Upon buying another dog,but the breeder says that the puppy
we have picked - is show standard.After some thought and soul searching
I have decided to look into it,but don't know where to make a start.
The said puppy is only 10 days old at the moment - breed of dog is
english mastiff - currently live in Colchester area.

Would be greatful if anyone could help me !

Many Thanks

Pheobe

Gosh, that's some breeder you have there Phoebe. Wish I was clever enough to pick a show quality puppy at 10 days old. I've got a lot to learn! ;)

even if it is show standard you don't have to show it if you don't want to do you? - or is that a condition of sale ???

I may be reading it wrong but you sound like you're not sure you want to. I would think it is hard in any breed to tell if a dog is show standard at 10 days anyway.

I'm not trying to put you off but be warned showing can become addictive, expensive and time consuming :D

The best place to start would be to find a ringcraft class in your area where they teach you and your dogs the ropes :) Also your breeder (who shows I presume) should be willing to help you learn the ropes :)

SaraW

Even if you have a handsome looking dog - surely its up to the dog whether he enjoys it or not ? I have heard breeders say , a dog can have the qualitys they are after but they do change as they grow . Can a breeder really tell at such a young age ?
Lel

I'm impressed that anyone can judge a puppy's quality at that age!! I mean, it's tail carriage must be right, it's bite correct, it's movement good - wow, this puppy must be extraordinary!!

Your breeder must have a crystal ball at his/her disposal :D No breeder can look at a 10 day old pup & say it's show standard for sure - most good breeders leave it as late as possible to decide whether a pup is good enough to show & would not tell a would-be buyer that a pup is definitely show standard - that's leaving themselves wide open to legal action should the pup not live up to it's early promise.

Chloe,
You may find you enjoy showing or again you might not, I enjoy the odd showing show but much prefer obedince comps. If you decide it's not for you that's perfectly ok also he dog may not like it, my working bred beardie loved being shown at exemption shows where as my proper show one was bored stiff much preferred agility. Go along to a few shows, ringcraft classes and see what you think.
Anne ;-)

Poor old Pheobe, don't think you're getting particularly constructive replies here!!

Without knowing your situation, would agree with the others that although some breeders who have bred consistently for many years can look at a very young puppy and decide there are things they like or dislike, I would take a promise that a 10 day old pup is show quality with a pinch of salt, there's a lot of time for things to change - as other posters have said, there are many conformation issues, plus things like teeth and for a male that all 'bits' are present before you can look at getting into the showring.

However, if you are keen to look into showing ....... is your breeder fairly close to your home? If so, I would ask her to recommend a Ringcraft training club to you - you can then go along and enjoy socialising, whilst somebody shows you what is required in the ring and they should also have some schedules for local shows for you to go along and spectate in the first place.

Don't know your area, I'm afraid, but I'm sure someone more local to you may also be able to recommend a club if your breeder doesn't attend one. Also, hopefully another Champdogger may be attending some local shows and advise of dates and venues - and maybe arrange to meet you there and have a chat?

M.

Best place to start is find a ringcraft class near you start going as soon as your puppy is able to go out they will help you and your pup and show you how to show your new puppy,
In the mean time give the kennel club a ring on 0870 6066750.
They can tell you were a club is near you give them a ring and they will tell you were and when classes are you can always go down there in the mean time while waitting for pup and watch see how its done.
good luck,just remmember winning is every think its the enjoyment of takeing part.
sandy.

get the breeder to asses the pup again at 8 weeks before you pick it up---even then all they can tell you is it has "show potential" ,
the others are right, to tell you this about a pup so young is plain silly. you'll also have to be very careful in the rearing of it, being such a huge and big boned breed,------if it turns out good enough, and you decide to go for it, i hope you have a great time, get yourself to classes, go watch a few shows, it all helps, -good luck :D

Don't panic !! The breeder will help you, after all the puppy will carry her/his affix & such will be a representative of his/her breeding type. The breeder won't let you put something in the ring that is incorrect,it will reflect on their judgment.( I hope the breeder is reputable & conciencious ! ) Be patient, if you know someone else with te same breed, ask them to go with you to look at the puppies before you commit yourself to paying for one.
Good luck