Limited Registration

[3Stars]

I understand that part. What I am saying is that: should I buy a dog without a requirement to add the kennel name in the registered name of the dog, and should he reach Champion status in an AKC sanctioned competition, that information will show on any pedigree produced. What the contract stipulation does is insure that the kennel's name is "up front" every time that the dog is encountered. I understand why the breeder would want that and once a contract is settled on, the owner should have no reason to complain (since he agreed). But the breeder prices the dog at least in part to cover his/her costs and exposure attendant on a dog sold as show quality. This requirement just seems over the top to me, bit again, a buyer either agrees or doesn't.

I found this information very helpful when choosing a breeder, so I think it helps both ways. The breeders build a reputation, and buyers can gauge the success of the breeders lines in the sports they are interested in. It seems like a win/win to me.

While it is doubtful that I wil ever want to be heavy into dog show competition, I can foresee entering local or regional sponsored competitions (conformation and/or agility at this point) simply as a means of further bonding with my companion.

In that case, you still have options - consider co-owning, buying a sheltie on full registration, or finding a breeder who will support you participating in conformation while still on a non-breeding contract. Most of the dogs from Starr's breeders' kennels complete their Championship before being neutered because it showcases the quality of their breeding program.

 

[ortegah]

While it is doubtful that I wil ever want to be heavy into dog show competition, I can foresee entering local or regional sponsored competitions (conformation and/or agility at this point) simply as a means of further bonding with my companion.

Conformation is for future(or current) breeding prospects. Here's a quote from AKC's site:
http://classic.akc.org/events/conformation/beginners.cfm

Dog shows (conformation events) are intended to evaluate breeding stock.

So if you're not planning on breeding, then there's no need to do conformation.

You can do anything else though. Maybe you're thinking of obedience and/or agility, not "conformation and/or agility"?

 

[JLSOhio51]

So if you're not planning on breeding, then there's no need to do conformation.

You can do anything else though. Maybe you're thinking of obedience and/or agility, not "conformation and/or agility"?

Thanks for the various responses. I'm not quite sure if I am not being articulate enough or if some responders are reading more into my comments than what I am actually saying.

If it turns out that I will not be able to do those things that (I think) I want to do as I look forward to getting my dog (i.e. conformation and/or agility), I'm OK with that. Those are things that might be of interest to me moving forward. That is what researching information is all about.

There are simply things about the whole "breeder/regulations/owners relationship that make little to no sense to me. Much of that has to do with the fact that it has been 30 years since I owned a purebred dog, and even then my reasoning for owning it was having a reasonable expectation of its adult size, temperament, tendencies, etc. Some of it has to do with the fact that someone initially decides how the want things to look/work and folks who see it differently look for other outlets suitable to their needs. Neither is wrong, the simply have different goals.

For the record, agility and conformation are what I'm interested in (even though obedience and other things are on my radar). How many of those things will reach fruition, only time will tell.

 

[JLSOhio51]

...In that case, you still have options - consider co-owning, buying a sheltie on full registration, or finding a breeder who will support you participating in conformation while still on a non-breeding contract...

Thank you for that input. I had read about co-ownership and I do not see that as a viable option for me because of my current attitude about "maybe I will show the dog/maybe I won't". It would be inappropriate for me to even ask someone else to enter such an arrangement unless my attitude changes beforehand. At this point, full registration is a potential option. Even though it ultimately will cost me more money than I might have originally expected, the additional cost leaves me with greater flexibility.

I never thought about asking a breeder to support participation in conformation while still on a non-breeding contract. Although, after reading comments here and on other research sources, I would doubt that option will materialize. It is however, worth asking about since full registration would still remain as a viable option. Thanks again for the input.

 

[HopeShelties]

There probably aren't many conformation breeders willing to place their show puppies with someone who isn't sure if they want to show.
That said, you may want to consider trying UKC first.They have an altered dog conformation program, including altered dog total dog. You can show in conformation classes even with a spayed or neutered dog, and can earn awards for competing in conformation and a performance event.
This is a good option to get your feet wet and decide if it is something you wish to pursue. It is also a more laid back atmosphere, and does not allow product, or professional handlers. It's all owner handled. It is a fun, easy way to start out in conformation.

 

[JLSOhio51]

...That said, you may want to consider trying UKC first...

This is a good option to get your feet wet and decide if it is something you wish to pursue...

Thank you for that information. UKC does seem like a viable option to consider moving forward. No matter what level of dog showing I would ultimately participate in, I hold no illusion that I desire to be "big time" in showing my dog. My interest is more linked to building a bond with my companion in ways that would prove fun for us both, than in proving my dog's breeding stock potential. (The possibility for breeding was something I considered as this journey began, but has long since been abandoned). Because I have always liked competing, doing so in dog shows is potentially intriguing.

 

[SheltieLuver]

Thank you for that information. UKC does seem like a viable option to consider moving forward. No matter what level of dog showing I would ultimately participate in, I hold no illusion that I desire to be "big time" in showing my dog. My interest is more linked to building a bond with my companion in ways that would prove fun for us both, than in proving my dog's breeding stock potential. (The possibility for breeding was something I considered as this journey began, but has long since been abandoned). Because I have always liked competing, doing so in dog shows is potentially intriguing.

Conformation showing in AKC is evaluation of breeding stock... period.
Most breeders sells there puppies on Limited Registration because the puppy is not breeding quality... for whatever reason. (To big, to small, wrong color, bad bite.. The list goes on)
You can show in agility, rally, obedience with a limited registered dog... exept conformation events... why would you want to show there if the puppy is not breedable?

 

[ClantyreSheltie]

So different breeds have different attitudes about selling "show prospects", which it seems is what you want.

In Shelties, your odds of getting a true show quality dog, on a full registration, with no co-ownership is almost zero. That's just how it is. My mother keeps saying "I have a checkbook, I should be able to buy what I want", it's just not realistic.

In some other breeds, it's much easier. Breeds that have more consistency in quality of their litters are going to be easier to acquire with your requirements. I bought a Smooth Collie, being a relatively unknown person, but having "good" connections with a "thank you, let me know when she finishes". No co-ownership, no puppy back, no nothing. I did give her the opportunity to breed my bitch, but it wasn't a requirement of purchase.

 

[JLSOhio51]

Conformation showing in AKC is evaluation of breeding stock... period.
... why would you want to show there if the puppy is not breedable?

SheltieLuver

With all due respect, if you read my posts, I have referenced the answer to your question more than once. If it turns out that what I want is not possible, that will not be the end of my world. However, each of us has the right to want whatever we want just as governing bodies have the right set their rules in the manner that the body sees fit.

Just as an aside, I have noticed an interesting quirk that occurs here just as it does on many other forums. A poster will pose a query and inevitably, some (or even several) posters will extend their answers to say: "you shouldn't", or "why would you", or the dreaded "no responsible owner/breeder/whatever". None of that inspires those seeking knowledge to continue to ask questions. And (for me) it becomes particularly problematic when I have said several times, "I get it, this is the outlet I'm looking for". If that outlet doesn't exist, so be it, but that doesn't change my wants OR make them invalid because I want that.

 

[xerospin]

Conformation showing in AKC is evaluation of breeding stock... period.
Most breeders sells there puppies on Limited Registration because the puppy is not breeding quality... for whatever reason. (To big, to small, wrong color, bad bite.. The list goes on)
You can show in agility, rally, obedience with a limited registered dog... exept conformation events... why would you want to show there if the puppy is not breedable?

Like sheltieluver said, showing shelties in conformation is EXTREMELY competitive. There is no point in entering in conformation with a mediocre dog because you will just end up being frustrated.

Shelties are notorious for not breeding true, which means even with the best bloodlines a litter could still end up with no show quality pups. Therefore when there is a possible show prospect they're extremely precious and the puppy won't be going to a newbie. They will go to other reputable breeders or people they know. So your chance of getting a 'showable' dog is extremely slim. There is really no point in trying for conformation if you dont have a top quality puppy. Even if you were promised one, there are many things that can go wrong with a puppy like the others have said. So your limited registration pup really isn't missing out on anything. Only very few shelties compete in conformation, and they're hard to come by.