I give up. (rant)

[katieliz]

okay now, just asking...is it possible that they understand how really difficult/impossible it is for your line of dog to win in the american akc conformation show ring, that they feel you are not qualified to make the "what i think is" decision, and they might feel self conscious or embarrassed about having a dog of their breeding shown in what they feel is an inappropriate venue?

(this interpretation is based upon my understand that your dog is not american show lines).

[RebelMoonGSDs]

Originally Posted by katieliz

okay now, just asking...is it possible that they understand how really difficult/impossible it is for your line of dog to win in the american akc conformation show ring, that they feel you are not qualified to make the "what i think is" decision, and they might feel self conscious or embarrassed about having a dog of their breeding shown in what they feel is an inappropriate venue?

(this interpretation is based upon my understand that your dog is not american show lines).

Maybe, I have certainly been honest with them about the odds of Ruger doing well in an AKC confo ring, but also they stated that the reason they were breeding the way they are is to get more (to their interpretation of the standard) quality GSDs out there. Also, they are fairly new to the breed themselves, and (I hate to say it) I gave them a lot of information and sources that they did not even have themselves, so I don't think they'd think I was underqualified. I also explained to them that I feel Ru is closer to the original interpretation of the breed standard than a lot of these extremely angulated GSDs that are winning at shows are, and that their dogs and dogs like theirs need to be shown more, to remind people of what a not only beautiful, but functional GSD looks like (this is my opinion, not bashing all Am. line show dogs). They agree with me on that point, at least.

I feel that I am a bit more informed on the breed overall than they are (not through fault of their own, I've just been around GSDs for 12 years now, over their about 5 years, and have made an effort to know types/lines/showing, they're still learning but off to a good start).

[selzer]

Have you considered entering your dog in some puppy matches. The dog can be any age. The thing is I showed Rush and Heidi in puppy matches. Rush won his class, Heidi took BOB and second in group. It was fun.

The thing is, after doing this a few times and with a couple of "wins" maybe you can portray to the breeder that you are serious about showing the dog.

Just a thought.

As a breeder, I would be inclined to ask a few questions, but would probably be ok with switching a limited registration to full registration. At that point, I think you have to allow the owners to make their own breeding decisions.

I think the best bet would be to wait until the ofa results are in and the dog is titled. Then switch the registration to full and wish them luck on the show carreer.

If they wish to show the pup prior to two years, maybe a special co-ownership, where you own the breeding rights of the dog until the dog completes the championship and gets his OFA done, may be a way to go.

If the breeder is not willing to work with you on this somehow, then I would think they are more concerned with you using their bloodlines for cheap, i.e. being competition to them.

In that case, continue to show your dog in puppy matches, and possibly UKC shows -- travel, and when you are ready to get another dog, make sure there are no strings attached, and use a different breeder.

[RebelMoonGSDs]

Selzer, hope you don't mind, I sent you a PM for some clarification, but if I get the gist, those are very feasible, good ideas!

I have to say, my concerns about travel time/distance have now been taken away, because my wonderful, sweet boyfriend was listening to me talk to my mother about many UKC trials being a long haul for me to drive, and he said if I want to go, he'd gladly drive me to any show I wanted as long as I split gas costs!! And his truck is much more comfortable and spacious than my little S10 pickup!

[Kayos and Havoc]

Aahhhhh --- wonderful of your bf! I was going to suggest try the UKC and make the drive.

Several reasons----

If you do want to show in any venue you are going to travel some. You won;t even find enough AKC shows locally to show enough to earn the needed points.

The UKC is much more relaxed and is probably more fun and less stressful for a beginner.

The UKC is more likey to appreciate a dog like Ruger than the AKC is.

Go for it with the UKC!!!

[RebelMoonGSDs]

Thanks Kayos, I've heard that a lot about the UKC, appreciating a more square dog, and also being more relaxed without or with less professional handlers to compete against. Also, there aren't a TON of AKC shows in my area but there are usually a good amount within a 2 hour or so drive, the ones I've found "near" me for UKC are at least 5 hour drives, nonstop. I don't mind it, but at the same time my S10 would be cramped for me and Ruger. My darling boyfriend drives a Dodge Extended Cab pickup. Ruger loves to nap in the back seat!

[JakodaCD OA]

Ruger is a really handsome dude)

I think you'd do much better with him in UKC if I'm reading right, you can do that correct? and along with the match idea, it may change the breeder's mind.

When I was showing my black dawg, when young, I hit every match available, they were every weekend within close driving distance, this was years ago, I was very lucky he always, always, took a group placement, (he was built like Ruger with more rear to him tho and a mix of german working/american show) anyhow, there are NO matches around like that anymore!

Which stinks(( I used to love hitting those matches, alot of fun and good learning experience.

When I got him into the AKC ring, he took RWD every stinken time in the ring, got frustrating, because he was always a best man and never a groom))) At the time, black dogs were hard to show.

My suggestion is the above, ukc, hit some matches, and I HIGHLY suggest you enroll in some handling classes to learn the in's and outs, what to expect as well as a good learning tool for you and the dog..good luck

[RebelMoonGSDs]

Thanks so much for the advice Jakoda, I am going to have to do some match/puppy class hunting I think!

I've heard showing black dogs is hard. I was already considering what colors to wear to best highlight him, I am thinking something tan, or light buff, to make his color pop (though he looks stunning in Royal himself...and gold...LOL). there is a place near me that does have a $20 walk-in breed handling class, I definitely need help learning to stack him because I am SO uncoordinated, and getting him to stand still, etc etc etc. I practice at home sometimes for fun, but because I am so uncoordinated I don't do too much of it.