In our sport, we often hear the most successful breeders, exhibitors, and judges say that our education is never-ending. We learn something new with every litter, at every show, and in every conversation with a fellow student of dogs. It’s small wonder, then, that patience is more than a virtue; it’s a necessity if one hopes to make worthwhile contributions over decades. Unfortunately, that slow and steady path to success conflicts with our culture’s need for instant gratification. What’s more, enthusiasm can be mistaken for impatience, if we’re not careful, which will frustrate all parties concerned.
A friend of mine with a young litter had recently been chatting with someone interested in a companion puppy. He appeared to understand what cosmetic features made this puppy a pet and not a show prospect. On the day he was to pick up the puppy, he brought his partner with him for the first time. The partner was much more abrasive, asked to see the other puppies (which my friend foolishly agreed to), and then pointed at the breeder’s keeper puppy, saying they would take “that one” instead. The breeder politely explained why that puppy was not available, but the partner would not back off. Instead, he pulled out his checkbook, said they could afford to buy the very best, and only the breeder’s pick would do. Then things got a little heated. The breeder bluntly replied, “Why would I sell you the pick puppy, my breeding and show prospect, a puppy that took me 30 years to produce? This is the first I’ve heard that you guys were interested in a show dog.”
Not surprisingly, at the end of this confrontational visit, the couple went home without a puppy, and the breeder felt she had dodged a bullet, and acted in the best interest of her dogs.
If a puppy buyer is thinking about joining the world of dog shows, the best advice would be to find an established breeder and take the third pick from a consistent litter, to learn on. Let your breeder mentor you, make your mistakes on your showable puppy, and in time, with patience, you’ll be ready for a better-quality dog.
Although dog show judging is a subjective matter, and winners are always happier on a given day than non-winners, we hear a lot of grumbling today about the “declining quality of judging.” There are certainly folks who are in a big rush to launch their judging careers. Why the hurry? Astute, longtime breeders certainly know what their fellow breeders have produced over the years. If the quality of those dogs was lacking, why would a breeder’s critical eye magically improve with a judge’s badge pinned to their lapel?
There has never been a time when we’ve had more educational opportunities for dog people to add to their knowledge. Parent clubs work hard to offer valuable breed seminars and hands-on demonstrations in different parts of the country. Breed experts are designated by parent clubs for ringside mentoring. In addition, there are wonderful online seminars produced by parent clubs as well as the American Kennel Club.
Beginning the journey to judge is a lengthy and costly process. It must never be undertaken lightly.
The best way to learn our sport from the ground up is to join your local kennel club. Among the members, you will find many experienced, potential mentors to teach you the essentials, and they don’t necessarily need to come from your own breed. The nuances of breeding dogs and whelping litters will vary from breed to breed, but the nuts and bolts will not. Patient, successful breeders will guide you, and root for you unconditionally.
Remember that dog clubs are made up of volunteers, who come with different personalities. Some club officers have held their positions for many years, and might react more protectively when it comes to their “turf.” Don’t let that put you off. Whatever your skill set—public relations, newsletter production, computers, accounting—express your interest in volunteer work. Show enthusiasm but temper it with diplomacy; everyone can make a worthwhile contribution without making anyone else feel unneeded. Above all, be honest in assessing your strengths and weaknesses. If you cringe at the thought of public speaking, stewarding or parking patrol would be a better fit for you than talking to TV reporters on the day of your show.
Make friends in the dog show community, appreciate your mentors, welcome the newcomers, and find your niche in our wonderful sport. Fellow exhibitors will feel your positive energy, and respond in kind.
