[yorkykisses]

Originally Posted by topknot

You usually must co-own to get a show prospect/potenial, especially if you are a novice. Breeders just want to make sure you will show and try your best to finish their pup, as well as guide you in the right direction. Sometimes included with co-ownership - a puppy in return from breeding, plus what you already paid to purchase the show prospect. Once the dog is finished and if you owe a pup from breeding and that is over with - papers are signed over to you for full ownership.

There is a lot involved and the breeder just wants to make sure the person is really going to show and try their best to finish the dog. Their is also grooming - do you know how to grow a show coat and make it look great? Topknot too! There is nothing so sad as to see one of your pups in the ring and the person has ruin their coat. You would be surprised what novices have done - let dog play in the yard, go to the groomers and cut trim off parts of the coat, etc... Then do they know how to handle themselves in the ring? Do they now that the dog's lead always go in the left hand adn dog walks on the left side, do they now the judges walk directions ("L" etc..), do they know how to show in the ring to the dog's potential. When do you walk in the ring?
Show prospects - usually 4-6 months (prefer 6 IMO), show potential - around 9 months +

Thanks for the wonderful input!