Looking for a female to mate with

[Zacky]

No I said he is a pet and I do not show him
What you said was if he is a pet why am i contemplating breeding him two different points

So if you breed they are not a pet?? very strange that!!

I am sorry your showing experience was not a pleasant one. A lot of dogs enjoy showing, and as long as they are happy to do so, I don't see how it can be cruel.  You have said yourself that you just wanted him as a pet so why are you contemplating using him for breeding? That is not the role of a pet dog

But if you show they are not a pet?? I find that very strange   They were your words, not mine

[*Jay*]

However, I will not been showing him again I think it is cruel and sad to do so he is a pet and that is what I want him for.

Perhaps I interpreted the statement above incorrectly then. Regardless, you have made your decision now - good luck with your new puppy

[Cob-Web]

So if you breed they are not a pet?? very strange that!!

I have always understood that a stud dog can develop personality traits that make them far more challenging as pets, and require an expert/highly experienced home  I am sure they are not all like this - but if Caroline experienced significant personality changes in Gunnar after one mating, then I would think that it is probably best to consider a dog as either a pet or a stud-dog, and not expect to have both from the same animal 

[Colin]

Any chance of you telling us what show you took your dog to, Zacky, and what class he won ?

I've been to a couple of proper breed shows as a spectator and also entered my dogs in a couple of fun shows and everyone has been nothing short of friendly. At the breed shows the owners I spoke to were happy to take time out chatting to me about all things Cocker, giving me grooming tips etc - at the fun shows nobody took anything seriously at all and just had a good laugh - the dogs seemed to be enjoying themselves too, particularly at the breed show where many of the dogs clearly were having the time of their lives strutting their stuff. Cockers are such show-offs.  Your one experience seems completely the opposite of anyone that I've ever met that has ever been to a show.

It would be nice to see photos of Zacky with his posh new show trim too. Was he clipped ?

[miche]

I love fun dog shows and entered my mums golden ret and won "most handsome dog", we got a bag of dog food and a trophy - it was great fun but this year of course he won't win because Mikey is his competition .

There are so many dogs in rescue, wouldn't it be great if anyone who wanted a pup had to go on a waiting list of a reputable breeder therefore making the process of getting a dog more difficult than looking in the local free-ads paper, going to get a pup only to decide when it is 9 months old it is to naughty and put it into rescue - that's reality, that's what happens and that is why people on COL promote responsible breeding.

[tracey]

Thanks to everyone to all their advice.  I took Zacky to a show today and I am pleased to say he one first prize!!  However, I will not been showing him again I think it is cruel and sad to do so he is a pet and that is what I want him for. Overhearing most peoples conversations about their show dogs made me realise what sad and pathetic lives these people lead who show there dog. (not all of them so no insults to you have have responded but cetainly the ones I heard!)  Zacky is wonderful I am proud of him but no more shows for me or him, I will put that time to better use - perhaps caring for a human being who craves attention!!

Sorry to hear you did not have an enjoyable time at the show you attended.
I wonder why you think dog shows are cruel? No show dog would be happy, have a waggy tail, greet other dogs and people enthusiasticly if we were cruel to them
Most people I have met have very full varied lives due to showing their dogs.....after all we get to socialise with like minded people, our dogs get to socialise too. We get to tavel to many places we wouldn't ordinarily, and spend time in lovely surroundings, in the sun sometimes And most importantly we get to spend time with our beloved friends

[Gilly]

Tracey I couldn't agree more. Gracie loves nothing better than strutting her stuff and gets really excited when the show bag comes out. I have made some wonderful true friends through going to Shows and I have always found the Cocker people to be extremely friendly and helpful.

[The Moog]

Any chance of you telling us what show you took your dog to, Zacky, and what class he won ?

I don't think there's the remotest chance Colin......