how to tell if you pick the right show dog?

Question

i want to know if i pick a good puppy to be a great show dog? i am getting this pitbull puppy and need to know how or what im am looking for. for the pit to be my show dog.

Answer 1

Here is a fantastic article on picking a good show dog:

http://www.hawkwindsamoyeds.com/Show/choosing_show.htm

Answer 2

Well you won't be showing it in the UK then. Pitbulls are banned. If you are seriously interested in showing, then you need to do the research first - long before you pick a puppy. Get to know the breeders and exhibitors, go to shows and see what dogs are consistently winning and who the up and coming dogs are. Learn as much as you can about the breed. Observe show dogs very closely. Preparation is about 90% of the show scene. Good luck.

Answer 3

WAIT.... Before you buy the dog, do your research. This is the most important thing. Educate yourself on the breed standard, email breeders and ask what they look for in a pup, read books and go to shows and watch the puppys in the ring. So you have an idea what you are looking for. Im into staffys and have a male stud dog and Im looking for a foundation female to show. I have been profiling breeders for 4 months, going to shows and networking with breeders. One thing you need to remember is that alot of breeders will not sell show dogs to the public unless they know you and trust you. It doesnt matter what the bloodline or whether they have champions as parents a breeder will often have homes already assigned for show pups and will not often sell them to people who have never shown before. Phone up any local dog clubs and ask if they have any show training classes so you can learn the art of dog showing and find out as much as you can about the breed so you can decide for yourself if the dog is suitable for show. You will need to know height standard, correct eye colour, body length, nose length, do pits need a distinct stop? They do with staffys. Check teeth for straightness and scissor bite and the list goes on. If you go to a breeder educated you have more chance of getting a champion. Make sure the breeder is reputable, I cant stress the importance of this, and that the pup has papers, you will need open papers, no contracts or limited papers and make sure the parents have approprate health certificates. If you look on the internet you will find out what heriditary diseases the pits can get. Sorry to ramble on but ive seen people get burnt and sometimes breeders will talk their dogs up in order to sell them. To get a title for a dog it can take years, they work on a point system so you want to be sure this dog is right for you as A PET FIRST, SHOW DOG SECOND. And if youre dog doesnt receive a title still love him just the same. Pit bulls are absolutely stunning dogs there are some great websites on breeders, contact them and let them know you want a pup and theyll often put you on a waiting list, I expect to wait a year for my staffy. Often the ones advertised arnt worth buying only the ones worth waiting for are. good Luck.

Answer 4

Pit bulls are definitely NOT show dogs or even show dog material! Sorry but that's a fact. Poodles, Schnauzers, Westies, Spaniels and Jack Russells are the popular breeds that are shown at shows mostly, plus much more. They must have clean ears, white teeth, They must stand and stay while the judge examines the dog and must have a clean, shiny and healthy coat and a clean backside not to mention VERY good behaiour. They must also know how to run in a circle with good posture and must listen to your commands. Pit bulls are rarely seen in the show ring. They also take longer mostly to train because pit bulls are very assertive and have a bad reputation for being aggressive. I think they are beautiful dogs and i used to have two until they had to be put down because they always chase they neighbours cats and one of my pit bulls Jake killed one. I have had almost 20 dogs in my whole life...so far! Hope this helps

Answer 5

It cannot be shown in AKC sponsored events, because the PIt Bull is NOT a recognized breed!

How do you know? You buy from an experienced show breeder who is earning CH titles on their dogs. They would be a better judge on if a pup is show potential or not.

Pups are only considered "show potential" because you are never 100% sure if it really is show quality until its full grown and in the ring. An experienced show breeder tho still has a farily good idea what to expect out of his/her pups.

A good breeder will most likely have a huge contract on the pup.. to protect your and the pup's interests. It should include a minimum 1-2 year health guarantee, and also spell out what should happen if the dog does not make it in the show ring. Ussually if it doesnt make it in the ring, the pup is spayed/neutered, and you would be reiumbursed what you paid, minus pet price, and then given consideration for a pup at the next litter.

Answer 6

So, since you have found out that you can't show your pup...now what?
If you are interested in showing maybe you should not get this pup, but find a breed that AKC accepts. Go to shows first, really evaluate the breeds and then decide which ones you might be interested in. Talk with the breeders about all the things mentioned today. Show quality means conformation, i.e. body structure, movement, temperament, fur color, eye color, nose shape, height, length, foot shape, hock length, shoulder lay back, neck length,
and then on to breed tendencies.
If you get my and a few others drift here....it is generally specific.
My advice here, because you don't know that much about pits, is to not get one. But to meet reputable breeders and see if they will place an adult of an AKC breed, trained dog with you and join Jr. Show. Many will if they think you are willing to put the time and effort into this project. It does take years to understand dog behavior, weekly training classes, travel to shows, entrance fees, meals, vet bills, grooming training etc.
It's alot of money. But then if you prove yourself to someone that knows and cares about your interests you will have a lifetime of fun ahead of you and a mentor who will probably provide you with an appropriate show speciman. Most breeders won't sell their best dogs....they want them for themselves unless they Really know you have the funds to take a great dog as far as it can be taken in the show ring. My mentor of 15 yrs also took the dog to shows where I couldn't afford to go. She was known in the ring and was Very well respected as a breeder, member of the National Club and Westminster winner....I love her to pieces for the stud she provided me to have my first home bred champion. She and I remain best friends and I value the knowledge she has shared with me about our breed. We also have learned alot about vaccinations, breed diseases, breeding to get these out of our lines....as not all people are honest about what their lines carry genetically. 15 yrs isn't long to learn all this either and it keeps changing. My point in all this sharing is that you need a mentor and you'll probably go thru several before you find the right one. Don't be in a hurry to find the right dog....the dog is already looking for you !

Answer 7

Isn't it a little late on wanting to know if the dog you chose is show quality? You have him already! As Dallas said: check the bloodline and heritage of your pup. Good luck!

Answer 8

check the akc papers first. Are their champions in the puppies heritage? check the standard on your breed, and see if the parents match the standard. Height,weight, color, etc.