show puppy - Page 1

how does a novice get his hands on a quality show puppy?. if a top breeder has a litter of 8 pup what are the chances of the novice getting 1st or second pick?. the chances are if the breeder feels he has breed a quality pup that stands out from the rest would he not keep it for himself, or sell it to someone he knows tcl

Normally, yes. Get to know someone who has quality show line dogs. Then you'll have a greater chance of getting pick of the litter, if they are not keeping some of the pups for themselves. I would suggest going to Germany (not so expensive if you stay over a Sunday. Price is about $500, which isn't much when you consider getting ripped off for much more if you can't look at the pup yourself) and picking out a young pup from a litter of show quality pups. At 8 weeks, you can't really tell what they will be like when they are completely mature, so with a puppy, it's always a roll of the dice. If you're seriously interested in showing, buy an older pup, or younger dog. :) Hope this helps.

Actually since the dollar is lower verses the Euro the pups are actually more now, plus you have the shipping which is also higher based on the value of the euro. Co owner ship may be another way to go. Find a breeder who has dogs that you like and try to establish a relationship with them, This way you will have the support you will need to get into showing. But again, pups are a crap shoot. If you want more of a guarantee, buy a older pup or young adult.

In time you develop an "eye" for a puppy with potential, but that's all you'll ever be able to tell. We normally pick at 5 weeks. If you're just starting out, it's best to join a club and befriend one of the regular showpeople who can assist you in picking a puppy. I don't sell puppies which I think has good potential to novices because there's no guarantees that they will last in the circuit. I'll rather place such a puppy out on breeder's terms so that I can keep control and then gradually introduce them to the GSD crowd (who can be quite snobbish to new comers).

Tom, Alot of breeders will keep their top picks back to see what kind of potential they'll have, but when you say quality show puppy, there are many ranges that I think a novice would be quite happy to have and show. I'm sure there are alot of breeders that'll have a good quality showline litter with puppies that'd turn out to be v rated adults...I suggest you start looking @ lines you are interested in and then follow up with a smaller kennel or breeder that'd be inclined to help you...A potential VA would never be sold to a novice and most certainly the breeder would want to keep that pup for himself to establish their kennel line...

I truly find it hard in picking a show puppy at such a young age. Pups change so much when young.Find a good breeder and get to know them before sending any money.I get my dogs from Viernheimi Kennels in Hungary. Laszlo is a judge and knows his dogs.

Tom, Just what blood lines are you seeking? Please post your e-mail address,,,,,or a way to reach you,if your in the U.S.A.,,may be able to give you many,nany options,from Va rated sires.

I AM LOOKING AT THE GERMAN TYPE OF DOG. ONE BREEDER HAS PUT ME ON A WAITING LIST FOR HIS PUPPIES AND THE PRICE IS £1000 AT 8 WKS AND THIS IS NOT THE PICK OF THE LITTER .

I KNOW A BREEDER WILL NOT PART WITH HIS BEST PUPPY,BUT HOW DO YOU COMPETE WITH FELLOW DOG SHOWERS IF YOUR PUPPY/DOG IS 7/8/9 FROM THE LITTER

There are good puppies available all the time. No breeder can keep all of the good ones they produce. They make those they can't keep that they think are the best available to show homes first. They try to retain some rights through co ownership and often offer show and training assistance so their good puppy get some exposure. I look for breeders with good percentages. Difference being one that produces 10 litters and has 2 good dogs vs a breeder that produces 3 litters and has 2 good dogs. From there check out the lines that are being bred. What is their success? Then look at the individual pup. Pups are a longshot. Anyone that says otherwise is someone I would steer clear of. You can and should stack the deck in your favor. Your chances of getting a good dog will increase as you demonstrate you are willing to show, train, and make the dog available back to the breeder for breeding.