Question on selecting a show/breed boy?

[adorame]

I have a question about selecting a show/ breed boy puppy as I am new to this, I hope I do not sound stupid for aking the questions I have. What features should I look for when selecting a puppy to ensure best quality? I Know that I do not want floppy ears but what personality/ looks and so forth did you go for? My friend,s puppy is now 3 and has changed color a few times on her and is much lighter now.Any information will help, I am sure that I will want to take them all home so Help with what I should strive for would be appreciated, Thanks!

[txshopper73]

You're best bet will be to go to a reputable show breeder to ask your questions. Most reputable show breeders will not sell you a show prospect unless you are willing to show/finish him/her. Show prospects will be older (at least 6-8 months).

Get the show breeder to mentor you and you'll find all the help you need.

Good luck!

[adorame]

Thank you! I am looking into that now and have been to the AKC web site to get information on when shows in my area will be. It is hard to judge these dogs because I find them all way too cute! I have notice that if you are showing the dog you need to wait till they are older to pick them out. Like I said before, thanks for the information, I need as much as possible to make a good decision!

[Ladyhawk]

She's right the best person to judge whether a pup may be show potential is a show breeder. They know their line and know to expect through all the changes. Look at an older puppy, start at the head, look for good ear set and size, good front, straight topline, high tailset, good back, good reach and drive while gaiting. Ask the breeder to go over these aspects of the pup with you. Find one that has already done a match if you can so you can see how they did. Stack them on the table and play judge, see how they react to strangers and new situations. There is so much to consider when trying to find a show dog. I asked my breeder to pick out a special boy for me and she intrusted me with Connor. I now have the responsibility to make sure that he gets to be all that he can and finish him.

[lisatodd]

how lucky are you to get a show dog!!!!!!! you are so very lucky

[Ladyhawk]

Hey Lisa, I was wrong about the show date in Richmond. It isn't this weekend but next, June 23 & 24th. It's at the show place on Mechanicsville turnpike. You can get directions on infodog. There will be 20 yorkies showing on Sat. and 23 showing on Sun both are at 1:30. If you have any questions PM me. Hope to see you there.

[adorame]

Originally Posted by Ladyhawk

She's right the best person to judge whether a pup may be show potential is a show breeder. They know their line and know to expect through all the changes. Look at an older puppy, start at the head, look for good ear set and size, good front, straight topline, high tailset, good back, good reach and drive while gaiting. Ask the breeder to go over these aspects of the pup with you. Find one that has already done a match if you can so you can see how they did. Stack them on the table and play judge, see how they react to strangers and new situations. There is so much to consider when trying to find a show dog. I asked my breeder to pick out a special boy for me and she intrusted me with Connor. I now have the responsibility to make sure that he gets to be all that he can and finish him.

Thank you so much for the information, I am learning allot right now and everything help. I also think that in the time being before I get to pick my baby out I was wondering is I should let the breeder pick for me since I am not that experienced an all that. I will most definitely get to a few show's that are in my area. Books are good but seeing for yourself is also a learning experience! Thanks again!

[tegamom1]

You can also go to http://ytca.org/. Exhibitor/breeders are listed there by state. There are several in Ohio. Like they have said, going to shows is a great help. Other than just being able to look at what's in the ring, you get a chance to talk to the breeders and they are usually quite willing to talk to you (if you approach them when they're not busy getting ready to show). Finding a good mentor IS definitely of major importance. After looking and studying different lines and deciding exactly the "look" I wanted, I was very fortunate to find both, a beautiful show puppy and not one, but two mentors! It may take a while to gain their trust as good, reputable exhibitor/breeders have learned to be VERY cautious, but it's well worth the effort it will require. Good luck in your search.