Showdog Standard

[KingdomOfFireflies]

Just curious, at what age do you start to examine your dog to see if it fits the breed standard? I have a 10 week Havanese and I'm not planning on showing her, but I was wondering how well she fits the standard. Also, is there someone I can take her to for the examination? I know you can find the standard online, but I don't think I have the 'eye' for it.

[Kade]

Well, some people feel they can pick early prospects at 8 weeks, but I think as far as identifying a stand-out, you can't really tell until they're closer to 6 months -- and that's just for competition in the puppy classes, without knowing whether they will grow into the standard or not.

It's easier at a young age to rule the dog out than to pick one who's a definite show potential.

You might see if there are any shows or specialties in your area... contact the breed parent club and see if there are any events you can attend as a spectator. There's nothing like seeing good dogs to learn to identify good ones.

Also, at this age you can begin getting the dog accustomed to a lead, to stacking, etc., which will help you if you do decide to show.

[GSD]

NOBODY can pick at 8 weeks. even at 6 months. at 6 months the odds go up, but its not near 100%. There are genetic issues that won't come into play till well after 6 months plus hips and elbows usually aren't considered good or better till 2 years. There is still a lot of growing up between 6 months and 2 years. I'd say by 12-18 months those that are experienced can reliably choose who's going to be above the rest. so love and train your puppy and get involved with a breed club. I"m not familiar with havanese at all or with the rate they mature so my ages may be a little off. A breed club would be much better able to help you with that. Look them up online, see when they're having a show or any show and go and watch, meet some breeders ask ?'s and listen. Most are more than willing to help those that show dedication and interest.

[Mysticwind]

If I'm not mistaken, aren't Havanese AKC dogs? If they are you can find out where local AKC fun matches are and take her to one of those. They are shows without points - more like show training and your dog would be judged and that way you could find out if your dog were fitting the show standard. I'm not an AKC person, but I know of people who have entered such fun matches so I know a little about them.

[Novel]

A fun match really would be the most fun way to start down that road to see if your pup fits the Havanese standard. Most puppy matches can be entered with puppies as early as 12 weeks. Your local all-breed club can tell you when their next fun match will be happening. Entry is usually like $10. It's through the AKC but it's not for points. It's open to everyone and it's a more relaxed atmosphere.
You can find the address and web site of your local all breed club at www.akc.org They are listed by area, or you can look for a Havanese specific club.
You could also have her "evaluated" by the breeder you bought her from. Did the breeder sell her as "pet" quality or "show" quality, not that they usually make a difference. Some very nice pets have been show quality, and some show quality are better off as pets. As long as you have her AKC registration, you can show her, and it's actually a really fun hobby. I get to travel, spend time with my dogs, spend time with other dog fanatics and lovers, see so many beautiful dogs and put a ribbon or two on my wall to be proud of for life. I encourage as many people as possible to show!! Or really compete in anything, agility, earth dog trials, obedience, hunt tests, lure coursing, etc.

At 10 weeks it's kind of a hit or miss thing, and as Kade said, at this age you're looking more for the more major things, wrong bite, wrong tail set, wrong coloring, etc. The black and white things. As she matures, you'll be able to start looking at the finer things. A pup cannot be shown in an AKC points show until they are over 6 months old. I raise larger dogs that simply do not mature until they are 2 or better, and so I don't usually show until 16 months or so. The closer to maturation, the clearer the picture of what the dog is going to look like.

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

I agree with most of everything that has already been said; although no one can tell you for sure how your puppy will turn out an experienced breeder can at least tell you how well your puppy is put together at this point and as Novel already mentioned, your breeder would be someone to evaluate your pup.

No one knows the bloodline your puppy came from better than its breeder. Dogs like people need to mature and grow before we really know how their going to "turn out" and many things come into play such as genetics, experiences and life in general which all effect the final picture.

[KingdomOfFireflies]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I've never heard of those 'fun matches' but they sound like a really great idea, for socialization at the least!

[Novel]

They are great for socialization. All the owners are really chummy because it's not the break neck competition that can sometimes occur in the "show ring". You get to meet other dog people, and your dog gets to behave in a setting that he may be unaccustomed to.
There are a few different types of matches. There are ones sanctioned by the AKC, and there are just plain fun ones sponsored by the local or area kennel club. If you want to PM me your locale, more specifically than VA, I'll help you find one. The event searcher on the AKC website can be a little daunting at first.

[KingdomOfFireflies]

Great, thanks!