We intend showing our border collie when he reaches 6 months of age. At the moment his ears are not both in the same position. ie one up one down. Will this go against him in the show ring. We are complete novices at this and are try to learn all we can.
2006-10-08 07:12:46 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
As puppies grow, the skin stretches and moves around, making baby ears a little erratic.
Look to his parents. If they have a good pedigree (and cooperative ears), those ears should behave themselves in time.
EDIT
I think puppies in show rings get some slack for the ears, but I'm not positive.
2006-10-08 07:18:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was he bought as show quality? What does the breed standard say? Are you intending to show at championship,open or simply exemtion level?
Dogs ears do odd things when they are teething so if yours is teething, wait until he has finished to assess the ear position.
Has someone told you that he is show quality?
Your dog will be eligable to go in minor puppy class at 6 months but you need to start ring craft training at around 8 weeks to get him ready for his first show. Disregard people telling to you rub stuff or put stuff on his ears. None of it works in any case and I have a feeling that border collie ears should be 'tipped' in any case. Leave his ears alone until he has gone through the teething and they should be fine.
2006-10-08 18:04:08 · answer #2 · answered by fenlandfowl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally would glue or gum them, I like the ears tipped and think they look better. In the BC ring you will see all kinds of ears, although it seems that most of the big winning BCs ears are tipped. It is not suppose to matter, but sadly that doesn't mean that it doesn't.
Was he bought as a show dog from a show breeder? If he is more from working stock he may have a hard time winning in the ring, but that doesn't mean you can't still have fun and learn while you are doing it.
2006-10-08 23:25:52 · answer #3 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
6months is probably a bit young to show a dog. the ears havent fully developed yet there is still time for the other ear to pin upwards. however points wil be deducted if both ears do not stand pricked. i would wait until the dog is a year old.
2006-10-09 07:49:14 · answer #4 · answered by Sexy Chick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
6 months seems a little young to be showing a dog. he or she has not developed properly. but the only kind, humane way to get the ear tips to turn down faster is to rub them every night with a little olive oil, vaseline ( SPREAD THINLY) or butter.
2006-10-08 14:27:49 · answer #5 · answered by DEANA 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋