Jazzy at Richland, WA

[Quercus]

Yep, there is no money in showing dogs. It is prestigous for breeders to produce champions, because it shows that they are breeding basenjis that are close to the written AKC standard. Having your dog obtain an AKC championship means nothing monitarily; only personal pride

[ciarasmom]

@Crazy_Duke:

It would be nice to know the chain of events following the AKC Conformation Championship. After further thought, does that qualify the dog to go into a higher competition and so on? And what is the ultimate goal?

It does qualify them to go on for higher competition, but I don't find I enjoy that part as much as earning the championship. Some people do, tho, and we say they are campaigning or "specialing" their dogs. Sometimes you'll hear us call our champions our "specials." But they're all special, aren't they?

I'll tell ya, I started showing my first Basenji to keep from working too much overtime! "Sorry, can't work this weekend, I've got a dog show!" I was very lucky to have a very nice dog to start with, and a supportive community that trained me, because we started a little winning before I got nervous about it.
Brenda

[Duke]

Thanks for helping me understand. I gather that in order to fully understand the excitement, one would begin with an AKC registered pure bred. After that, further interest and love for the breed may spark one to branch into the shows. The more you know, the more you do. As such the inspiration to pay to compete because it's just fun. As is something one does when they have a hobby. I imagine you meet lots of people in common and make friends and learn more, which is also alot of fun.

I doubt you'd ever see me compete, but maybe I'll go to a show. There was a show here in Detroit last March - a week after I got Duke. I went to a pet store with Duke and a couple people asked me what breed Duke was (I didn't know) so they said to go to the show - maybe find out. They were showing their ??? can't remember what. But they were from out-of-town! I was bewildered why someone would go to such extremes for a dog. I've always had pet dogs - never a pure bred. You never know, my son's getting older and these things take time - and money which is something I don't have much of because it all goes to him. Maybe this forum fills up a void - my own interest. Duke is a great dog.

[JazzysMom]

Jazz is my first pure-bred dog – we've always gotten rag-tag mutts from who-knows-where -- and I sure never expected her to be a show dog! And I certainly never thought I'd get so caught up in the excitement.

With this breed I thought it'd be best to get a puppy and raise it with my kids.
I didn't think that would fly with Darren because we've never paid for a dog! LOL I couldn't imagine him taking that leap from "free" to cold hard cash.
But, he did, and he hasn't regretted it for a minute.

ANYway, long story short. Bryan requires that his puppies be in one show at six months. Okay, we went along with that, thinking it'd be a one shot deal, fulfill the contract, and carry on. Well, the pins-and-needles kicked in as soon as she entered the ring. Then The little stinker won that show! I was so surprised, and surprised at how excited I was.
Bryan asked if I'd like to keep her going . . . . and here she is today, two points shy of her championship.

It IS fun; a lot more fun than I thought it would be before it was my own girl out there in the ring. I never thought I'd get caught up in something like a dog show -- used to always refer to "those sheeshy-foo-foo" dog show dogs, and I sure never wanted one.LOL --. And now I can't understand how the "real" show people remain so calm!

[Quercus]

<_>

Hey Jill,

That Detroit show is really, REALLY fun! It is a benched show, so that means that the dogs and their people stick around all day, so you can chat with them, and meet the breeds. They also have all kind so doggie events under the same roof, agility, rally-o, field dog demonstrations, working dog demonstrations. And a TON of vendors selling every item for and about dogs of every breed you can imagine. There are usually about 20 basenji people (at least) to be able to chat with either day (Sat or Sun) of that show. You should really go next year. We try to go at least one day each year…two days is kind of a lot with a pre-schooler._

[Duke]

Hey Andrea - Thanks! I will try and plan to go to the next show. I think the two people at the pet store said the word "benched" too. So not knowing what that meant, it didn't sound very exciting to me, like going to an antique car show - alot of walking and gazing at (cars) dogs. You would have to be an enthusiast. Plus I didn't think it would be fun to talk with anyone about their dogs. How's that for being unmotivated! I'm getting in the know, which is what I wanted here. Thanks everyone for your input. You may think I'm slow, but I'm not stupid . . . I get it . . . I think . . . <ggg>I hope my inquiry helps someone else if they've ever wondered the same thing.

Jazzysmom - your previous experience with dogs is much like my own. Mixes who have squeezed out an abundance of love from us. I am happy for you and Jazzy with her success. Looks like she's got another show to do. I bet you'll be at that one for sure!</ggg>

[JazzysMom]

No, I can't be at her show this weekend, ACK!!
I have to pick up my husband at the airport, at the same time as the show, and there's a good two hour drive between them.

So, now, do I hope she finishes? Or do I hope that she "waits" 'til I can be there to see it? Tough call emotionally, but I really, really want her to do it!

[Ambered]

jazzy is a gorgeous girl. i was chatting with bryan this morning and you guys came up. we were debating how long it was going to take you to start all over with a new pup….basenjis are like potato chips
good luck to your girl

[JazzysMom]

LOL, so just out of curiousity…. what was the "decision"? How long WILL it take me to start all over with a new pup?

I saw the photo you posted, and oh boy! did I get Jealous!!! ;-}

[Ambered]

we were just being silly
it was a hung jury, as long as you can resist actually seeing a puppy in person, you are probably safe. lol. but the season is nearing.

[JazzysMom]

Rats! I was hoping SOMEONE could let me know if I am going to win this "battle", and when that victory would take place. LOL

Oh well, I reckon Bryan, Laurie, and Jumoke aren't going anywhere, so patience is key . . . {but, those puppy faces. . . .}

[JazzysMom]

Jazzy won a blue ribbon today at her show:)
She didn't get Winner's Bitch, though, so no points.

That's okay, maybe she'll get it next time, and maybe I can be there!;)