| HOW TO SHOW YOUR BOSTON TERRIER, PART 1 |
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A show dog is a comparatively rare thing. He is one dog out of several litters that happens to be born with a degree of physical perfection that closely approximates the standard by which the breed is judged in the show ring. Such a dog should, upon maturity, be able to win or approach his championship in good, fast company at the larger shows. Upon finishing his championship, he is apt to be as highly desirable as a breeding animal. As a proven stud, he will automatically command a high price for service. Showing dogs is a lot of fun, but it is also a highly competitive sport. While all the experts were once beginners, the odds are against a novice. You will be showing against experienced handlers, often people who have devoted a lifetime to breeding, picking the right dogs, and then showing them through to their championships. Moreover, even a dog that seems perfect has faults, and in the hands of a novice, the faults will be far more evident than with the experienced handler who knows how to minimize them. These are but a few points on the difficult side of the picture. However, the experienced handler obviously was not born knowing the ropes. He learnedand so can you! You can succeed if you put in the same effort, study, and keen observation that he did, but it will take time. KEY TO SUCCESS First, search for a truly fine show prospect. Take the puppy home, raise him by as carefully as you know how, give him every chance to mature into the dog you hoped for. You should probably keep your dog out of big shows, even Puppy Classes, until he is mature. Maturity in the male is roughly at 2 years of age; in the female, 14 months or so. When your Boston Terrier is approaching maturity, start him out at match shows. With this experience, you can then go gunning for the big wins at the big shows. Next, read the standard by which the breed is judged. Study it until you know it by heart. Having done this, and while your puppy is at home (where he should be) growing into a normal, healthy dog, attend every dog show you possibly can. Sit at the ringside and watch Boston Terrier judging. Keep your ears and eyes open. Do your own judging, holding each of those dogs against the standard, which you now know inside out. In your evaluations, don't start looking for faults. Look for the virtuesthe best qualities. How does a given dog shape up against the standard? Then note the faults and see what prevents a given dog from standing correctly or moving well. Weigh these faults against the virtues. |
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