The SHOW dog

I can safely say that I understand how difficult it can be to acquire a good quality show dog with no experience either breeding or showing. How can a breeder trust a new person to take a promising puppy and do what they say they will?

I suppose they could spend some time getting to know them, invite them to shows and events and gauge their committment that way. Instead, I think more often than not what you are going to get are the not as promising puppies. And in fairness to breeders, if the person doesn't come through they are not losing a good prospect. You may find it easier to get a better male prospect initially and once you show your commitment by finishing his championship, the breeder should be willing to work with you on a nice female.

But you may ask, how does somebody really break into this club without knowing anyone or anything (at least initially)? Perseverence.

To start I highly recomment going to some dog shows in your area. Ideally there will be some breeders there with dogs that you are fond of and you may be able to strike up a conversation face to face. Just keep in mind, it's not a good idea to approach them before they go in or out of the show ring. I took my boy Magnum to a show in Oakville. It was my very first show and I was super nervous. By the time we came out of the ring with Best of winners and 2 points I was so excited and my mouth was so dry I couldn't speak. I was approached by what appeared to be very lovely people and in spite of my usual friendly nature, I tried to apologize and left the area. It probably seemed rude, but that was definitely not my intention, I love to talk dogs, especially Newfs.

Use dog magazines, your Newfoundland dog club or your local kennel club to find breeders in your area. If it's possible I highly recommend trying to find someone close to home. This way you can visit and speak with your prospective breeder, ask to meet them at shows, water tests or other events and get to know them. Just as important you can meet the dogs you see in pictures face to face, view facilities etc.

Finally, you may want to consider a breeder who is just establishing themselves opposed to the large well known kennels. The big show kennels will have a large volume of requests, especially for show dogs that come from other breeders. And I believe they will be more inclined to trust the really good prospects with them.

Look for an up and coming breeder who has been at it long enough to have bred and acquired some good quality dogs and who has the same taste in newfs that you do. This means studying pedigrees and once you know the back ground of the dogs you really like, it will make it easier to select a breeder who has already established themselves with similar lines. I find the best way to do this is at the Newfoundland Dog Database.

Our new puppy will hopefully be born the beginning of May. The breeder we are currently working with is very communicative and was happy to have us out to her house. She introduced us to all the dogs and we had a great conversation. We have been in touch regularly and I'm very optimisic that this litter is going to be great and she is going to trust us with a really nice bitch.

Ideally you'll find someone you have a good connection with and who you know is going to be there to help you along the way. This will make your introduction to the world of show dogs and breeders a lot easier and more enjoyable.

I would love to hear about any new to showing stories. Old or new. Or of any other tips people would like to share.

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