How to get a show dog?

[Cara]

This may be a stupid question, but how did you all get Frenchies to show? We've found breeders are (understandably) nervous about novices who might damage their reputations or breed unfit dogs. We have a pet now, but we might like to get him a buddy to show in the future. How did you all establish credibility? And has anyone had a problem arising from co-ownership?

Thanks,
Cara

[franp]

This may be a stupid question, but how did you all get Frenchies to show? We've found breeders are (understandably) nervous about novices who might damage their reputations or breed unfit dogs. We have a pet now, but we might like to get him a buddy to show in the future. How did you all establish credibility? And has anyone had a problem arising from co-ownership?

Thanks,
Cara
This is not a stupid question.It is ,in fact a very complex question. I will try to answer it as best I can , from the perspective of the breeders I know.

First, as a new person to the breed, do not expect to get a female. Why? Because it is too easy to breed and become a backyard breeder. So do not even think about getting a female.

Showing is ALLOT of work and VERY expensive.Think about this and decide whether you want to commit BEFORE you start down the road.Training the dog and yourself; entering the shows; hotels etc. And using a handler in certain circumstances. If you decide that you do not like it, you can't just stop. You have a contract with the breeder to show and attempt to finish the dog. That means hiring a handler.

Now, you have decided that you will spend the money.You need to start to develop a relationship with a breeder.This is something that many people are doing. Frenchies are THE dog. you are in competition. What makes you special.?What makes you a great show home?Have you learned all you can about the standards? Have you gone to shows? Learned pedigrees?Or do you just want a dog without knowing anything?
Show the breeder that you have studied and are attempting to learn as you look for a dog. What is it that you are looking for? Enstrom ears? Do you prefer a cobby dog or a leggy dog? Do you like a classic head or American head?

Then, it is all up to personality match.if you like each other.
I personally would not co own.Some breeders will only do it this way.

Start going to dog shows and meet breeders. Look at websites and see whosse dogs you like. Correspond with them.And be patient. Most people wait at least a year to get thier first show dog.

Oh just as an aside; why do you want a show dog?

[Linnysmommy]

Our very first Frenchie terned out to be a show dog. When I bought him, I really didn't want to show a dog, but he is just so good that I couldn't not show him. The breeder was thrilled that I decided to show Lenny. She had planned on showing him, but had some health problems and couldn't take on another show puppy.
We are on the road to having Lenny in his first show. It will be June 5th. We work very hard with training. As a matter of fact, we just got back from class. I was lucky to find a former handler that teaches at a kennel club about an hour away from me. He is the best!!! Right now, Lenny is sleeping and I feel flat out tired!! Our class is an 1 and 45 minutes long with breaks.
Good Luck!!

[franp]

Linnysmom,
Where is your first show? what name is he registered under? I love to go to infodog or onofrio and look at the results!!

fran

[Cara]

Thanks for the advice. This definitely isn't something we would do casually. We plan to spend another couple of years going to shows and talking with people - and our pet's breeder had beautiful dogs, so we would probably start looking there. It took us more than two years and a dozen breeders to find one from whom we felt comfortable getting a pet, so we won't be jumping into anything.

-Cara

[libellule]

This may be a stupid question, but how did you all get Frenchies to show? We've found breeders are (understandably) nervous about novices who might damage their reputations or breed unfit dogs. We have a pet now, but we might like to get him a buddy to show in the future. How did you all establish credibility? And has anyone had a problem arising from co-ownership?

Thanks,
Cara
Cara,
Find a breeder in your area that you like their dogs and ask if they would mentor you. Most breeders prefer that their dogs go to someone that they trust. So let them get to know you.
Carol