People often make the mistake of thinking that because their dog has a certificate of pedigree it can be termed a show dog and could be expected to win prizes in the show ring. This is not the case. A certificate of pedigree proves only that a dog is the progeny of a sire and dam in the same breed with a line that can be traced back for some generations.
Each purebred canine variety has what is known as a Breed Standard laid down by its national kennel club. The Standard clearly sets out those characteristics and physical attributes which add up to a perfect specimen of the breed, for instance, the desired temperament, coat colour and texture, height, weight and other points. The exhibit which conforms most exactly with its Standard will be picked out by an experienced judge in the show ring.
The majority of purebred dogs are not show dogs. This is no reflection on their beauty of form or their temperament. The fact that they are a fraction too large or too small, have a tail which is set too high or too low, or a mouth which is slightly undershot or overshot, may have barred them from competing against their fellows.
If you think that you would like a dog which you can enter in dog shows you should ask the breeder to pick out a likely prospect for you likely to be reflected in the asking price, but there can be no guarantees as to the animal's future success.
A reputable breeder will, based on their knowledge of the breed, do their best to select a promising show puppy for you. However, a puppy is usually purchased at eight to ten weeks of age and it is generally six months or more before the way in which it will develop can be forecast with any degree of certainty.
