How do you know if your dog is show quality?

Answer 1

A breeder will sell you a dog as either show or pet quality. Look up your dogs breed standards and compare it to the breed standard. Do not be kennel blind and think your dog has no faults, ALL DOGS HAVE FAULTS! Show Quality does not mean your dog is an angel and is well trained, only that it matches up to the breed standard.

Usually, your dog would have to be well-groomed and well-trained, however these are just the obvious to get more info on this subject go to the website below.

Go to www.akc.org and check out the breed standard for your Chihuahua. BTW if you are looking to show, you cannot have a neutered animal. Also check to make sure about limited registrations because you may not be able to do things.

In addition if a Registered Member Breeder (with the A.K.C. or the C.K.C.) sold you this pup, the breeder would have told you that this pup was potentially show quality and the price you payed along with your registration papers you signed and received from the A.K.C or the C.K.C. would have determined such. In other words you would have not signed a NON- BREEDING AGREEMENT, AND YOUR CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION WOULD HAVE REFLECTED THAT.

Not Quite Accurate

You can show an altered dog in certain classes, so just because your pet has been spayed or neutered, don't let that disuade you from seeking out shows that offer altered classes. They are few and far between - but they are a lot of fun.

Just because a breeder is a member of the AKC or CKC does not mean that they are ethical. You may NOT have signed a non-breeding agreement even if your dog is pet quality. Your price also may not have reflected whether your puppy has show potential.

Those points made (in disagreement with the first two answers given to this post), your best bet is to find a good, ethical, show breeder who is willing to mentor you - or at least take you under their wing for a time. They can teach you the ins and outs of proper structure, temperament, and ring handling for their breed. Written standards can be difficult to understand, especially for a visual learner.

How do you meet a good breeder? Go to shows. Visit http:/www.akc.org Visit http:/www.ckc.ca Visit http:/www.ukcdogs.com All three will have show schedules posted. Try not to bother exhibitors on their way to the ring, or while they wait ringside to go in. It's best to watch them have their turn in the ring, and then approach them afterwards.

Good luck!

(from a fellow Chihuahua lover, and dog show enthusiast)

You just look it up in the standard or ask a reputable breeder.