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Show & Pet
Pet-quality and show-quality are labels that be attach to puppies, but they can be fluid. Sometimes the most promising puppy defies his rosy
predictions as an adult, while his gawky, uncoordinated littermate matures into an enviable swan. Ironically, the bottom-ranked pet puppy from an extremely high-quality litter could be a better
example of the breed than the “pick puppy” from a mediocre litter.
Understanding the difference between show dogs and pet puppies – and how breeders arrive at those assessments – can significantly demystify the
selection process for many new owners.
The difference between a show dog and pet puppy is the degree to which each meets the standard for the breed. Knowing the standard for the breed you
are interested in – and how to interpret it – is vital. Some standards have disqualifications, which prevent such dogs from entering the show ring.
Disqualifying faults for puppy:
Eyes: Entropion, ectropion, yellow eyes, different coloured eyes.
Teeth: Overshot or undershot bite, wry mouth. However, puppies often don’t have permanent teeth yet when they go to a new home. Therefore,
determining show potential in those can be a bit more complex.
Tail: Kink tail, ring tail, with strong lateral deviation, natural bobtail.
Hair: Definitely long or wavy coat.
Colour: Dogs which do not show typical colouring of black with a tan marking. White marking.
Male: Cryptorchidism
A disqualification is the most obvious reason for a puppy not being show dog material, but it is hardly the only one. All the more reason to
trust in an experienced breeder to explain why a certain puppy is destined as a show dog instead of a full-time couch guardian.
Predicting how a puppy will turn out is an inexact science, but good breeders have a knack for such things. For this reason, it’s likely that your
breeder will select your puppy for you. Other than show-versus-pet quality, the breeder will also take into consideration the puppy’s temperament. Also, what will work best with your lifestyle
and family configuration. Naturally, a puppy suitable for young, active couples will be different from one that goes to an elderly owner.
Because puppies go through dizzying growth spurts, many breeders wait until seven or eight weeks of age or later to make final determinations about
which puppies are destined for the show ring. Try to be patient, and as soon as the breeder has figured out who goes where, you’ll know, too. The difference between pet-quality and show dog
potential often has an impact on price, with the latter logically being costing more. But this isn’t always the case. Putting aside that once-in-a-lifetime superstar, some breeders charge the
same price for both pet and show prospects. Even if there are two price tiers, the difference between them is usually not very significant. THE COST
FOR BOTH CATEGORIES ARE THE SAME FOR THE BREEDER.
Some buyers are willing to pay top for a show-quality puppy but don’t want to be involved in conformation. If a puppy is good enough to be a
champion show dog, a breeder will want them to achieve that. Therefore, they may hold out for the right home.
Buyers should never pretend to want to show in order to snag a show-quality puppy. Just as you trust breeders to be honest about practices and dog
quality, you should be forthright about your intentions.
Responsible breeders, after all, are not in it for the money. They focus on producing healthy, sound dogs that meet the breed standard. To do that,
they need to breed new generations of dogs to carry on.
By DeniseFlaim