Ok so I'm still looking for the right pup but I'm really interested in showing her when she comes along! Any advise on picking the right pup then how to get started in showing? Also I live in Northern Ireland so would anything I win (optimist) be transferable to the mainland should we move back over there?

Wins in NI are the same as wins on the mainland and the shows are I think held under the KC rules. You can also show in the south and if you were lucky enough to win enough green stars and become the owner of a Irish Champion your dog can use that title in the UK but it does not count toward becoming a UK Champion.

Best way to start is to go to shows and meet and talk to the breeders who show,both sides of the border, and for your first dog to buy from someone who shows and who you like because they will be a keen for you and your dog to do well and will show you all the tricks of the trade.

Thanks Jackie. I hadn't even thought about showing in the south but I will now!

I'm really looking forward to starting to show... just have to find my pup now!

Wishfairy

To add to Jackie H's post, you can indeed show down here in the South but I believe you have to be a member of the Irish Kennel Club to do so. Not expensive though, so not a great hindrance towards showing down here!

Good luck, and look forward to seeing you at some shows down here!

Caroline xxx

Thanks Caroline :)

Can I ask have you ever bought/sold pups on the mainland? I'm probably going there to find my pup but it adds a lot of expense to the whole thing!

I want to be pretty sure of what I'm going to see before I go but wandered if you have any tips?

Nikki

Don't dismiss the breeders on the island North or South, depends on the breed but in some breeds there are some very good dogs in Ireland.

Wishfairy

Adding to Jackie's comment...have a good look here before you book your flights.

Hints [$ tips..? Know the breed standard inside out and refer to it when assessing the sire and the dam, and of course if you're going to the mainland, ryanair! ]o)

Caroline xxx

To be honest the whole 'picking a pup' is pickling my head at the minute! I talked for ages with one breeder who sounded great and said that he would look out for a pup for me and give me a shout when his bitch has a litter (due Nov). Then the club secretary says if I want to show then don't use this breeder as he hasn't had a 'winner' in an age :(

I can't find the dog I want over here but that doesn't mean that she isn't here - if you know what I mean. :?

I spent less time thinking about what car to buy than I have what dog to get and I'm not sure if that's mad or sensible!

Of course every breeder is going to recommend their animals but who do I trust and what's the best way to find the right dog? :(

dear wishfairy,I also had a long chat with a particular breeder,in fact many many chats all through his bitches pregnancy and i was sucked in left right and centre.When I went to see the pup I felt so bad for it I couldn't not take it,I'm such a sap!Anyway,upshot is I am taking the guy to court for all his lies!!My advice is talk to as many people as possible and there are loads of disreputable breeders out there but there are also some really good helpful truthful people,always go visit their premises prior to purchase,ask to see them interacting with their dogs,this is really important.I have 4 dogs,looking to buy a fifth and have learned the hard way!!!

That's awful!

I've found another breeder well respected in the staffi world with a good bloodline and type I love. His current dog is already a champion. I've explained I want a show dog and it's in his favour if I do well so I'm happy enough to trust his judgement :)

Fingers crossed eh? And good luck in court with this con man

Edit - Thanks for the pointer lel.

Wishfairy
take care when you post as you never know who is lurking on the Board ;)