Dog Show

The People of Dog Shows
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The People of Dog Shows

Breeders, owners and handlers all play unique roles in a dog's road to championship. There may be crossover within these categories, with a single person filling several jobs, but typically a dog will have more than one person shaping its career. Take a look at what it means to be a breeder, owner or handler in the world of dog shows.

The Breeders
The breeder is the first person to become involved in the life of a show dog. They breed the sire (father) and dam (mother) and oversee the first few weeks of life for the puppies in the litter. A breeder must be very responsible and concerned with the well-being of all of the dogs in his or her care. They must have intimate knowledge of breed standards and AKC regulations. Once a new litter is born, the breeder frequently registers the litter with the AKC and provides AKC documentation to the new owners. Breeders should also screen potential owners to make sure that they can provide a good home for the new pooch.

Next: The Owners