You are too big to show, sugar!

[ClantyreSheltie]

I'm not sure I exactly agree with that. Though I have not shown in agility, herding... I can somewhat tell if a dog could be a prospect in that particular venue. Based on energy level, confidence and the list goes on.

I would never, ever claim to know if a dog has herding instinct. Chasing a ball in the yard or running in big circles around other dogs does not a herding dog make. My landlords Sheltie chases cars like nobody's business, does he herd? Nope. He doesn't even acknowledge the sheep's presence, even flighty sheep. So until a dog/puppy has been introduced to and actively shows interest in livestock, you can not assume they herd. Even dogs from herding lines don't necessarily herd.

 

[SheltieLuver]

I would never, ever claim to know if a dog has herding instinct. Chasing a ball in the yard or running in big circles around other dogs does not a herding dog make. My landlords Sheltie chases cars like nobody's business, does he herd? Nope. He doesn't even acknowledge the sheep's presence, even flighty sheep. So until a dog/puppy has been introduced to and actively shows interest in livestock, you can not assume they herd. Even dogs from herding lines don't necessarily herd.

Well, I actually own a flock of chickens and the next door neighbors have goats, cows and horses, and do they show interest and herd the chickens and bark at the goats? Yes, they do! I've never had one they doesn't show interest in trying to corral the chickens. I actually use one of my shelties to catch the chickens when it's time to put them up for the night. No, he hasn't had any training. But, he will get them in a corner and hold them. I introduce all my puppies to everything new... including livestock from a very tender age. I know my puppies/dogs temperament inside out from a very early age. From the time they are just starting to scoot around good you can start picking up those little attitudes and who is going to be more dominant and who is more submissive. I know what that are possibly capable for before leaving my home. And, I would say 100% of the breeders that I am in contact with know the exact same thing. Just because we don't herd sheep doesn't mean we don't have some sort of test route where we may get an idea of what the possibilities for our babies may be.

No, I don't show them in actual herding/agility/anything performance shows. But, goodness I'd think they would be considered at least PROSPECTS. And, I do say most of my breeder friends when it comes to selling a pet that they feel could do well in a certain venue, offer them as a performance PROSPECT, they don't promise that it will, but feel in there heart that there could be a possibility.

And, no all my dogs are not capable in all venues... I had a possible buyer several months back for one of my show prospects, that didn't turn out, who was looking for something for agility. I actually had to tell her that there was MAYBE a possibility he could do it, but I really didn't think so... and no she did not take him.

And, no I'm not a huge breeder... in the last five years, I've had two litters of puppies.

 

[corbinam]

No, I don't show them in actual herding/agility/anything performance shows. But, goodness I'd think they would be considered at least PROSPECTS. And, I do say most of my breeder friends when it comes to selling a pet that they feel could do well in a certain venue, offer them as a performance PROSPECT, they don't promise that it will, but feel in there heart that there could be a possibility.

Honestly, I think that selling a performance prospect is very similar to selling a conformation prospect. The breeder may have an inkling, a hope, and an idea, that the dog will excel in a particular venue. But nothing is guaranteed. The dog is sold as a prospect, specifically because they have the propensity towards doing well in a particular venue (herding, conformation, agility), but nothing is guaranteed.

And in that case, it is somewhat caveat emptor.

 

[ClantyreSheltie]

I want chickens!

 

[SheltieChe]

Honestly, I think that selling a performance prospect is very similar to selling a conformation prospect. The breeder may have an inkling, a hope, and an idea, that the dog will excel in a particular venue. But nothing is guaranteed. The dog is sold as a prospect, specifically because they have the propensity towards doing well in a particular venue (herding, conformation, agility), but nothing is guaranteed.

And in that case, it is somewhat caveat emptor.

at same time, some breeders more than others breed with ideas on working lines, performance dogs in mind. I was looking in my second pup for a dog who can do it all and be a nice housedog first. I went to a person whose ideas correspond with mine even if I had to drive 11 hr each way for my pup. If I wanted a show dog I would have been looking for most impressive conformation program available to me and making my inquires there. My general pet peeve performance dogs are NOT show rejects... see that set of mind way too often....