Other side of the coin..Would you sell a good show dog to someone without experience?

Question

Ok. I'm interested in getting a show pup. This would be my 1st one, I have NO experience in showing, do have a mentor lined up (if the breeer doesn't live close by). I am involved in my local training club, help teach classes, steward for Rally/Agility trials, on the board and in charge of setting up Obedience seminars for the club...
Why do I have a hard time finding a good show pup. Most breeders have said I could get a show pup, not the top pup (which I can understand) but a 'good' one. I understand that I have to prove myself in the ring..
I didn't know anything about Obedience and my girl has her CGC, RN and CD title..So I feel that I would do well with a show pup, I just need someone to give me a chance...All of these show people got their start because someone gave them a chance...I just need the same thing.
My other downfall is that I can't travel cross country to show the dog. I would take s/he to shows within 4-5 hrs from me....
Any advice.
So what am I doing wrong???

No trolls..just honest answers

Alyssa..I could be wrong but I have to have some kind of reputation to be able to handle someone else's dog

Full of questions... No I will NOT give up my dream.. I WILL do it, just need to find the right breeder to work with

Dane lover....Yes, you do learn everyone learns by doing.

Letterst....These breeders aren't all about the money. Yes, just like with any breed, they are clickish but they do care about their dogs

Thanks for your answers.....

Answer 1

You arent doing anything wrong. It sounds to me like you have things lined up and just need to find a decent breeder. Where are you from? I know a lot of people who will sell a show puppy to an inexperienced confirmation person and will be there for them to help them learn. I am one. My goal is to help further the sport and to further my breed. I started in Obedience though, so I am more likely to sell to someone who does obedience. Dogs tend to be better behaved with obedience people. :-) I show only within about a 6 hour radius of my home except for national specialties once a year.
Do you know what breed you are looking for? That could make a difference. SOme breeds are more cliquish than others and some parts of the country are too.
Best of luck, let me know if I can help.

Answer 2

It is very hard, trying to get a nice show prospect, when you don't have a track record in the breed. Hard, but it is not impossible. It sounds like you are trying to do the right thing, being involved in your local dog club is a good start.

Try working with a local breeder, because your best mentor will always be the "breeder" who bred the dog. They have a vested interest in seeing you succeed with their puppy.

You need to convince the breeder that you will make every effort to finish their puppy to it's championship. Sometimes this means signing a contract to that effect. The breeder may also insist on a "co-ownership" since this is your first show dog. The is nothing wrong with a "co-ownership"; IF all the particulars are written down in a contact.

Never, buy a dog without a contract. The contract should protect the dog, the breeder and YOU from any misunderstandings. It's hard to dispute, if you have it in writing.

Attend dog shows and get to know the breeders, and let them get to know you. Show interest and perserverance. Study the standard for the breed so that you can ask intelligent questions about their dogs. Understand that they are really busy showing their dogs, and approach them after they have finished showing. Make an appointment if necessary.

Never ask "how much" in the initial discussion. This tells the breeder that your primary concern is money...and not the quality of the dog. There will be time enough to discuss the finances; if they show you a puppy that you like.

Don't make yourself into something you aren't. Be honest. Tell them this will be your first show dog, that you want to do it right and that you would appreciate any help or direction they could give. I'm sure you will find a breeder who will work with you. Good luck.

Answer 3

It can be hard to get your first show pup. I am very lucky that I know a breeder/handler/judge I can use for a reference that has known me for years. There's a lot of networking involved when you start to get into the 'loop' of dogs. If you already have a mentor lined up, definately use him/her as a reference when inquiring about show-prospect puppies.

I also advise you to mention everything you have done with obedience and the titles your dog has earned there. This will show the breeder that you are dedicated. Many breeders are worried that they will sell a nice show-prospect pup to a novice and then the novice will lose interest quickly, while the dog matures beautifully and ends up only being shown once or twice.

Are you inquiring about females? I would recommend starting with a male. Many breeders seem more likely to let a male show-prospect go than a female.

Answer 4

The breeders I've interviewed with in the past refused to sell any show pup good or bad to an inexperienced person. Perhaps you could try starting out as a handler for someone else? Although, travelling is pretty essential to showing... why don't you talk to some of the breeders you're trying to buy from and see what they suggest? Or spend more time at shows and talk to the breeders and handlers there, and see how they started? Maybe you can find a way to get involved and get into the show ring to get some experience before you try to buy a show prospect.

Answer 5

Many breeders that have dogs that are good enough to show is very cautious on who they sell their pups too. If the dog has good potential and the handler messes it up then when other breeders look at the pedigree and see the messed up dog in there they worry about getting one similar. So the breeders have lots to lose be selling to someone the has no experience. My suggestion is to start with attending shows with someone you know that shows and they can talk and guide you to what you need to know from the outside of the ring and then maybe they will allow you to handle their dog at a show. The best way to learn is in what they call puppy matches. It is designed for ring time for the puppies that are to young to show in breed but allows them to be in a ring learning. Since the puppies dont really know what they are suppose to be doing then it doesnt make you look so bad either. You will learn with the puppy too. The judges are very good explaining things in the puppy matches too. I have went to shows for three years and pretty regularly. My friend is a professional handler that travels the nation and has top dogs.

Answer 6

I found my first show pup by going to my local conformation handling class. There happened to be several breeders in my breed that attend the class, and I just got to know them. I spent a lot of time at my local shows watching my breed in the ring, deciding which dogs I liked... then talking to the people on the end of the lead. Persistence is the key.

You have a good background with the obed work, however some show breeders are leery of obed people. A lot of them (generalizing I know) seek out show puppies thinking they would like to show conformation, only to discover what a long hard road it can be to finish a dog, ultimately giving up. I'm not saying that you would, just that you are fighting that image with a lot of show breeders.

I would advise you to check out any local conformation handling classes (you can take your girl, they don't have to be an actual show dog to attend) and talk to the people there. There may be a breeder in your breed at the class, or someone who knows one. Also attend as many shows as you can. Watch your breed show, talk to the people ringside. After they see you at several shows/classes, you should be taken more seriously. Also make sure you have a knowledge of your breed standard. You can print it off from AKC's website. It will take years to truly know the in's and out's of it, but reading and studying is the first step.

Show breeders have invested a lifetime of hard work in their breeding program, the result of which is in the whelping box. A really good litter is approx. 50% show quality, so when it comes to the half of the litter that is representative of their hard work and dedication.... they are a little protective. Just keep a positive attitude, and keep trying. Oh, and in answer to your question, yes I would sell a show pup to an inexperienced person. I would have a contract, extend all the knowledge and help I can provide, and would like to be kept up with any and all progress.... but yes, I would.

Answer 7

You are doing nothing wrong . Some people are just in this for the money . There is no doubt that you are going to have to shell out some dough , but it sounds like the dog would have a good home with you . As a breeder and trainer of some very high quality dogs , I will let you know that I do charge a hefty price usually , but I would rather see my dogs get a good home than anything else . I don't always stick to my asking price . If you know what you are getting into ( alot of work ; grooming , training , loving , expense , breeding . )then all you have to do is to be persistant and keep looking . Make sure you know your breed VERY well .and be prepared to have some pretty big expenses at first . TGood luck !!!

Answer 8

A show pup to me means that you plan on showing for a conformation title - you definetly will need a handler and lots of finances. I'm sure you will find the right breeder - they should ask you as many questions as possible about your intent and there should be a contract outlining ownership and possible future training goals.

Keep going to dog shows, search the internet and you'll eventually find a good breeder that will work for you.

Sounds as though you have a good background.

I would question selling a show pup to an inexperienced person especially without a contract and restrictions.

Answer 9

Absolutely. Have done it. Will do it again. Of course if the person wasn't nearby I'd probably insist on helping find or talk to the person's mentor or refer the person to someone I know nearby. Heck, I'd even do top pick.. if it wasn't the one I was planning on keeping to work. What *I* look for in my dogs and what other "show" people look for are not necessarily the same. The other thing is... *I* am at my limit for dogs right now and will be for another year or so, however, my b*tch was just diagnosed with a treatable (hopefully) case of pyo.. which means she HAS to be bred next season. So, what do I do besides find good homes for my pups?

Answer 10

I think most breeders try to sell to the higher priced market and so have to keep a good rep; with the show dog people. they are inclined to be in clics any way. If I were you I would forget about showing and providing I really wanted a dog go for a decent non-show dog (don't forget show dogs can have defects (unseen in some cases) and other problems due to inbreeding.) Show or not don't take a dog on unless you are able to give it love attention and exercise.
Good luck and blessings from Dot.x.