dog and possibly breed it depending on the breed/breeder. A show quality dog is going to have good conformation and desirable breed characteristics. they are also usually more expensive and can always find a home, so if you do not plan on showing your dog in the show world then I would sggest rescuing apup from the pound or local shelter.

Answer 8

A "show quality" dog, is from a line of show winners. Which means they are almost guaranteed to have all the characteristics of the breed they are, and could go out and become a champion itself.

Answer 9

Show dogs are held to a different standard than pets. These dogs are to be an example of the best of their breed. They are usually very expensive. You'd have to ask about breeding rights.

Answer 10

"Grand champion" is typically a term used to describe a very successfull fighting dog. This is quite different from a show champion.

I think before you begin searching for a show dog you should consider exactly why you want such a dog.