What can you tell me about showing dogs? I know, I know, it's the 3rd time I ask this.?

Question

I'm gonna get a dog soon, not sure what kind. But I want to know everything you can tell me about showing your dog. Agility, Obedience, Weight Pulling. What are the best dogs for each thing? What are all the subjects you can compete your dog at? How long does it take to train it? At what age should you start training it for competing? I am 12 years old, will that have anything to do with my ability to show the dog? Will it limit my ability at what I can show it doing? What dogs tend to be the best for each subject? I'm thinking Rottweiler, or Staffordshire(Either Am, or Bull) or a Boxer, or a American Bulldog, if I can convince my parents to get one. What subjects do they tend to be best at? Like I said... everything you can possibly, and are willing to tell me.

Please tell me anything you might know. Even if it's not much, or it's just a link or two. I'd really appreciate it. And I thank you to anyone who answers this.

Let me throw in I am NOT a first time dog owner. I grew up my whole life with a Rottie Dobie mix. I personally believe I'm strong enough, and strong willed enough to handle a hard-headed stubborn breed. And if I'm not, my parents certainly are. And would I have to buy from a showdog breeder? I really don't think we have enough money for that. I saw something about one guy adopting a Pitbull, and two years later it's a champion showdog. Should I wait till my family has enough money to buy from a showdog breeder to try to put a dog in shows?

Answer 1

Go to shows and competitions. Learn by watching actual dogs and handlers. Check http://akc.org for info. on age limits at different competitions.

AKC does not do weight pulls. But they do sponsor a lot of Obedience, Rally and Agility.

You need to do your research. What you are asking it too much to type. Skip the Am. Bulldog as they aren't AKC and so they can't enter.

Read up, ask polite questions at the competitions, volunteer to help out, join a club or two, and really know what you want to do and narrow down your breeds till you know exactly which one will suit you.

As long as you aren't doing conformation, you can even compete with a rescued dog as long as it's purebred. But the main thing a competitive dog needs is a healthy body. So try to get one with good hips/knees, eyes and ears and temperament.

I prefer breeds that are bred to work WITH people. That's why herding breeds excel, they naturally watch their owners for direction. I'd say a Boxer might fit, or a Staff. Rotts can be good at obedience but they need really good hips for jumping.

Google stuff....that's how I find things.

Answer 2

To compete in agility or obedience you do not NEED a dog of the very top show lines - it's nice if they look good since 403 dog experts will see them, but well there have been nation champions that have been rescues.. Now you DO need a reputable breeder since physical problems such as hip dysplasia could be career ending...
Now given the starting premise that the individual dog matters as much as the breed. and there are sucessful individuals of each breed in each sport - and herding breeds tend to do best in both agility and obedience is diminated by herding & sporting dogs...
Boxers would be the best agility prospects of the breeds named - Rotties are mostly lousy agility dogs and Staffs are even less seen in the trials (bad sign given the popularity) Rotties and Boxers would be the top best obedience breeds of your choices. American bulldogs are not a AKC eligible breed and AKC has more shows/trials than anyone else ...
All your breed picks are large forceful breeds - DEFIANTLY obedience class- and to be honest some of them are gonna be hard for a 12 yr old to handle when excited..
AS for age - I've been in classes with more than one 12-15 yr old and one of those took a dog to national finals before she could drive their and another has a MACH dog by the time she's graduated high school.

Answer 3

go to the akc website and look up junior handler, there is alot of information there and info on all different breeds. Where I live, a kid under 15 cannot walk rotts, or staffs publically. You also might want to find out with your parents about homeowners insurance, many do not cover dogs like rotts, etc. I have two rotts, Champion dogs, I do not allow my children to show them, not because they couldn't handle the dog, but because of the other people's inability to control their dogs in the ring. I would pick a different breed that is smaller that you can learn with and enjoy. Good luck . There should be junior showmanship classes available where you live, sponsored by local dog clubs or the AKC. Another thing, you might be able to talk to a breeder who will let you come to shows with him or her and show you what to do.

Answer 4

Hi Jordan, I think you should research the breed you want. Please don't buy from a petshop or backyard breeder. You can buy a pet from a registered breeder and you will pay less than for a show dog. Unregistered breeders don't and can't test for soundness, temperament, hip and elbow displasure.
Go talk to someone at your local dog club and understand what showing, obedience, trialling and other dog sports are about. You will find there is a lot of fun to be had with a lifelong companion.

Answer 5

if you want to show your dog you better have a show quality dog wich means your gonna spend $1000 or more possibly alot more. Ask the breeder if they show dogs and what titles the parents have won if you want to have a champion dog start with champion parents.Most importantly know your breed standard and choose a dog acordingly one with no obvious flaws find someone who is already showing and ask them to help you find a dog that got what it takes cause it takes time to develope and eye for that sort of thing

Answer 6

If you DON'T buy from a REPUTABLE breeder,you'll get useless ugly CRAP!!!!
(ppssst.......Am.bullies are NOT a BREED!!!!)

Go to the AKC site & READ the BREED STANDARDS!!!

READ about JUNIOR HANDLING!

Contact your local kennel club!
****GO TO SHOWS!!!!!******

DON'T bother w/the doofs HERE=the vast majority don't know SQUAT about MUTTS,let alone QUALITY animals!