I just got a AKC boxer pup who is a little over 8 weeks old, and can already tell that he is going to be a beautiful dog. I want to eventually enter him into some shows, the only thing is that his ears are not clipped. I know it's to late to clip them, and I wouldn't if it wasn't. I just need to know should I even bother entering him with this deviation from the norm show Boxer?
2007-11-09 08:48:21 · 10 answers · asked by Leo 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I refuse to have his ears cropped now. There is no way in he!! I'm putting my boy through that.
2007-11-09 09:06:47 · update #1
According to the AKC standards for boxers, uncropped ears are not a fault. Who told you they are? Surely not your breeder?
It's very hard to get started in the show world. Do you have someone who can be a mentor for you? You should sign up for show handling classes now while your pup is still little. It will be much easier to teach the nuances while he's young than after he's several months old. Not that he won't be able to learn them, just that it's easier while he's young to teach him the right way instead of unlearning something he shouldn't do in the ring. Can't tell you how many times I wished I'd never taught my dog to sit. Judges aren't too fond of that in the ring!!
Showing is so much fun, but to be a handler, you've got a lot of training too. Trust me, learn from someone who's got the experience. You'll save yourself a lot of time and money so you're not throwing away your entry fees b/c the judge can tell you or your dog is inexperienced.
Boxers are outstanding dogs in the ring, I wish you lots of luck, I'm sure you boy is a beauty!
PS - If you didn't originally purchase your dog for show, make sure your registration is for full and not limited.
------
Edit - If you want to contact handlers, you can look them up on AKC. The link from another answer that mentions Jack Bradshaw is only for a superintendent. That means they organize and facilitate the shows. They aren't handlers or judges, just manage the entries.
If you'd like more info on whether your dog does have what it takes, contact the local breed club nearest you. Just tell them that you think you have a great dog, and ask where to start. They'll give you tons of advice. You can look it up on this page - http://americanboxerclub.org/us-boxer-clubs.html
2007-11-09 08:58:59 · answer #1 · answered by boss 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
This is a perfect age to crop the ears. You need to find a vet that can give you a really nice long show crop. If the vet does a poor job, you might as well just leave him natural. Also, most good show breeders of breeds that are usually cropped, sell their puppys with their ears already cropped, and usually not at 8 weeks. Go to some local dog shows and take your pup with you. Talk to some of the pro handlers and have them evaluate the puppy for you. If you have a show prospect, they will tell you because they will want your business. Good luck with all.
2007-11-09 17:34:41 · answer #2 · answered by Julie D. 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Currently, I would not bother. It is not a disqualification, but your chances are not going to be as good as all the others with cropped ears.
And really, an owner handler newbie with an uncropped Boxer has next to no chance. I am not sure if a handler would take the dog either.
It IS a deviation from the norm!!!!! ANYONE that had ever been to shows and seen the Boxer entry will know that. Cropping MAY be optional in this country, but it is still done by most all show breeders. As I said you CAN enter a dog that is uncropped, but when all the other dogs are cropped, your dog will stick out like a sore thumb....and not in a good way.
Go to some shows and see how many are not cropped. It isn't many.
2007-11-09 16:51:37 · answer #3 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 4⤊ 3⤋
Boxer's with "natural" ears CAN compete in the dog show. If i were you i would NOT crop them it's too painful for a dog to go through. Plus you have to worry about the person cropping the ears doing a professional job. I wouldn't take the chance. I would suggest going to dog shows and talking to show handlers about showing your dog.
I would try attending some shows with Jack Bradshaw. He has shows for the AKC and it only cost $25 for your dog to compete.
Here is his website...
http://www.jbradshaw.com/
2007-11-09 17:38:11 · answer #4 · answered by Cavalier KCS mom 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A Boxer with natural ears can certainly be shown and shown very successfully even by a newbie. Don't let people discourage you. Find a few matches when he is 3 months old and enter those. Then when he is 6 months old enter him in some real shows...have fun.
I also recommend that you join a kennel club in your area and take handling classes.
***I second what one of the other posters said click on the link they provided and join the yahoo natural show dog group. It is a great bunch of show people who are very sucessful in the ring with their "naturals"******
2007-11-09 19:53:47 · answer #5 · answered by Great Dane Lover 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is NOT a deviation fromt he norm, clipping is optional in the U.S. and not allowed any more in many European countries.
It is far too soon to know whether your boxer is a show quality dog, I would suggest you go to some AKC sanctioned local events to find out more about showing and how to go about it.
Even if your dog is a prime example of his breed, does not mean he will be a champion or can be shown succesfully. I have a dachshund who wins every conformation event, but will never be a champion because she just will not tolerate larger dogs - too bad, we love her dearly and show her locally sometimes in conformation.
It should be fun for you and the dog.
2007-11-09 16:53:53 · answer #6 · answered by rescue member 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
GotNewfs is right. Though uncropped ears are not a disqualification, in the U.S., show judges still prefer them and a newbie with an uncropped boxer would not have a big show career. I hate ear cropping and personally would not do it, but that's the current reality still in the U.S.
2007-11-09 17:03:13 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
1) It's not too late to have his ears CROPPED, but talk to the breeder about it.
2) If your dog is a good specimen, he can be shown with natural ears.
3) If you got your dog from a good breeder (who shows their dogs) then they are the best person to help you with this. They can show you how to train, condition and groom your pup for the ring, and show you the basics of handling.
If your pup did NOT come from a show breeder, it is likely that he is not show quality.
This might be a good resource for you
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=10
see here as well
http://www.boxerunderground.com/apr_bu_99/jerryrice.htm
2007-11-09 16:57:03 · answer #8 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I think you should consider more whether your dog meets the breed standard and training for confirmation. Also check on the AKC website.
2007-11-09 21:46:04 · answer #9 · answered by Freckles... 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please don't crop this puppy's ears!!
Please join our group of great people who are successfully showing their Danes, Boxers, Doberman's, etc in AKC competition. We are here to help and support people who are just starting out.
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/NaturalShowDogs/
Alison
2007-11-09 18:18:38 · answer #10 · answered by Alison W 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋