How to pick a show pup at 8wks? - Page 1

I know a pup must have ball drive and not be fearful. What are some physical faults to look for at 8wks of age? Can any expert lend a hand? Thanks to all

some of the things I look for are ear placement ,eyes,shoulder and hip correctness

And what should I look for on these body parts? thanks

I like to see an overall balance which they can carry at this age, I like to see attitude lots of attitude, color, pigment,good lenght and angle of croup eventhjo this chacnges , but usually what you see at 8 weeks they can loose it but can come back again, I like to see good ear placement, strong topline, strong driving rear a front that will extend and a rear taht will have the follow through evcen at this age , you can see all of this.

Hi Kaiser. I think Cecilia has pretty much covered what you should look for. When I look at a litter I too look for the overall balance of a puppy, especially when gaiting, and this is how I personally like to assess one aspect in a puppy for showing, for example the puppy should look the same or similar shape on the move as it does standing around, having balanced movement and its bum not coming into the air moving from stilted hindangles, or running falling on the forehand etc, The movement should be easy, free and no jarring of the limbs. The puppy should be confident and alert and appear to be enjoying life to the full. If you were to choose any puppy I would suggest you check its teeth, particular the bite to make sure it is not overshot, or has other mouth issues at this age, if a male his testicles should be checked and he should have two at eight weeks! The trouble is Kaiser, often breeders do not wish to let their pick of litters go opting to keep them themselves, so it can be difficult to get your feet on the showing ladder so to speak. And even then there is no guarantees that the promising puppy you bought actually turns out to be a good one. Do a bit of homework before seeing a few litters, see what lines you like and what pleases your eye in the showring, plus males you like, you can check out hip lines and an array of things, but whatever you do take your time and dont rush into the first thing you see, hasty choices are often not good ones! Hope that is of some help. Regards Sting