"Weight" Given To Titles Of Prospective Stud And Bitch

[TrishB]

As you all know, there is a sea of titles that you can put on a dog. What sort of 'weight' do you give to those titles when searching for the prospective parents of your future puppy?

Meaning, are their titles that are a requirement? An absolute must that you wouldn't consider the dog otherwise?

Are there others that are 'nice to have' but not a requirement?

The reason I ask this is that more and more people are searching for their future puppies or future mates for their dogs on the internet. Other than the titles and possibly a picture, it may be all the person has to go on.

I'm talking about the initial steps in the search. Obviously, there will be direct contact, conversations, referalls of previous owners, etc. But what about a dogs titles do you feel are a requirement when compiling your list of those worthy of contact?

[Judi W]

Just as one cannot train a dog or get medical care for a dog over the internet, one should not attempt to select a breeding partner over the internet.

If a person wants to be a breeder, they should be active in the breed. Active in the breed means that they know lots of people, attend seminars, shows, have mentors, belong to clubs over a period of time. They have been showing their own dog/bitch, have seen many, know what families they admire, what virtues and what faults will be important to them and their dog. It should always be remembered that you are breeding "families" not individual dogs. That means the entire family, not just the sire's.......... After all of that, you can admire the titles.

An AKC conformation title means the dog can be touched and examined by strangers. An AKC obedience title means the dog can sit next to other dogs and behave itself as well as do the work. All of those the dog must do multiple times with multiple judges.

A 'V' - might only be done once. Where, when and who become much more important. A working title - on home field with home helper, or at various fields and multiple times? Those are things you will want to know. I think that can be more important than scores.

Tracking means the dog has a work ethic and has spent much time with its handler. Herding means the dog can be loose with a bunch of livestock and not try to have lunch.

I could go on and on........

When observing a dog work, I can tell a lot about that dog and owner. I was particularly observing several related dogs for a friend of mine. They got good scores. Going through the actual exercises, they performed well. Before going in the ring and between every exercise, you could see the whites of their eyes, and that they were ready to fly to the ceiling, jerking and twitching. Hummmm, on all three I observed. What are the ones like that aren't trained to that high degree. These dogs did have high level titles. I can't even imagine the work it took to get there.

sooo, I would highly suggest that is not the way to choose a breeding partner. You can't be lazy or hope to be lucky

[Goniella]

Well I would never choose a breeding partner for my dog solely over the internet. I might consider a dog a good prospect for my bitch based on internet and magazine pictures but I would never choose a stud solely through the internet, I would want to see the dog move etc. The stud I finally settled on for my bitch when she is old enough was right under my nose (owned by my best friend) but I was to busy looking at all those big names, Ya know the campaigned dogs....
This dog is perfect for my bitch, they compliment each other very nicely. As for titles he is a multi champion, Multi BOB UCI Int'l CH, Multi BOB UKC BIS CH and AKC CH and is one point from his UKC Grand Champion, he was also in the UKC Top ten in both 2001 and 2002. He doesn't have any obedience titles but only because his owner didn't go that direction with him when he was younger he is now 6 1/2. I have known this dog for 2 years and I know his temperment is as solid as they come, I have seen him show many times and I know he moves beautifully, I have spent time with his owner picking him apart and I know what his weaknesses are, and since my boy Kizmet is out of his full sister I know the strenghts and faults in the pedigree as well. I am happy with my choice of future stud, as I know that should I have decided on any other dog there is no way that I could have known that dog's history and pedigree as well as I know the stud I have chosen. I wouldn't have the opportunity to see any of the other dogs on a day to day basis...not just hi gait in the ring but how he moves on an everyday basis. To see there temperment not only in an unknown area but also in their own home, how they react to strange people and people they know etc. I am sure there are other dogs out there that would be a nice choice for my girl.... but this guy is the best choice for her I have seen so far AND I know more about him and his pedigree then any other dog out there..... I don't think titles should be your sole choice of choosing a stud....... Temperment,Health and Structure and the pedigree strength should be the strongest reasons, whatever titles they have are just icing on the cake in my opinion. Now we just have to wait for my girl to turn 2 and keep our fingers crossed for passing elbows and hips!

[TrishB]

So you know, I was really asking about the 3 scenarios....

1) Prospective dog for your bitch
2) Prospective bitch for your dog
3) Prospective puppy parents (you're purchasing a pup)

I completely agree that the internet is only a starting point, not an ending point. ;)

Personally, I want a CH. As it *should* mean good confirmation / build able to do work. I like a CGC/CGN - as it means that the dog can behave in *real world* situations that your dog will encounter every day. I would prefer at least a CDX - to show that there is a mind and ability to work.

But these are only basic requirements - a starting point. Of course, some can be replaced with other titles, but these would give me an understanding of the basics of the dog. Then I'd have to meet them, see them work, see the health certs, etc. etc. :)