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a breeder that is new to breeding Danes and probably doesn't go buy the Standards strictly

This is a common thought process, however no breeder should be reinventing the wheel. Anyone breeding a litter should understand the standard, especially the easy things like coat color.

A new breeder should be working with an experienced mentor, as well as a network of experienced breeder friends.

This isn't a lash out at you at all, I just get so frustrated as so many people believe that they need to "learn as they go" about breeding. Sure, everyone has to start somewhere, but why not have that "somewhere" be utilizing information and knowledge from those that came before? A surgeon goes to school for a long time before ever performing an operation. They are a student that watches first. They don't just jump right into performing their own operations! So, please, any aspiring breeders reading this, get involved in the breed through rescue, clubs, shows and responsible mentors first!

<climbing down off my soapbox now>

Bev

dane momma wrote:

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Hmmmm . . . this brings up some thought. My gal is 9 weeks old at the moment. She's a black -- dam is black, sire is a harlequin. There's a lot of breeders in my area and I was thinking about breeding her someday while kind of working alongside a breeder that I do a lot of chatting and such with.

But, I would absolutely LOVE to take her into the show ring and see how she does. I haven't sent in her registration papers yet, but I plan on getting the silver package with a three generation pedigree. But for someone new to the purebred dog world, I simply have no idea where to get started! I mean, I could track down local events, but then what? I know a lot of show dogs have Canine good citizen awards and go through obedience training. I assume I could grab the breed standards off of the AKC website. But are there any good resources for people to get their feet wet in show and breeding? As of right now I don't plan on breeding her, but I don't want to eliminate the chance, as I might be much more knowledgeable in three years.

I think it's good that you're taking it slow.

Showing is a great way to get connected to other Dane people, learn about structure, plus get your dog evaluated by someone who is unbiased and educated. Showing offers a greater perspective.

Nick's suggestion of joining a Dane club is perfect. I would encourage that as well. It will allow you to start meeting people and learning about showing. To find a Dane club in your area, check out the GDCA affiliate club listing. The dog world is small, so don't be discouraged if you find the Dane club meetings are an hour or two away from you. I drive about 45 minutes (one way) for my Dane club meetings and we have members that drive lots further than me. I would still encourage you to join and at least try to make some of the meetings.

You might also want to join a local all-breed club. Check out AKC's club search and look for an all-breed (conformation) club. The nice thing about all-breed clubs is that you can usually find one with meetings a little closer (assuming you have to drive for your breed-specific club meetings). Plus, it's a nice way to meet people outside your breed.

Here is some helpful info about showing - Dog Show FAQ. Lots of good links within that article.

Obtaining a CGC is a good goal. It's like a "first level" of obedience. With some basic training and socialization, most dogs with stable temperaments can achieve a CGC.

Even if you decide not to show in the breed ring (conformation), there are lots of other fun dog sports, like obedience, agility, tracking, and more. Find a local obedience club and get involved there.

When I hear about people aspiring to breed, I encourage them to spay/neuter their current dog. Why? Because, it's unlikely that one will acquire a truly great breeding candidate from a really great breeder on happen-chance. Responsible breeders are careful about how their pups are placed and have spay/neuter contracts in place. This doesn't mean a current pet isn't a wonderful pet. Their worth as a companion isn't tied to breeding.

Please feel free to PM/email me with any questions, big or small. I'd be happy to help you learn the ropes!

Bev

Born4DaneS wrote:

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Just a quick question, How did the professional breeders become professionals? Because im sure they didnt all start as professionals.

I hesitate using the term "professional", because it always sounds to me like business venture.

Responsible breeders learn from those that came before them. They work with a mentor. When they first get into a breed, they spay/neuter their pets and seek out the best breeding candidate possible. They then show that dog to a championship, complete health tests and then start thinking about breeding (with their mentor still at their side).

These fledgling breeders get involved in the breed in a holistic sense. They attend educational seminars and connect with lots of different breed fanciers. They don't sit in their own backyard, gazing at their own dogs, proclaiming how great they are. <G>

Acquiring a purebred dog and then finding another intact dog to produce a litter of puppies does not make a responsible breeder.

Bev