How do you go about researching lines? I'm planning on getting a new pup late in 2010 and want to get one from 'decent' lines, with a view to possibly showing but haven't a clue how to start really. Can anybody please advise me how to make a start? Any help is much appreciated.

What breed?  When I was researching my youngest I went to lots of shows and did some online research and checked out things like health testing etc.  When I found a breeder that I wanted a dog from I went to meet them at shows met their dogs and some previous pups from litters they had bred and owners of pups so I could see whether the breeder was supportive etc.  as it happened it was then 2 years after this that I was in a position to get a pup from this breeder but he was worth the wait.

If you want to show then you need to choose a breeder who produces stock that are usually placed.  That doesn't need to be the top breeder but one who is consistant. 
Join the breed club and go to all the club shows and as many Championship shows as you can get to and just sit at the ringside - watch and learn.  If breeders see that you are trying to learn about the breed, then they will be more likely to let you have a quality puppy.  There's no point in selling a promising puppy to someone who says that she wants to show but hasn't made the effort to go to any. :)
It will take you at least the next year to choose a breeder with the type that you like (they will all look the same until you discover the finer points!) who is successful, and for them to produce you a puppy or the right sex and quality. 
Have fun. :)

we have a fanstastic online stud book which contains every british bred dog since they were brought in to the country that has health records on it. also list of champ show placings, stud book numbers got COI for each pedigree.
then i look on fossedata, higham press etc for all show results i can find, then i sit at the side of the ring and pick out the dogs i like and talk to the owners, go through the catalogues see what parents are producing the nice dogs you see.
get in touch with breed clubs for recommended breeders (have to be careful here tho)
buy as many breed specific books you can if you nt sure of what to look for, or if the breed you are looking for is new to you.
KC breed supplements can be handy too.

eta: check with breed clubs regarding relevant health tests
also, it took me 7 years to find the right lines and spent ages ringside to see what i was looking for, sadly its not somethin that comes over night

Just to add to Westcoasts excellent post, see if you can find a breeder of winning stock who sells them to others to win with.

In most breeds there are consistant winning kennels who never let anything good go and there are ones who positively encourage new folk with their stock. Not easy to get one from them but worth a try.

I agree that breeders are more likely to sell their best,to those they know attend shows - also the best place to see what type you appreciate.

Good luck.

Also to see how kennels and lines have developed join the breed clubs and get back issues of the annual/journals for at least 10 years to start with, but 20 years worth will give you a better idea.

You will be able to see how the kennels liens have developed which dogs passed on their traits strongly etc.

Most will also have the show and health records fora  given year.

Thanks so much for all your replies. I'm already a member of the breed clubs, national and local, as I already own 2 of the breed, so will now get back issues of the journals to start my journey. I'm planning to attend as many shows as I possibly can in 2010 and will no doubt spend many hours on my pc too. I'm patient, and there's no rush to get a pup so time spent ringside will help me no end.

> time spent ringside will help me no end

Wish you were coming into our breed, it is just this kind of thought and commitment that breeds desperately need, and who breeders want to pass on their stock and knowledge to.

From your avatar...it may be my breed you're researching. I've PM'd you to offer help.

From your avatar...it may be my breed you're researching. I've PM'd you to offer help.
This is a brilliant site for people who take dogs seriously. :)

Classyellie - are you sure you don't want to come "into" Ridgebacks :) :) We could do with people like you too :)

Thanks tooolz, I've pm'd you. The breed I love and adore, as you rightly guessed, are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. I fully appreciate the time and patience required, as well as the research, in order to one day hopefully successfully show even one dog! Well I have time on my side and plan on using my time wisely. I have already widely researched the health issues concerning CKCS, although it is not my intention to breed. Did any of you who show get a mentor before starting out?

Once again, many thanks to all of you who replied.

enjoy it all, Classyellie--I didn't think I wanted to show when I got my first dog and after a lot of research and care went for a pup from a breeder known for her working dogs. We do some training, but not as much as I would like; I showed him once and he hated it, so that was that. I am on my third dog now, and before I got this pup I did exactly the same for the previous year--thought about what I liked, researched the lines, looked at the reports and placings from every show I could find. The only thing I found difficult was to attend as many shows as I would have liked. In the end I was really lucky and got the pup I was looking for...and this year he'll be old enough to start, and I will need to live up to him :-)