[BellaDonna]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

I can only speak to how I make my decision and how I was taught. I've posted many a post what a breeder looks for, should someone approach them for a show dog. First of all a breeder must be willing to mentor said person. When purchasing a show dog you are purchasing a mentor. There is so many things we look for. But, the most important is looking into their heart. Do, they have the breed's best interest at heart.

When someone approaches me and the first thing they say is I'm looking to breed.....that automatically shuts me down. There are certain key things I listen for and I won't share them for obvious reasons. What I will say is my mentor put me through the ringer; I traveled with her and her handler for over a year, before she even allowed me to have one of her dogs. I was taught genetics, pedigrees, nutrition, handling, grooming, training, presenting a yorkie, everything yorkie. Assisted her in many a whelp, and was only allowed near a whelping box when I finished 3 Champions.

Now that doesn't mean I won't help a newbie who is attempting to enter the show world. But, mentorship and providing a newbie with a show dog is a whole different ball of wax and a big responsibility.

So does this mean that you would only mentor someone that is interested in showing dogs? Meaning, can you not be a wonderful breeder if you don't show? I am not being a smart ass, I really want to know.