Correct me if I'm wrong but don't must pups from a litter go to pet only homes? just thinking back to what someone said about only 10%, if that, of pedigree being suitable to breed from. And then even some of those who go to homes where they will be shown may in the end prove unsuitable just as those sold with no intention of being shown may turn out ok-like our Kayla-K has!!
What would happen to most breeds if the 'pet market' dried up? Thankfully lots of people still go to breeders who care about their choosen breed, think carefully about pairings, raising the pups and do their best to make sure their pups go to loving, caring homes, and don't just go to the nearest person with a pup that resembles the breed they are after-yes I know some people do exactly that, I know some of them :(
Having never bred a litter myself, came very close but all factors considered we decided it wasn't the best thing to do and knowing what I know now, 3 years on I'm glad we didn't :D Anyway, yes, we've never bred a litter BUT I have had to sell baby rats before(female came to me pregnant so no history)and I made sure I found the best homes I could, none went to pet shops, and kept in contact with the new owners, who both came up from the Leeds area just because my kittens were home raised and sociable.
My point being that if we, me and the new rattie owners, can make that kind of an effort for an animal that will only live a max of 2 years why can't people put as much commitment into a dog that will hopefully be a part of your life for the next 15 years or so. (And no, a rats life is not less valuable in my opinion, I adore my rats but its different to the bond I have with my dogs.)
Thats my piece said :D Off to bed now, show tomorrow...
Emily

I think the dark is actually making some very valid points.   I have never shown Purdy and never would she is too spotty but she produces lovely pups.  Okay some of the pups are like her but that is a cosmetic fault.  I have only ever had two patches, one blue eye and on uni lateral heaqring puppy out of 35 pups to me that is a excellent result.  She is also capable of producing dogs worthy of being champions. The dark has put thought into what he is breeding the stud dog owners obviously think his bitches are good enough to breed from.  Not all people who dont show allow their dogs to go to bad homes or dont care about them.  I didnt with my first litter and all those dogs are still with the people I sold them to. I think what I am trying to say is that you cannot generalise.  There are good and bad in both home and show breeders. 

The type of person I object to are people like the dopey woman who's dog I groom who thought she would have a litter as it would be a way to make a extra few quid.  The pups are now 5 weeks driving her mad and she is letting them go at 6 weeks far too young.  She doesnt listen to any advice neither the dog or bitch are hip scored which I believe GSD's should be as she has told me they are only being bred for pets it doesnt matter.  I have tried to explain to her the wider picture but she is not interested.  The only good thing is she is not doing it again as she realises it is not easy.

I would say good luck with the showing and try and enjoy it.  It can be very rewarding and just ignore other people bitching.  Someone who has been in showing a lot longer than me once said they only ever talk about those who win those who dont are always very nice people :)

I think we are agreed here that what we are all against is thoughtless (mostly pet owners with insufficient knowledge) and uncarting (many commercialy minded breeders and puppy farmers).  both can produce poor specimins and they excuse this by saying they will only be Pets.

somwon who studies thei breed and objectively assesses compares their dogs with the breed standard and others breeding is doihng it properly regardless if they show or not, though I would think that most who go into it that deeply woudl be drawn itno show or work buy virtue of their interest, or at least take part on the sidelines watching what their stock can do in these spheres.

As long as these people Health test, take responsibility for the pups for life (helping with rehoming when necesary) then all power to their elbow.

I don't seriously think anyone can have a problem with such breeders.

On a board like this we are trying to steer the posters to sources of resposnsibly bred pups, hence the advice to go throgh breed clubs, breeders with a good record in the show ring or working field, even though there will be exceptions to the rule.  By pure luck some of the pups bred by poor breeders will be excelelnt pets, but I still would avoid sending anyone to such a breeder.

Very well put Brainless.

This is the sort of breeding that needs to stop!!!!
http://www.champdogsforum.co.uk/cgi-bin/board/topic_show.pl?tid=63824#fnp

100% behind you on that one :)