BYBs at shows?

[isaacs mom]

So, here's a question, just out of curiosity. It's really about a friend who has a boxer, but I'm wondering how dedicated, reputable Dane folks handle this.
Some friends who don't show (conformation or performance) their pet-quality BYB dog have aspirations of studding him out to recoup some of what they paid for him. To find a female, they plan to go to a show and chat with some of the show people there with females, and try to "find Fido a girlfriend." These are really nice people, but not any more informed than I am about breeding dogs--which is to say they ought to have their pet neutered! :-) Are those of you who show and breed often approached and "propositioned" by novices at shows for breeding possibilities? It seems strange to me, but maybe it's not. How do you handle it? I was imagining show people might look at their dog and say "no way; he doesn't meet the standard closely enough," but maybe not? Don't show people get to know each other, and usually use dogs they are familiar with, instead of strangers' dogs? Just wondering.
Thanks-
Sally

[Carol]

We are used to things like that. I am nice about it as I tell them I'm not interested.

[jpy]

"Are those of you who show and breed often approached and "propositioned" by novices at shows for breeding possibilities?'
ALL the time. Everywhere. Recently I had a guy stop his car & offer me "pick puppy" if I would breed one of my "harlie males" to his "harlie girl." I had<G> two bitches with me & his bitch is a mismarked black without papers.

"It seems strange to me, but maybe it's not."
It seems<G>strange to me to. I've still not figured out why people think dogs are a kind of profit-livestock cash crop when they want to breed them & their beloved family members when they don't.

"How do you handle it?"
Personally I try to sympathize with the *idea* someone wants to reproduce the dog they love, while I gently educate them that noone reputable is going to say "yes" to their proposition. I don't just say "no thanks" & leave them as in the dark as they were when they walked up. I try to help them down whatever road they want to go (as long as it's ethical).

"I was imagining show people might look at their dog and say "no way; he doesn't meet the standard closely enough," but maybe not?"
"SHOW PEOPLE" are not some monolithic group. You find all types at shows & some newcomers are borderline BYBers themselves. Some came from doing just what this guy wants to do. Maybe they then showed one of the pups them made simply from pride. Maybe then they bought something better. Maybe they are on the road to being an educated breeder. Maybe not. Some people come to the odd show, win the odd ribbon & sell pups off that for ages. It's not like ringside at a show all you find is a bunch of <G> wise breeders, ya'll! There are all sorts. Lots of us there in varying stages of development!

"Don't show people get to know each other, and usually use dogs they are familiar with, instead of strangers' dogs?"
YES! Exactly. This is a BIG BIG part of why we go to shows. Shows are really about EXHIBITING your dog--showing your dog to your peers for their opinion. Like scientists publish their views on things--serious breeders want the opinions of others serious about the breed. VOILA!<G> shows were born. The prizes are less important (at least IMO) that the "conference" ringside of assessing bloodstock. I want to see the possible candidates for my future litters, their relatives (esp. offspring), what their people are like, etc. I would never spend that $200/weekend on those .39 cent ribbons!! ROFL!

You've got a GOOD grasp on the situation!
jpy

[Oni]

First of all...don't loose the opportunity to do something substantial for our beloved breed. If this "potential Dane breeder" is cast back into the world of "puppy makers" than another doomed litter will be born. When approached, I open up completely and try to make them a friend. I invest time, money and genuine interest in this person for I've discovered that once I have their ear, their heart and mind cannot be far behind. After the rapport has been established, I confess to them why I do NOT breed. I detail the time, monetary investment, commitment, legalities, education and heartache involved for producing quality animals. I do everything in my power to prove that breeding is NOT a lucrative cottage business. Such commitment is not for the faint of heart. Then I hammer away at their "genuine LOVE for this breed" if they persist and still do not comprehend the need to become a devoted professional. I try to mold their enthusiasm into training, showing, grooming or rescue work. Their talents and energies can be showcased here without the lifelong commitment needed by quality breeders. In my own small way, I would like to think I am doing something for the betterment of my breed and I have been fortunate to develop some great friendships along the way.

[Patti]

You guys have really hit the nail on the head. I wish more puppy sellers would read your replies. I have visited a few of them here in the Michigan area, and they think just because their dog is big and strong, they can breed them. It is a shame to think people actually pay them for these pups. I have been researching the breed since last fall. Was in line for a pup from a reputable breeder this spring, but to my dismay I was too far down on their list, and their litters were smaller than expected. We settled on getting a lab pup from a local breeder, (my kids couldn't wait any longer), made sure he was OFA, cardio, CERF and thyroid checked. I have people stop me on the street wanting to know when he matures will I breed him.( He is a looker with champion lines). I tell them no way, unless he champions, and that is a long way away.

I still want a Dane, but not just any Dane. I will make sure that it has all the health checks that our lab has. It just may take another year to get the one I want. Until then, I get my Dane fix here and learn how to respect and love this breed.

[HKDanes]

Ah, one of my favorite subjects. Unfortunately, I know of some BYBs who do show and there is no borderline about it. They are ones that feel that by showing, they are becoming respectable. Then when they have their two, three, four or however many litters a year they feel they have the contacts and the names to conveniently drop to impress others. Health checks that they say are done but with no paperwork to back this up, wins in the show ring that really didn't happen and so forth. Reputation is everything in the show world AND more importantly, in the breeding world. Your friends with the Boxer may find one of these people who might be looking for a stud so they can make their big bucks from a litter and that is a scary thought for the welfare of the breed. At a recent show, someone asked me that breeding a litter of puppies must make me a lot of money. I cringed because this is one question that I don't like. I listed the things that had to be done before the mating even happened then the costs of whelping and raising the puppies to selling age and then the possible emergency vet expenses. I then asked her to add up the expenses and then tell me if it was a money maker. I think she truly thought I was crazy to breed a litter if I wasn't getting money out of it. She apparently didn't get the point of breeding. And that is the crux of the matter. Many people don't get the point.