I currently have 2 Shelties. I love Shelties and have had them all my life but I'm not really interested in showing or breeding them. I do agility and obedience with mine and they aren't show quality. Sheltie breeding and competing is just too competitive. I want a breed that requires less grooming and maybe isn't as popular. I would only start off with one of course! I would look for a show quality puppy and do conformation with it and see how it goes! I also want an intelligent breed because Shelties have spoiled me, they are so smart! I have lots of room and tons of time to dedicate and of course, lots of love to give!
2006-12-15 03:06:56 · 11 answers · asked by SHELTIELUVER 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
There is no "good beginner breed". If you're going to get as deeply into a breed as you have to if you're going to SUCCESSFULLY show or breed, you need to be totally committed to a breed. You need to love that breed way above all others, be learning about it constantly, and since you are asking this question, you don't have that. Unless and until you do, there is no breed you're going to be totally successful at.
2006-12-15 03:11:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with walklady, and Miriam as well.
If Shelties are the breed you love, then learn what you need to do well. That is a hard breed, it has gotten to be a bit of a grooming contest. But the breed I have, Whippets, is hard as well. Easy grooming, and the numbers aren't so high, but the dogs in the ring are very high quality. I don't think there is such a think as an 'easy' breed, they are just hard for different reasons. If you don't ENJOY grooming, then you are not likely to enjoy showing Shelties.
Miriam - " and the hound group is a competitive one if you're looking for group placements"
The Hound group is usually a strong one! See ya behind me in the group ring Miriam!!! LOL!!!
2006-12-15 09:22:15 · answer #2 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with walkinglady too.
You need to find a breed you are passionate about. If shelties aren't "it" for you, spend time at the shows and trials and meet as many breeds as you can. Which ones repeatedly enchant you? Which ones have a presonality you love? Of course, you still need to be a bit practical in what you can manage in terms of maintenance/size etc. but with so many breeds out there you should still be able to find your "heart" breed.
For example, I have basset hounds. An easy breed to maintain, but challenging to show (because of structure) and train (because of personality). Moderately popular, they will often be shown by handlers, especially at the specials level, and the hound group is a competitive one if you're looking for group placements (which I am
But I would not switch breeds for anything. This is MY breed. I persevere, and when we get those Championships, group placements, obedience and agility titles I know we EARNED them.
2006-12-15 03:30:52 · answer #3 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With all that room and love you have to give why don't you save a few animals from the local humane society? Working with animals from a shelter is challenging and SO rewarding. I am sure they would enjoy and excel in obedience and agility just as much as your shelties have. There are far too many people out there who breed all ready. It just doesn't seem necessary when there are SO many dogs who will be euthanized because there are not enough people or homes to take them in. Make a difference. Save an animal.
2006-12-15 03:15:06 · answer #4 · answered by lezzieB 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Get something fairly exotic. Not so rare that it's hideously expensive to get the dogs, or that you'll have trouble finding shows with enough representatives of the breed, but unusual. Go to a show and find a breed with maybe half a dozen breeders showing it. I don't know the rules for breed representation in dogs, but that's the general strategy you want.
2006-12-15 08:00:10 · answer #5 · answered by Rachel R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you need help getting started email me. I have produced fine champion shibas in the ring and I know the perfect breed to start out with and I can help you search for that quality dog. ahoback@sasktel.net
2006-12-15 03:09:15 · answer #6 · answered by Sassyshiba 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OOO tuf chose id have a chuawa there litle cookoo but who cares easy to train and very cool
2006-12-15 03:09:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Totally agreed with walkinglady.
2006-12-15 03:15:16 · answer #8 · answered by hopflower 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Standard Poodles seem to be going good these days. Good temperment and can train and show well.
2006-12-15 03:09:57 · answer #9 · answered by Nana 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Cocker spaniels!!!!
2006-12-15 03:16:21 · answer #10 · answered by Rolo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋