I have been lucky to be mentored by a very long time very reputable show breeder. I always still get her opinion of my dogs/puppies I am keeping for show as well as ask a few other very long time show breeders. Actually most of us do that, ask those in the breed that have been in it a very long time and whose opinion we respect.
Even with all that, I have to be prepared to end up spay/neutering a show prospect that is just not turning out to be what I want for the show rings which happens even at the age of 8 or 9 months or older. It isn't easy but that's also part of it.
It also takes a very critical eye to be sure I am not putting something in the ring that could be finished a championship but is not really what I would want out there representing my kennel name. That is where you have to be really careful if professional handlers get involved as you still have to see the championed dog/bitch yourself. A prof. handler can put a championship on a dog or bitch that is not quite what you might expect it to be.
I show my dogs myself, breeder/owner/handler although my last champion, Mandy, was one I had purchased seeing the quality that she is. |