[Alistair]

Following on from the crufts thread, can anyone with experience give me some pointers..

Later this year we will be getting a new pup, this has been decided, we will either be getting a scotty terrier or a puli, we both (me and oh) wish to show said dog but have no interest in breeding, we've spoken with various breeders over the last few months, all of whom are quite happy to list pedigrees and show results but not being judges we are still a bit in the dark, and we do understand it's hit and miss where pups are concerned and so can only go on the parents

To get le with some chance of winning something - Im thinking best in show at crufts - no not really more sort of regional stuff, and not necessarily winning but being placed, what would you reccomend we do?

Both breed clubs are very helpful and we've read up on breed standards etc, is it just a case of seeing the parents and making our own decision?

Thanks in advance

[happygolucky]

  , not keen on showing dogs but do understand it, my daughter occasionaly took hers to shows, I can understand why people breed thier own dogs to get better dogs that fit the breed standards.
I suppose the basic first step, after you have read up on the breed standards, go pup hunting, be prepared to do some travelling for that? rasta one (forgot already) PULI!! they do look lovely but look to me like they need a lot of care, but you being in the business, that may make an ideal advertisment for your trade!!! So choose a healthy looking pup, one thats bright eyed, walks well, well covered, with solid poos, although, usualy they do get the runs on change of food or change of home etc but that should settle fairly soon, our pups had the runs after being wormed but then back to little sausages!!
Then of course the breeders, some pups are taken else where to sell and not with their mum at all, ask to see both parents and check the pedigrees, there are loads of unscrupalouse breeders that do not actualy use the stud dog they say they have used, a man I know told me just how easy it is to fake papers and health tests, saying that, health tests are needed too, and before anyone comments, my bitch had a hip test but I actualy met a few generations of her pedigree before I bred, they all live around the local area so, I left out the eye test as her dad and mum were clear....thats me but now there are tight laws although like I said, anyone just after the money can and will forge papers!!! Some people who bought my pups actualy phoned up and visited the stud dog and asked all sorts of questions, I was very happy for them to do that as I have nothing to hide and the stud dog owner is very well known in the gun dog world, so, providing you are prepared to travel thats great.
So 3 words, research, research research and my last work.....Please please please get a Puli!!!

[in the hills]

Been quite a while since I have shown dogs but .....


- visit lots of Championship Shows. Even within a breed there are usually small differences in "type" between different breeders dogs eg. one breeder may prefer a slightly taller, racier, shorter coupled dog
See which you prefer and which wins consistently. Talk to people showing.


- You may need to go on a waiting list with your chosen breeder.


- You may want to make sure you get "pick of the litter", "second pick" .... whatever


- You maybe able to get a breeder  to go with you to look at a litter to help you select a pup with good type/match to breed standard




Of course picking a healthy pup, genuine breeder, health checks etc. all still apply .... but you're doggy so guess you know all that stuff.

[Alistair]

Cheers you two,

Yup I'm a doggy type, it's choosing the breeder, we've been to shows, we talk to people, and to be honest I think because we are interested in showing and I'm in the business so to speak we seem to get a lot of sales talk, I'm on various lists club lists already, I just need to choose the right breeder.... I'm quite aware of the waiting lists, I need to talk to more people obviously!


Happygl, I really want the puli, I also want the Scottie

[happygolucky]

Both, one for you and one for the other half
Then compete

[Alistair]

Aghhhhhhhhh....... Do NOT tempt me ......

6 dogs, 4 snakes, 2 cats and a duck might just be too much

 

[happygolucky]

SNAKES , the only pet I am terrified of!!

[sabrina]

I also hate snakes, gives me the shivers just thinking about them. Showing is all down to what the judge likes on the day. Picking the best you can, doing your research and getting the right dog or bitch for you is on the right track but show to enjoy the experience not with the thought of winning that way you do not get disappointed. Also be prepared that not all other owners will be nice.

[Alistair]

Sabrina, I used to compete in obedience comps, can't actually believe how bitchy some of them are, especially the established ones, can well imagine what it's like.

Anyway I just want to buy a dog that's got potential to win, not one with 3 legs and no ears

And snakes are nice, especially the big ones   

[happygolucky]

There is a snake dumped near here, just glad I did not find it while out walking, its now in a local and wonderful rescue poor thing!!!!
I think bitchy ness is rife in most competitive things, or I may be wrong, all my daughters took up loads of different sports and became very good so competed, that was when I notice just how some parents pushed their children to be the best, that annoyed me, when mine won stuff I was so proud but other people found fault, so, not into competitions, not at all competitive but that's me.
BUT...love watching field trials!!!!and dog shows

[sabrina]

You get it in all showing classes, just have to rise above it.

[doganjo]

Aberdeen Terriers (Scotties) will have breed classes at many of the Open shows, it is highly unlikely that Hungarian Puli's will have as many.  Puli's may well have CC's at some Champ Shows - without checking my Kennel Gazettes I can't say how many.  Scotties will have a lot more, plus there are often Sub Group shows, thus more chances to qualify for Crufts

With one or two exceptions, you can only qualify for Crufts from a win at a Championship Show.

These are such diverse breeds I suggest you choose the breed that suits your lifestyle rather than whether it will win in the show ring, after full consideration of the pros and cons.

When you have decided which breed, you will need to look at adults which are winning to ascertain which kennel you wish to support.  Price does not always indicate quality.

Both these breeds have coats which need specialist management.  The Puli club have an excellent article on coat on their website.

There are a number of Scottie Clubs.  Stuane has always been a top winning kennel in that breed, and sells winning dogs to others.  It is always a good indication of general overall quality if a breeder is not keeping their good stock all to themselves. JMHO

[Alistair]

Cheers doganjo, Im already au fait with the puli side of things, I'll check out stuane, I already groom scotties to show standard and I'm sorting out a day with Puli owner to learn as much as possible about puli coats, there are so few people who know how to do it properly and professionally speaking I'm sad to say I'm one, "all the gear and no idea" as they say..

As for lifestyle any dog that can cope with 2+ hrs exercise a day, not being left for more than about an hour at any time, compulsory training to good citizens gold, being used as a demonstration dog for vetenarian nursing courses, the odd bit of sheep trailing and agility and the odd grooming competition, regular bathing and grooming and an awful lot of love should suit us, sadly both breeds fit in with that so it's getting down to personality of the actual dog I'd guess

Bit more talking to people and then to start visiting them I guess

[happygolucky]

You make fantastic doggie parents,

[Alistair]

  cheers, we like to think so