Re: [pyrnet] choosing a show puppy

When I had my first litter I picked a bitch to keep. At 8 weeks she was lovely. At 12-14 weeks she was cowhocked! I was a bit upset, thought I had chosen wrong. Someone in the breed with much more experience told me that she would not grow out of this and would be cowhocked forever. Probably dysplastic also. When I took my little girl to handling class, an Aussie breeder asked me how she looked at 8 weeks, and I told her. She said not to worry, she'd be fine. Of course she was cowhocked, she was quite a bit higher in the rear than in the front! Well, the Aussie breeder was right, and Chel's OFA number proves she's not dysplastic, either. My suggestion, do your homework. Study correct conformation and movement. Know what you are looking at, talk to a LOT of different breeders, look at a LOT of different dogs. Go to dog shows and pay attention. Don't just look at the dogs that are winning. Sometimes, the best dog doesn't win. When you see a dog you like, talk to the owner. If the owner is not the breeder, find out who is and talk to them. Take your time and above all else, get a health guarantee, preferably in writing. No one can guarantee a championship, but responsible breeders can and do stand behind the health of their dogs.