To show or not to show?
 However, it would be amazing to get involved in the showing process and learn all the tricks of the trade. I'd have to jump in both feet to learn as much as I can about grooming, which is the way I like to do things. . .  What do you think? Show or not show? |
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I voted show!!! 
Dog shows can be so exciting, meet lots of new people, it's an activity you and your dog can do together which I think increases the bond between you. Shows are somewhere every weekend, true, but it doesn't mean you have to enter all of them. You could maybe just show once or twice a month, whatever works best for you and your schedule. It's great she is willing to do it for you, but I think you might enjoy it if you do jump in with both feet and do it yourself! (and of course I would love to have another person on the forum to talk to about shows since right now if I talk to much about showing most people leave the chat room LOL  )
Plus, you are getting a puppy who should turn out to be an exceptional dog, it would be a shame if that wasn't shown off to the world
To get a championship won't take too long on a pup out of that breeding I'm sure, so then you would decide if you wanted to stop there, or continue showing and campaign the dog. I can't wait to hear what you decide! |
| I say show. You will get so much information on how a "good" breeder does things and what a good specimen of the breed look slike. It is possible that your puppy does grow to be show quality, anyway, but if it does what a great expereince.
And is wouldn't be every weekend, either. Go for it! |
| If your breeder is the one doing all the handling then it may not be worth it for you. A breeder wants as many champions as possible because it builds her reputation and helps sell more puppies. Showing can get very costly: travel, grooming equipment, entry fees, etc. If she is mentoring you to show yourself then I would say to do it, you will learn a lot and meet some nice people. Beware though, that it can be verycutthroat and you must have thick skin. All that being said it's lots of fun to do, good luck![/b] |
| I say try it too. You're in the same boat I was over 2 years ago. I have been doing it and it's certainly been an interesting road.
I think it's up to you rather you would owner-handle or breeder handle. If she's nearby and willing to help you show groom, that is the hardest part since it is an art . You can enroll in the conformation/handling classes and decide at the ring if you would like the breeder to show your pup for you. Maxxm & I haven't had our breeders by our side at many of the dog shows but if you ask the other OES people, they will help you along the way too. The best part of showing is that you will also be bonding with your pup. You will also learn so much about the breed and dog shows themself. Plus you'll be able to steer people in the right direction if they are thinking about owning a sheepdog (Plus you can plug OES.org ).
Plus winning a poofy gold & purple ribbon rocks! |
| GO FOR IT!!! It is a fantastic way to learn how to keep a coat in top condition, how to keep the dog in pristine condition, you also learn so much along the way in relation to the breed, you never stop learning too.
The other great thing is great socialisation for a dog as it gets them to experience many different breeds, people and places. Also you meet such a variety of people along the way too, some great some not so great but the tavelling, learning and socialisation is fun. Try it and if you find it is not for you at least you had a go, so much easier when you have your breeder there teaching & mentoring you along the way. 
Careful though it can become addictive
Good luck and look forward to hearing how pippin goes with his first show I am sure you both will have a hoot of a time |
| Ultimately, It is up to you.
Do you have the time to do it? Is it something you want to do? My Nephew wanted two Akitas and to start breeding them. He got two very good dogs...for Akitas. The Male's breeder is making him show the dog. He is not really interested in it and could care less about showing. The breeder also does confirmation classes which she expects him to be at. I guess for the breeder to approve him breeding that dog she expects it to be a champion first. My SIL breeds and shows her Mini and now Giant Schnauzers. She forces her daughter to do all the showing while she sits back on her fat ass waiting for another champion. Our Niece does not seem to enjoy it at all. For me.... I am not into competition. So I would never show....even if I had a dog worth showing. Too much stress for me!! So I voted no....but that is just my opinion. If it were me... I wouldn't. Not saying that you shouldn't though. |
| The basic trick of the trade is:
"who you know" and "how high up are they". If you aren't going to show the dog yourself why would you want to show? Especially if you don't have extra time to spend with the dog. To me it would be which is my priority, gaining points and fame in the dog world, or enjoying my dog as a family member. With all the time and training it takes, the handler would probably have the dog more than you. I always felt like the higher ups try to sale their pups to us with the stipulation that they be shown. Since most of us don't know how or have the time to show, they become the dog's handler and keeper. Only thing we get is our name on the paper as co-owner, and pay "their" way into the ring for fame and fortune. Sorry - jmop |
| Hi,
I was curious about the show world too I admit. Merlin was purchased as a "show dog" but as I was initially going to have him featured in my magic shows, the breeder allowed me that concession. A few things came up so that I didn't pursue that route. Panda came into my life and needed so much of my time and energy. Merlin is one of the hardest dogs to train I've ever experienced. This is no small statement as I've had 8 dogs , 4 being OES. Funny enough, Panda is by far the smartest and best behaved even tho he was from a puppy mill. Merlin is the better looking dog, his hair is so white compared to Panda's! Anyhow I'm rambling, but think the dogs personality and not just the looks makes some more successful than others. I still would have loved the opportunity to experience the show world as the comeraderie and experiences gained seem like a lot of fun. Good luck with whatever you choose to do. Marianne and the boys |
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