Dog Owner Chat V. 5

[Velveteen Hound.]

…. Yeah. A lot of what Middy said. Showing - at least competitively isn’t something you just go do for fun one day. It’s takes a LOT of dedication, mentorship, time, money, and let’s be honest connections/contacts.

In an extremely popular breed, unless your puppy is extremely well bred - and /or conformationally drop dead gorgeous… you might have some troubles. And I’m going to be honest, and that’s just one picture … but that pup while cute looks pretty pet quality

We’re not trying to be rude, just realistic. This might be a good foot in the door, maybe get some some contacts, and maybe a good mentor (which is a fantastic place to start) but I wouldn’t expect too much.

[Blue_Aussie]

I show, and have a similar breed in rough collies. First things first, you really need to get ears taped so they don’t prick. Most breeders send them home taped.

Does your breeder show? Shelties are a extremely hard breed to show, so if your breeder didn’t show and didn’t sell your pup as show quality it’s unlikely she will do super well in the confo ring. I’m not saying this to be mean, just realistic. Shelties also have a height DQ so she may not even be able to show depending on how tall she gets.

I would highly suggest asking your breeder about helping you with showing, shelties have a very complicated grooming process they go through for show, you need to have the ears taped correctly as soon as possible. I’d also suggest a conformation class as soon as you are able to find one. Shelties are a table breed which has its own set of challenges vs a ground breed. I’ve only shown a table breed once so I’m not much help on that unfortunately.

Her ears did come taped, we just got the glue to re-glue the one that popped up. Yes the breeder that I got her from does show and she is champion bloodlines. She has been breeding and showing for 50+ years and sold her as show quality. Unfortunately the breeder is not located near me and because she’s older she cannot hear very well over the phone. I am a licensed groomer, however I do not groom for a show standards so I will have to look into that of course. I compete in agility with my Australian Shepard and was looking for something to do with Zoe whether it be agility confirmation or other. Thank you so much for the tips!

@Gizmutt
Zoe is 11 weeks Old so it’s hard to tell now if she will be show quality or not but if so I think it’s definitely something I want to get into with her. I will have to look into what a show quality puppy looks like seeing as you don’t think she looks like one though! Thank you for the tips!

[Blue_Aussie]

Here’s a better picture, open to any opinions 😊 I know you guys aren’t trying to be hurtful at all I appreciate the tips I don’t wanna get into something that we won’t likely succeed in haha

[eleutheromania]

Most breed and puppies are usually evaluated at 8-16 weeks to determine their show potential which even then some of those after grown out end up pet quality. No one can really tell you anything regarding quality honestly without a stacked photo of her to show her profile. Solely based upon the photos you provided, most would consider her pet quality versus show. If you are wanting to enter the show world, especially AKC, you need a mentor or someone to show and help you with things and tell you the honest truth about your dog. Just because the parents were titled, doesn't mean your puppy, despite being sold as a show prospect will turn out as such. This includes not just temperament but structure. I've learned all this by simply being around my Poodle Breeder and self-research and attending some AKC shows, even though I'll be in UKC with a multi-colored eventually.

Definitely look into some conformation show class and find a show breeder closer to you since the breeder you got her from isn't in close contact to aid you in this journey!

[Blue_Aussie]

Most breed and puppies are usually evaluated at 8-16 weeks to determine their show potential which even then some of those after grown out end up pet quality. No one can really tell you anything regarding quality honestly without a stacked photo of her to show her profile. Solely based upon the photos you provided, most would consider her pet quality versus show. If you are wanting to enter the show world, especially AKC, you need a mentor or someone to show and help you with things and tell you the honest truth about your dog. Just because the parents were titled, doesn't mean your puppy, despite being sold as a show prospect will turn out as such. This includes not just temperament but structure. I've learned all this by simply being around my Poodle Breeder and self-research and attending some AKC shows, even though I'll be in UKC with a multi-colored eventually.

Definitely look into some conformation show class and find a show breeder closer to you since the breeder you got her from isn't in close contact to aid you in this journey!

Thank you very much! I will definitely find a closer mentor if I decide to do conformation!

[coffee.berry]

Here’s a better picture, open to any opinions 😊 I know you guys aren’t trying to be hurtful at all I appreciate the tips I don’t wanna get into something that we won’t likely succeed in haha

I think that it's basically the dog's choice if it wants to be a show dog or not! I'm sure many of you guys here probably had a time where someone said that you should do something you didn't want, but you wanted to play instead!

If she's a playful dog, then try it out! She'll love it. If she's lazy (which I'm sure she's not lol) then probably not.


I hope these tips are good! If they don't work for you, you can always look at dog training guides (they help build up an awesome show dog!)


My dog comes from a long line of show dogs too, but I decided he's more of a little alaskan malamute who wants to play and cuddle with me instead of dog shows, since we live on a small island where I'm sure there's no dog shows lol


Here's a helpful guide <3

[Blue_Aussie]

Here’s a better picture, open to any opinions 😊 I know you guys aren’t trying to be hurtful at all I appreciate the tips I don’t wanna get into something that we won’t likely succeed in haha

I think that it's basically the dog's choice if it wants to be a show dog or not! I'm sure many of you guys here probably had a time where someone said that you should do something you didn't want, but you wanted to play instead!

If she's a playful dog, then try it out! She'll love it. If she's lazy (which I'm sure she's not lol) then probably not.


I hope these tips are good! If they don't work for you, you can always look at dog training guides (they help build up an awesome show dog!)


My dog comes from a long line of show dogs too, but I decided he's more of a little alaskan malamute who wants to play and cuddle with me instead of dog shows, since we live on a small island where I'm sure there's no dog shows lol


Here's a helpful guide <3

Thank you so much for the link!
She’s definitely not lazy 😅 she is more playful and active than my Aussie ever was haha
I may just stick to agility with her, conformation seems a lot more intense but I’m still going to look into it and ask around.

[eleutheromania]

Here’s a better picture, open to any opinions 😊 I know you guys aren’t trying to be hurtful at all I appreciate the tips I don’t wanna get into something that we won’t likely succeed in haha

I think that it's basically the dog's choice if it wants to be a show dog or not! I'm sure many of you guys here probably had a time where someone said that you should do something you didn't want, but you wanted to play instead!

If she's a playful dog, then try it out! She'll love it. If she's lazy (which I'm sure she's not lol) then probably not.


I hope these tips are good! If they don't work for you, you can always look at dog training guides (they help build up an awesome show dog!)


My dog comes from a long line of show dogs too, but I decided he's more of a little alaskan malamute who wants to play and cuddle with me instead of dog shows, since we live on a small island where I'm sure there's no dog shows lol


Here's a helpful guide <3

Showing is also extremely expensive when it comes to drives and entry fees along with grooming etc. So it's not just about if the dog wants it. Everyone is welcome to try it but the last thing someone wants is someone to bring in a dog and do nothing but lose and kill their want to participate in the dog world because of this. This is why mentors and a support group in that breed are highly suggested when it comes to entering in conformation shows, they can be very difficult depending on the venue and the dogs you are up against.

[fairytale.]

@drift. and eleutheromania
Thank you for your kind words about Beaker. It has been tough without him but at least I know I made the right choice by him <3

Aside from ears with shelties, size is a very important thing. Size is a DQ in the breed so if your sheltie grows to be over or under the standard, you won't be able to show. Conformation can be wonderful and rewarding, but a lot of people get burnt out because they don't realize exactly what they've signed up for, especially with popular breeds or ones with strict DQs. I do believe in AKC it isn't uncommon for shelties to be shown by professional handlers as well. If you want to try conformation but with less pressure, UKC or IABCA may be good venues to start with. I definitely would suggest finding a mentor to help you through grooming and handling before you step into AKC to help set yourself up for success :)
As far as finding a local mentor, definitely contact the American Shetland Sheepdog Association (Sheltie parent club) and any local sheltie clubs to find good contacts. Your breeder should also have some connections they would be willing to refer you to.

Edit: I realize most of these tips only apply if you are in the US, oops! Lol.
Also adding, I am not sure any of us can really evaluate the puppy for you. But, reputable breeders don't place puppies on full ownership as show prospects willy nilly. Your breeders probably saw potential in your puppy if you did acquire it as a show prospect, and that counts for more than any of us on CS can say lol. And beyond that, every judge has their own interpretation of breed standards and you'll see distinct types and families all do well within the show ring. Don't be discouraged, but be realistic! Reach out to experts in your breed, learn to groom, attend some shows, see what you want to do. Since collies and shelties are fairly similar, I have some resources I would be happy to share if you're ever interested. PM me any time!

[Blue_Aussie]

@fairytale.

Thank you SO much!! I will definitely let you know if I have any questions if I decide to get into conformation. 😊 I will be checking that she’s 13-16 in when she’s full grown for sure! Thank you!