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What's a Pet? What's a Showdog? |
"This puppy is being sold as a pet only" simply means that the puppy you are considering adding to your family is not considered as possesing breeding or show qualities as defined by the breed standard of the Japanese Chin Club of America. We are only able to consider one or two puppies which we will keep ourselves as show prospects. The rest will be fine, healthy puppies - any one of which will captivate your heart. These are considered "pet" puppies and it is an excellent chance to acquire a well-bred professionally raised puppy. These puppies are always sold with a pedigree and limited AKC papers. "This puppy is being sold as a show prospect " means that this puppy is showing qualities outlined in the Japanse Chin standard and has the potential of maturing into a dog of show and/or breeding quality. By this we mean that he or she may have enough to offer to improve the quality of our Japanese Chins - not just to produce more dogs. This dog or puppy is in no way guaranteed to win in the show ring - but it is understood that with proper care on the part of the buyer, in due time, the dog should be of acceptable temperament and structure and should embody the basic standards of the breed to compete in the show ring. No puppy can be truly guaranteed to be a SHOW DOG as there are so many variables in their growth and maturity. They are only sold as as SHOW PROSPECT. What is a SHOW DOG? The "show dog" is a rare animal that with proper training, nutrition, environment and proper handling can AND DOES win in the conformation ring. This dog is an animal that has already proven it has what it takes to win in breed competition. It may have already acquired AKC shows points or adequate reserve wins. Such an animal is obviously a select much sought after animal and represents a very high value both in terms of prestige and money. "Can I show my dog?" Any dog that is sold with limited AKC registration CAN be shown in companion events such as agility, obedience, rally and fly-ball. With proper training, patience and support, Chin are able to compete with great enjoyment and confidence. They make a huge statement in the ring with their wide grins, sparkling eyes, floating coat and eager excitement. A personal note here: ANY show prospect puppy will spend a very short period of their life being a "showdog." Most of our dogs finish their championship run prior to their second birthday. Therefore, most of ANY dog's life - "showdog" or not - is spent being a companion to their families. Unless you are planning on showing your dog, selecting a well-bred, sound puppy that will be a good representative of the breed and of super temperament is the reasonable choice. If you simply MUST have a showdog, there are many champions who have finished their titles and need to be placed in a pet home. You can have a ready-made titled pet for a fraction of the cost of actually showing that animal! |