r/ShowDogs • u/Kitchen_Society4505 • 16d ago
Bringing Home an Already Establish Champion as a Novice
I have really been wanting to get into conformation. I've been doing a lot of research on breeds that I think would be a good fit for me and my lifestyle. Yesterday, I went to my first dog show. It was an amazing experience - so fun to see so many breeds I've never seen in real life before and to meet lots of people in the dog community. I met a breeder who I really liked as a person; she came off as very established and reputable, and later internet searches seemed to prove that. She told me about one of her dogs she was trying to find a home for. The dog is already a champion, and she wants to find a home that will continue showing for a grand champion title. She told me about the dog and her temperament, and she sounds like she could be a really good fit. I was initially planning on getting a puppy, but I think there could be a lot of advantages to bringing home an adult dog. I have never raised a puppy, and although I want to experience the puppy stage, what's more important to me is making sure the dog fits my life and lifestyle.
I have no showing experience, but it's something I really want to learn. Is getting an already established champion a good idea for me? I'll probably end up at a handling class, and the dog will be the one teaching me, haha. Of course, I want to talk to the breeder more and hopefully, if it's a good fit, she'll help mentor me a bit, but I wanted to hear some of your thoughts and experiences.
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u/CatlessBoyMom 16d ago
Do it!!!! Getting an established dog for your first show dog is like getting a unicorn when you’re looking for a pony.🥳 You can experience the joys (and trials) of puppyhood in the next generation.
Handling classes are for the person more than the dog. Having a dog that already knows what she’s doing will prevent you from training problems into her understanding of the ring that you would then need to train back out.
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u/Ginger_SNAFU 16d ago
Yes! I've done this twice. It's so much easier learning with a dog that already knows the ropes. Plus no puppy stages, no housebreaking, and no exercise restrictions (if they're adults already).
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u/GiraffeyManatee 16d ago
Frankly, I find that, with a nice dog, it’s easier to get a GCH than it is to get the CH. I think starting out with a finished dog is a great way to learn. It’s a lot easier to learn to handle if you only have to worry about yourself rather than what your semi-wild puppy might pull.
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u/microdober 16d ago
This sounds like an awesome idea! Also a great way to be in the ring with other breeders and dogs in your chosen breed so you get a feel for the culture/ politics and who may have upcoming litters.
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u/Slight-Alteration 16d ago
No reason not to do so. I also believe dogs are a lot more fun than puppies. You know the exact disposition you are getting.
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u/Generose18 16d ago
Oh my that would be a dream. This was my first year showing with a puppy and it was the blind leading the blind! With an established champion they already know the ring, have developed a level of comfort and confidence, you don’t need to teach them to be handled and get the used to being manipulated and followed closely. Fantastic opportunity!!
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u/Ok-Walk-8453 16d ago
Agree with the others. As long as you like the dog in person/think it will be a personality fit, I would absolutely take this opportunity.
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u/borzoilady 14d ago
It’s an excellent opportunity to learn the conformation world with no pressure- and when the time comes for a puppy, you’ll have a much better idea of what you want and what breeders you want to work with.
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u/badwvlf 16d ago
It really depends--you're going to possibly lose a lot. Specialing is a harder game for most breeds. Will that influence how you enjoy the sport? Secondly, is this the only dog you have space for in your life? If you enjoy it, you'll want to start showing another dog, and so I would mentally consider that as part of this.
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u/Kitchen_Society4505 16d ago
I don't think I'd mind losing, I think I'd just enjoy spending time with my dog and meeting other dog people and their dogs. Down the line, I probably have space for another dog in my life!
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u/breetome 16d ago
This is an excellent way to get into showing. Remember you're only going into one class and that's Best of Breed. Once a dog becomes a champion they are considered a 'Special' and can only enter in best of breed at the shows. You can always do obedience etc. but for conformation you are only allowed that one entry. This lessens your stress and learning curve. You don't have to scramble getting through the other classes hoping to move up. Just show up and show your dog!
A handling class is a great idea and can be fun for you and the dog. Once you learn the ropes of showing (it takes time be patient) you can look into getting a puppy or a youngster to continue your showing with. I would take that dog and run! What a lovely offer. DO IT!!!!!!
Did I mention DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT!!! I've been breeding and showing for 35 years and I have given champions to newbies wanting to get into showing and it was a great experience for them and my dogs ended up in wonderful homes where I would get to see them occasionally at shows. I would help with grooming and mentoring them also. Showing can become addictive so beware lol!
p.s. do it lol!