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Originally Posted by Samson
One thing I learned quickly is that confirmation is a competitive "sport." Emphasis really is on competitive. There is a lot of money at stake as there are professional handlers who do this for a living, not to mention those who have dogs with titles trying to earn an invitation, and the potential money in breeding (the purpose for which you show a dog) to try to get the best dog that meets the breed standard (many people forget that the breed standard also includes temperment). As such, handlers/owners must win.
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I take execption to your comment about the purpose for which you show a dog. The potential money in breeding is NOT why we show dogs. A reputable breeder is very lucky if he/she breaks even on a litter. Most likely a breeder loses moeny on a litter. We do not breed to make money.
Most of us show because we enjoy it. We breed because we enjoy the challenge of trying to "create" the perfect dog of whatever breed we've chosen. And showing that dog to a Ch. is how we "prove" we've bred a dog close to the standard.
Most of us do not show because we think there's money at the end somewhere. We want to win because we think we've got the best dog in the ring.
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Intimidate, crowd your dog out in front of the judge, tell you your dog isn't good enough even though you know for a darn fact the dog is good enough.
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And not all of us do that. There are those that do yes, and you learn quickly who are the poor sports. However, there are many more who are nicer in the ring and play fair.
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We have gotten involved in the North Texas Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club, and they have been awesome. If you plan to show, the best thing next to training is your local club. Our club is fantastic, helpful, and encouraging.
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Joining a club is good advice. Not all areas have regional or specialty clubs (meaning for one breed only) available. But most areas have all breed clubs and you can benifit from joining one of those too. You can get help from people in other breeds too.
Peggy