How can you tell if your pup is show material?

[dianmichele]

So I was at my breeder's place today picking up Milo and Gidget for a sleepover, and my breeder says she's been watching Milo and has seen how he's grown in the last couple months. I picked Milo out when he was 9.5 weeks old. I knew she hadn't decided whether or not she was going to add him to her breeding program or not, but she sold him to be anyway.

Now she tells me that he's the pick of the litter! I bought him as a pet, but could pay her more $$$ if I wanted him as a show dog. So, how can I tell if he really is or not? I think there's a good possibility that he could be, but what do I know? Do I just look at the breed standards, or enter him in a show and hope for the best?

Thanks for the advice!

[alisoninmd]

Now she tells me that he's the pick of the litter! I bought him as a pet, but could pay her more $$$ if I wanted him as a show dog.

I don't know much- if anything- about the world of showing, but something about what you wrote sounds off to me- if he's already yours, why should you pay her more money?? Hopefully Beckie and some others will chime in... I obviously don't know your breeder, and he or she may be a wonderful honest person, but please make sure this individual isn't trying to take advantage of a proud doxie parent. :hugs1:

[dianmichele]

I bought him under a non-breeding contract, so by law I HAVE to neuter him before he's a year old. If I want to show or breed him (I probably wouldn't breed him since I don't know the first thing about it) the cost goes up.

If I came to my breeder originally and said I wanted a show dog, I would pay more. Since I haven't paid her in full yet, I can change the contract if I want.

[dianmichele]

Anyone out there?

[alfina]

I would try going to a dog show and ask some exhibitors there who show dachshunds to go over you dog. You may even approach a judge that is judging dachsies that day. They usually get pretty worn out after a long day but may have a spare min or two to help you out. Or you could try contacting the dachshund club in your area and ask them to get you in touch with someone who can take a look at your puppy.

Unless you know what a great show dog look like and have your hands on a lot of dogs with a good mentor helping you identify faults, you will not be able to do it yourself.

[juliette]

I have no clue on how to tell if he's "show quality" or not - but I agree, why would you have to pay MORE $$ to show him?? Do you have his registration papers?

Cheers
J

[alfina]

Show dogs cost more because of the different registration they get and potential breeding. Every breeder charges more for a full registration dog vs limited. That of course thinking that you are going to breed him. If you do not plan on breeding him, then going into conformation IMO is a waste of money. Conformation shows are to evaluate potential breeding stock. Unless you enjoy showing, competing, etc. Then, you could do other shows that do not require full registration. Otherwise it is expensive to show a dog to a Championship and it doesn't add anything to your adorable pup. Of course, you would have Ch. added to his registered name.

Canada I hear is cheaper and easier to finish a mini than in the US.

[Cindi]

"Canada I hear is cheaper and easier to finish a mini than in the US."

I'm sure Canada will be very happy to hear this! :) If the dog is good, it can be *considered* easy to finish anywhere. If the dog is so-so, it takes more time and money. Even bad dogs finish :(

Back to the question about paying more money for a show dog. Well, many reputable breeders will have different contracts for either a pet/companion or a show dog. Most will have strings on that show dog via the contract so that the new owner is 1) not left on their own to make breeding decisions 2) have a mentor for the show career. Many breeders can and do charge more for a show puppy than a pet puppy. However, there are also breeders that charge the same amount BUT the contracts are different. Some breeders will sell a show puppy but NOT the rights to their reproductive life and keep co-ownership. This is done for the protection of the breeder's reputation, the dog's lifestyle and oft times it is a great protection for the new owner as breeding can be *seductive* (no pun intended) and could be entered in to for the wrong reasons.

If you are TRULY interested in showing, I would have some reputable handlers and/or breeders go over your dog's conformation and watch his movement and see if it is worth your time and money. If you are NOT interested, then have him neutered and enjoy him in the performance events!!! I would enter the conformation ring with ANY dog only if I truly WANTED to be in conformation competition; not because someone said my dog looked nice :) It is a lot of work getting ready to show ie training and classes and socialization to the atmosphere and it is not a cheap adventure. AND, there is no reason any champion HAS to be bred!!! You can enjoy the conformation ring, finish his championship and then have him neutered <G>

Cindi

[alfina]

Because in Canada mini does not compete with standarts likein the US. Only here we are still competing with them for points.

[Cindi]

And I'm one of the many that hope we, miniatures, ALWAYS compete with the standards for points. Competition with good judges is wonderful and a fantastic thing to watch. In life, we ALL run up against some unfair instances and yes, that happens in the conformation ring many times, too (I do believe it happens there are bad calls in all sports <G>), but I don't want to throw out all competition for the sake of the miniatures being able to compete only against what many people think are *their own kind*. I truly do not believe things would get *better* if you limited the competition. It might get easier but that is NOT what we should be aiming to accomplish. They are all dachshunds. If a judge (and breeders, too) can't determine which one is better when they come up head to head in competition, I wouldn't enter under the first and would suggest the 2nd study a bit more.

As far as some judges prefering one over the other, we ALL Have preferences whether it be *type*, *heads*, *other body parts*, *color* or size. You learn which ones not to try, judges that is, and which ones to give a chance.

JMO but it is one I'm comfortable with <G>

Cindi

[doxunzX3]

Most of my doxies have come from Champion lines. But only a few show quality themselves. But I don't like to show at all my self. Even though one of my boys from years back was shown at a specialty and got a 5 point major I still had him neutered. He didn't have the personality that I would want for passing on to puppies.
Even though he was a great pet himself, he could be a bit temperamental at times.
You have to take all things into consideration. It might be something if you try it that will end up being a fun and new thing for you. I agree not all Champions have to be breed. I would thing the breeder would encourage you to show him. Because each puppy of her breeding once they get the beloved CH. in front of their name it goes as credit towards her dogs git (line). You could go to some fun matches or join a local all breed dog club to learn how to show. Or if your close to a doxie club find someone willing to teach you the ropes.

[shannon20_01]

Jake has some Champions on his dad's side....but I wouldn't know the first thing about being able to tell if he's show material or not.