> At what age is it most appropriate to choose a show dog and what features are you looking for besides what's stated in the standard? What exactly is "padding"?-Thanks in advance, Linda
Unless the breeder has a good track record for producing very nice dogs--it is probably best to buy a show puppy that is 5 months of age or older. This way you have a much better idea of what the puppy will turn out like and can be more sure of what you will get. One of the top features I look for in a puppy are a really *chunky* body with good substance and lots of bone. I also like a puppy to have decent to very good angulation, overall good outline and structure, and a nice *blocky* head with cush! Cush is the padding. It makes the head look as though someone took the skull, wrapped it in styrofoam, then covered it with skin and hair--like you can *sink* your fingers into the face. The padding or cush gives them a real soft, stuffed animal look. You almost want to see an *overdone* looking puppy as they tend to lengthen out/lose some of the *chunk* as they grow. A very pretty puppy that looks like a smaller version of an adult, will nearly always look too lanky when grown up. Then, of course, you want to see a puppy with really good attitude, one that seems to enjoy showing off. Of course, none of them are perfect--so you can't get it all in one puppy! You have to weigh the pros and cons and consider if the puppy just plain *looks good* standing. There is a real talent to being able to do this. Before choosing a show puppy, it is wise to befriend a couple of knowledgeable, experienced breeders--besides the one you might get a puppy from (who may not be able to be as objective as outsiders will be). Exchange pictures and even videos of the puppy if you have them. Get a lot of input. When I have someone inquiring about a show puppy, I send lots of pictures and can send a videotape of them *in action*. It shows coming and going movement, side movement, and overall show temperament. I give them total freedom (actually I beg them!) to share pictures and videos with anyone and everyone to help in choosing. I feel so much better if they decide to buy the puppy because of positive comments by other experienced, knowledgeable breeders--this way they feel more confident they are getting a nice puppy. Laura Lang Roycroft Cavaliers ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
