R3D_RANG3R_PO

Hello, I plan on getting a dobe in about a year or two and would like to show him. I see everyone talking about their dogs points and how he's now a champion. i would like to know..... how many points does it take to be a CH? and whats the cut off for points? does 5th and 6th place get points? when do u stop showing a dog? Do all dogs become CH after a while because they finally got the points? from what ive read it seems like its going to take a while to find the right dog since most breeders keep the best of the litter and sell the better ones to other breeders.....so what makes the difference between a show pup and a pet pup from the same litter? if i for some reason get a pet pup from a litter could i still show him?

thanks

MaryAndDobes

It takes 15 points to become a champion in the US. Two of the wins must be "majors" - a win of 3, 4 or 5 points, 5 being the maximum you can earn at one show. The number of points earned depends on the number of dogs competed against and the region where you're competing (the point schedule varies based on the region). These points must come from at least 3 judges.

To try to make things simple, a dog must first win it's own age class in its own sex category (males compete against males, females against females in classes). It then goes on to compete against the winners of the other age classes in its own sex. So a 6 month old puppy may be competing against an 11 month old puppy against a 2 year old, etc. The winner of that is called the Winners Dog or the Winners Bitch, and those are the only 2 dogs who get championship points. So no, there is nothing for 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th place dogs.

The Winners Dog and the Winners Bitch then get to compete against the dogs who are already champions (Specials) to try to win Best Of Breed.

It's more complicated than this, but I'm trying to make it easy for someone who doesn't know.

A "pet" pup deviates from the standard in a way that makes the breeder think it doesn't stand much of a chance in the show ring. However, that deviation might be quite small to someone more inexperienced and has no bearing on having a nice pet. The eyes might be too light, the feet too flat, the brisket not deep enough, etc. If the pet puppy is sold on Limited Registration in the US, no, you cannot show it in conformation. You can do obedience and agility and whatnot with it if you wish.

__________________

Marieldobes

Here is a link to a Beginner's Guide to Dog Shows on the AKC website which explains the different classes, etc.

American Kennel Club - A Beginner's Guide to Dog Shows

This is a link to the Point Schedule for championship points. Florida, for example, is in Division 4.

American Kennel Club - Point Schedule

If you're serious about getting a show puppy, then start now attending some dog shows and meet some of the breeders (or handlers in some instances). Don't expect to talk to many prior to or during actual judging but many will visit with you after the judging is done. Once you find yourself a breeder whose dogs you like, then continue to attend shows where he/she is going to be and offer your services, i.e., walking dogs, helping with breaking down crates, etc. This will give you an idea of the hard work that goes into showing and will show the breeder that you understand the committment it takes to own/show a Doberman to its championship. Yes, a breeder may keep the best for themselves, but they don't necessarily sell the other "show quality" puppies to other breeders. Many will sell to a "newbie" on a co-ownership. Some co-ownerships are successful and others aren't. If you're offered a puppy on a co-ownership, ask to see the contract upfront. Co-ownerships aren't for everybody, but if it's something you feel you can live with, then go for it!

Again, if showing a Dobe to its Championship is your dream, then you need to find a breeder who is actively showing with a degree of success in the conformation ring.

Good luck! Jan

__________________

Murreydobe

Excellent post with excellent advice. Jan saved me the trouble, as I would have made the same suggestions.

Dobe&Dane

And when you go to shows, buy a catalog! It lists all the dogs' registered names and handler's numbers (so you can tell which is which in the ring). From my experience there is also space for you to write who won in each group and how many points they earned.