Learning to breed and show dogs?

Question

Does anyone know where I can find good information on breeding and showing dogs? I DO NOT mean just mating 2 random dogs and selling the puppies through the newspaper, this is something that I would like to do with my life. I'm well aware that good breeders really don't make alot doing it if they're caring for the dogs like they should, and that is fine with me, I want to do it out of love, not for any personal gain.
I don't want to hear "if you dont know anything about it then you shouldn't be doing it" because nobody is just born with the knowledge, even the most reputable breeders needed to learn it somewhere. If there are any breeders out there that can tip me off to books, or classes/seminars about it that would be ideal. I don't want to jump into it not knowing anything about the proper practice (thats not fair to the dogs) and I don't care how long it takes (or how much it costs) to get the knowledge that i need to do it right.

Ok, so Nickle down there obviously didnt pay attention to the part where I said "DO ANY BREEDERS KNOW...." I'm looking for first hand experience in answers here, what has helped established breeders get to where they are.
If you're unable to contribute anything helpful, then, heres an idea, DON'T CONTRIBUTE ANYTHING!

My heart is with Cairn Terriers. I grew up with them, and i do know a fair amount about the breed and their history and genetics, though it was never a breeding/showing type of situation. When I got married we got a Cairn (which just reaffirmed my love for them) but he is in more of a "spoiled child" role than anything.

Answer 1

The best thing to do is go to www.infodog.com and search for dog shows in your area. About five days before the show, the Judging Program will be posted, which will tell you the time and ring # of your chosen breed. (Cairns). To prepare yourself to watch the ring, learn the breed standard. Many Breed Parent clubs have a booklet that is a visualization of the standard which will help you to train your eye. Send for one of those. Learn the standard by heart. Start watching the ring carefully. Try to figure out WHY the particular dogs win. Train yourself to recognise faults. Go to as many shows as possible and try to determine which dogs best conform to the standard. Approach the exhibitors of those dogs and explain that you'd like to get involved in showing that breed. One of those breeders/exhibitors will be willing to mentor you in the breed. They will make sure you learn about the breed, breeding, genetics, health testing etc, and will help you to acquire a good specimen of the breed with which to begin your work in the breed. He/She will recommend reading materials. It will be a very valuable relationship.
I began watching my breed ring in 1994, acquired my first show dog in 1996, and bred my first litter in 1999, so you see there is a lot to learn and it takes time and committment, but it's also quite rewarding, especially when you can rest assured you are working for the welfare of the breed. Remember also, that being dedicated to a chosen breed entails much more than producing puppies. It is the responsible breeders who found, fund & man the Breed Rescue Groups, who fund and participate in studies of canine health issues, who educate the public, mentor aspiring breeders, and in general dedicate their lives to the welfare of their breed.
It's a very serious investment of time, money and passion.

Answer 2

The first step I would recommend is to find the breed you are in love with. You may want to go to a conformation show, you may want to go to performance events and watch dogs do what they were bred to do and learn more about them. Once you have 'the breed' you're committed to, find a local club that is interested in your breed. AKC's website can help. You might also do internet searches and also check the parent club website to find some folks near you. From that group, you can probably find someone to use as a mentor. A mentor is very helpful because they can tell you the pitfalls of the breed, of showing the dogs, of what you should avoid, etc. A mentor can also be a resource of recommendations to breeders. Keep in mind that most breeders who have very nice quality puppies have a waiting list and some will not sell their dogs to a non-proven handler. So you'll probably need to get the best dog you can get your hands on and start showing to prove that you're going to walk the walk (instead of just talk the talk). Another possibility is co-owning. You do the work, the breeder keeps part ownership and you prove yourself that way. Then start talking to breeders, get to know them, make contacts. Once you start making a name as a known handler and show that you're committed to the breed, doors will open for you.
Good luck!

Answer 3

First find a breed you are interested in. Then go to shows in your area and speak with the exhibitors and breeders there. Next I suggest finding a mentor to teach you things you need to learn. You will need to learn grooming, handling, judges, ect.
Also there are health issues in every breed that you will have to test for. You need to read through the standard for your breed and know it like the back of your hand. Know that there are not any perfect dogs and you may be waiting a long time for a good show specimen.
There are a lot of heartaches in dogs and a lot of tough decisions. Things may not turn out the best. You could lose a whole litter of puppies and the mother.

Answer 4

Do you have a dog now? Or have you chosen the breed you want. To breed dogs successfully, you need to be totally committed to a breed. The best way to learn is to join an all breed club and attend all their education seminars, classes, etc. Attend dog shows and learn how they work by helping the club that's putting on the show.

Meet breeders in your chosen breed and pick one to be your mentor. Reading is great, but you won't learn nearly as much from any book as from someone with real-life experience.

When you've chosen your breed, you need to learn everything there is to know about them. When you buy a show-prospect puppy, the breeder who sold it to you will be more than happy to help you (provided it's a reputable breeder). They want their show puppies to end up in the show ring. You need to learn not only your breed, but your line - their strong points and faults, you need to learn about genetics so you can determine which dogs to breed together to get desired results. That means studying the pedigrees of the prospective parents.

It's a long process to do it right, but the jumping off point is selecting the breed for you, then go from there.

Answer 5

http://akc.org to search for your local kennel club.

To learn from the best join your local Cairn Terrier club also join your local all breed Kennel Club. That way you can learn what it takes to show dogs. You don't just decide to breed. First you have to get good enough dogs. Your first dog or two may not end up breeding quality even if their parents are champions and their littermates are too.....you just never know till they grow up.

Show grooming Cairns is not easy. Handstripping you'll have to learn from a pro. handler or a long time breeder.

Attend some local shows, meet people, network. Offer to help out if you meet someone whose dogs you like.

Often there are handling classes through the local all breed club or through the local obedience club.

Answer 6

There are classes on show training both for obedience & conformation with many training clubs. But most of the actually birds & bees knowlage is passed via a mentor system. SO join a local kennel club, get active & be friendly and eventually you will find a older breeder to mentor you.

Answer 7

Well your going about thinks correctly. First you should decide on a breed of dog that you really, really love. Go to all kinds of dog events, this way you can meet handlers and breeders and ask them all kinds of questions. You can go to AKC web site and look at the events listings. Also go one line to www.howl911 and see their listings of dog events. Also look for Dog magiznes and read up on the events they may have. Also find a breed club in your area. Sit in on a few of their meeetings. Meet as many people as you can.
After you've done a lot of research into breeds of dogs then decide which one your have a real passion for and go and find a dog. Then start to show it in local dog shows and then move up the ranks. It can be a lot of fun but also alot of work. After all this then decide if you really want to breed dogs.
After I did all this then I decided to get into breeding and I bred Goldens for over 20 years.
Good Luck and have fun.

Answer 8

It is hard work!! My first litter I didn't sleep in my own bed for 5 weeks! Had to sleep next to the whelping box to make sure momma didn't squish any of them. We lost 2 pups that momma wouldn't let eat (thank God she didn't eat them) and it hit me really hard I realize that it's mother natures way of weeding out the weak, but it is tough!!!
I may do it again but not anytime soon.........

Answer 9

How about if you go online and pull up ask.com and enter your question there and it will take you to a site or sites that you will be ABLE to get some very helpful info from.