Hi all,
I had a question for breeders and exhibitors, and anyone who has a show hopeful puppy:
In your experience, do your puppies go through changes sometimes even weekly before you see the "final stage" in there development for Show Qualities. (not sure if that made sense?) . For example, I'm a freelance photographer and I've taken pics of my puppy now each week since she was 10 weeks. She looked great at 9 and 10 weeks, but has now taken a turn each week for the worst in my opinion. She no longer looks nice and compact, but long in the back and short on leg. I am aware this can change again, but what I was asking of you specifically is...
1. For how many months will I watch this continue as a roller coaster?
2. Is it a bad sign when you see such swings in quality?
3. When will I know that I know.... she is going to be or not be a show pup?
4. Is 4 months an "ugly" stage both structurally and aesthetically?
5. I have heard from some that puppies go through an awkward and ugly stage. What age(s) does this most often happen?
I'm looking again
...for some rays of hope! I took her to class last night and she didn't look nearly as nice as she did 2 weeks ago, however, her movement looked way better? Can you tell I like to know what's coming next? I'm a planner, I'm a nervous nelly and not so patient which the lord is still doing a work in me. I think I've accepted her gay tail as it continues to look better. But now...there is other stuff not to like so well.
Does anyone want to share their own opinions and experiences?
Thanks,