what about these darlings?

[Ltlpistol]

OK, I'm seriously wanting to get into showing, and what I want to show are Brussels Griffons. I've been in contact with a breeder, and this is what she's sent me. I really like the little girl on the left. I think her face more fits the standard I read. Both parents have 18 champions in their lines. She sent me their 5 generation pedigrees. I'm waiting to hear how much she wants for them.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Ltlpistol/IMG_0261.jpg

[Macawpower58]

Ltlpistol, if this is a breeder who is breeding to better the Brussels Griffon, I'd have a talk with her, tell her you want to show, and if your pup makes the grade, possibly someday breed. Allow her to pick the pup she believes is a promising show prospect. She is more aware of what to look for in a young dog. She knows the strengths and weaknesses in her dogs, and should be able to see early on which pup is showing what. She should know which pup is pet quality, which is more on the line of show quality. This breed most likely being a terrier also has a temperment that makes it what it is. She should also take this into consideration when advising potential new owners.

Do not pick a pup on cuteness, color, nor facial expression. You need to look for conformation, temperment, and whatever else the standard states for these dogs.

If after telling her why you want this pup, she still allows you to pick from a photo...........I'd get a different breeder.

Of course all pups are crap shoots, but at least with a knowledgeable breeder willing to help, you have a better chance of getting what your looking for.

[Ltlpistol]

In my initial email to her, I did tell her that I was wanting to show, and then later to breed, if the pup was of good quality. This is just one of the photos she's sent me, and said she would call me this evening. I do have lots of questions for her. Especially I'm wondering, she says she doesn't show the parents because she doesn't have the time, but I want to know did she ever show? I do want a quality pup, be nice if I can show her to a championship eventually. But we will be learning together, :)

[ferJenna]

Like everyone says, be careful when choosing a breeder, especially if you are thinking of breeding yourself sometime down the road. I'm sure you're aware of this already, and I'm sure Tiffers will help with choosing from a medical stand-point.

But just to say, I think Brussels are adorable. :)

[Macawpower58]

For those wanting to get into a certain breed, finding a discussion forum is almost a must.

You'll learn who to trust, who has nice dogs, and who will rip you off.

Questions asked are happily answered because everyone on that forum will have a love of your breed. They want the newbie to do it right, and will point you in the right direction. They will also tell you in no uncertain terms if they believe you are doing it wrong!

You'll make friends, and find support as you learn about your breed.

[Ltlpistol]

Hmmm, guess that would be a good idea. Memo to self: find forum for Brussels Griffons breeders/showers. :D



edit: Just got another email from the breeder. No, she's never showed her dogs. She suggested I go for an older pup, to make sure it fits the standard. So, I've fired off an email to the coordinator of the referral website, to see if she can help me find a pup to start with.

[birdgirl]

I have two of these little guys in my training class right now they are very fast learners. You may even want to try obedience and agility with yours;)
I think showing is a great idea but this breeder may not be the right one. However she is right in saying you should get an older pup.
Good luck they are really great dogs.

[Ltlpistol]

I got a really great response from the coordinator. She gave me lots of tips and info. Unfortunately David is trying to talk me out of it, says it's probably too expensive, but it's something I've always wanted to do. So, he'll probably give in, at least at first till he sees whether I'm making any headway with it.:rolleyes:

[tiffers]

Unfortunately David is trying to talk me out of it, says it's probably too expensive, but it's something I've always wanted to do.

David isn't the only one...

[Ltlpistol]

I know it, but he's the one that would be footing most of the bill.