Show vs Pet quality - Page 3

**Megs** · 06-08-2008, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranquility

^Thanks for the explanation. Makes perfect sense. (I'll keep my hands off any 'Shows' for now then.)

If you're interested in a "show" dog, why not show?

tranquility · 06-08-2008, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Megs

If you're interested in a "show" dog, why not show?

Haha, you give me way too much credit. This will be my 1st dog and my 1st Dobe. Baby steps, baby steps LOL.

**ellenm** · 06-08-2008, 08:03 AM

I just wanted to add to this thread that show or pet quality ....ANY of them can go out and do obedience, agility, tracking, etc.

Breeders certainly love to hear their dogs are doing well in different venues. I'm not a breeder, but it means a lot to me if a dog has a title "at both ends."

jdd · 06-08-2008, 09:00 AM

If you want the best, a pet from a show litter will look just as good as its littermates most times. Its usually something very simple that makes them a pet and you won't even know what it is unless you are told. I assure you, if you buy from a really good breeder. Their pets WILL be the best!

sorthund · 06-09-2008, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranquility

Ok, so it seems that 'Show' and 'Pet' are both great quality dogs, just that 'Show' has something 'more' that the breeder believes would make them slightly better to meet the std. For lack of a better term, even though 'Pets' are not "2nd-tier(ed)", they are still not as 'good' as the 'Show'. Assuming this to be the case and that I wanted the best there is, would it be possible for me to get a 'Show' but just to have as a pet? Or is that a no-no as breeders would want what they believe to be 'Show' quality to be shown, bred, etc?

If the breeder doesn't have enough show homes lined up (there are fewer and fewer now from what I understand) then you could get a "show" quality dog as a "pet" because the breeder needs to place the dog (they just can't keep them all you know). However IF the breeder has a choice between you and a good show home, why would they give up the chance of having another possible champion from their breeding. That would be insane.
Now that being said, keep your options open.... Maybe you'd like the show world.... I got my dog as a "pet", however I don't think her breeder really considered her because she saw us as a great home and that was more important to her at that time. However, as my pup grew up she showed potential and we decided to she should be shown. I was lucky that after researching literally to stumble upon our pup from great breeders in my area who are my mentors now.
Please don't take this the wrong way, but if you truly don't want to show the dog you get, then don't be so picky that you might pass up on a great companion with a fantastic temperament just because the top line isn't the best, or the tail set is too high... you'll just be cheating yourself.

Dobes&Hounds · 06-09-2008, 01:30 AM

Keep in mind if you do decide to show, the financial commitment. Prices on everything are going through the roof. With entries, handling fees, and expenses an average 3 day show cluster will run you about $500. That's if you send the dog with a handler and don't decide to go with and stay in a motel. Say you do that once a month for two years, that's $12,000 to finish that dog. Some are less, but you can bet on at least 6k for an easy finish, probably more. Just a reality check!
Laura