Search

The following are my thoughts on finding the "right" breeder and buying your first show dog. I realize that my perspective may differ markedly from the opinions that many BU readers hold on this subject, but here goes:

First, when you are involved in showing and breeding, there are to my mind two different cathegories of dogs:

1. Show dogs
2. Breeding dogs

These dogs may or may not be the same animal.

1. The Show Dog: Some people show dogs because they love the show scene, they love to collect titles and wins, ribbons and prizes. The show dog is a pretty dog that fits the standard and has a lovely temperament. In my eyes there is no reason why a dog with a serious health problem that will make it unfit for breeding shouldn’t be shown - IF showing doesn't put too much of a strain on the dog and the owner likes the show scene (of course, it is very important that this dog’s owner NOT fall for the temptation of thinking this beautiful show dog is a breeding animal). To become a brood bitch or stud dog, that lovely show dog also has to be health cleared. In other words, "Champion" does not necessarily equal fit for breeding.

2. The Stud Dog or Brood Bitch: Is a good specimen of the breed. It has a good temperament and has successfully completed all health testing requirements (which will vary from country to country). It is above the breed average, healthwise. It may not be a show dog at all, or it may have been a top winner - to me that doesn't really matter as long as it is a good specimen of the breed with all the qualities that make up a good boxer. Breeding is making the next generation of boxers and planning for the future, and a breeding animal needs a lot of good qualities. A champion title is not necessarily one of them. We all know that many titles depend on the handler you choose or the size of your wallet, and neither of those qualities is known to be hereditary in boxers. :-)

Buying the show prospect puppy can result in several things:

1. You end up with a lovely showdog collecting titles, but which is unfit for breeding.

2. You end up with a lovely breeding animal that will not win in the show ring.

3. You end up with a lovely pet unfit for both of the above.

4. You end up with a lovely breeding animal which will also win big in the show ring

Which of these is most likely will partly depend on how well you have done your research and chosen the breeder you buy from, and on how much LUCK you have. But - if you don't get it right the first time, don't give up - try again!!!

I know from my own experience what I feel were the most important things I did in 1985 when I wanted to get my own boxer (I grew up with boxers), and also from the outcomes of the things I see newcomers doing (or not doing) today. I am assuming that the novice has already studied dogs in general, knows about care and training, and knows what it is he or she wants to do (obedience, comformation, breeding, or all of those activities).

#1 Study the breed, the standard and the history.

#2 Study the breed in your country, read yearbooks, magazines, show results, health records, newsletters, go to shows, join a breed club.

#3 Study the breed’s specific traits, the inheritance of those, the health concerns and the inheritance of those in the breed of your choice.

#4 Search for the right breeder, visit with and talk to as many breeders as possible.

And who is the right breeder? These are my criteria:

• The person that is willing to share his or her knowledge with you.

• The person who answers your questions - even if the answers are not what you wanted to hear.

• The person telling you about his or her dogs’ faults as well as their virtues.

• The person that tells you about the dogs and not the wins.

• The person you like - this is probably going to be your mentor for years to come, so you need to feel you can communicate and get along with "your" breeder.

• The person that has produced a family of quality boxers - even if there are no big winners (yet). You don't want to buy the only star in a family of mediocre dogs......

• The person who keeps track of all the dogs he or she has bred, and therefore knows what he or she has produced - good and bad.

• The person who will take you seriously and work with you to find the right dog for you!!!!

Good luck in your search...
Cecilie