ok here is why I am debating on whether or not to breed her first I am not going to be showing her aside from the border collie like markings that would keep her from winning I just dont agree with a lot of the stuff that goes on at shows the dying of thier fur the rudness of some people just basically I believe they have gotten away with the whole purpose of showing so I dont want to be considered a backyard breeder second I think her temperment is iffy she is fine around us and she is fine around most adults if they let her approach them but kids is another thing she doesnt care for kids other than mine so I dont want to pass on bad temperment problems to the puppies also I do know her faults I have been studying the breed standard and comparing her with other dogs that meet the standard I know most of her faults lie in her head her eyes are too round she has a sliding stop and her ear set is too wide and she is a little fine boned but her movement is good she has a nice level back her coat color is awsome it is very black with no hint of rust she has a nice muzzle nice neck length

of course she is only 9 months old so it will be a while before I have to decide what I am going to do I still have to get her hips checked and her thyroid I just want to plan ahead and make sure I am completly ready before I breed her I have desided not to go ahead and buy a stud dog I will either stud her out or get her spayed

shelties rule!!!

And for the record, the conformation people arn't THAT BAD! Go out and meet some and see, sometimes on shows we may seem rude, but its just a rushed state. I went into a breed this is a big handler breed and is known for its politics (dyed coats, blackened noises, switches, the works) and guess what? I finished my dog as is owner handling, no fake hair, no dying, no chalking, no blakening etc.... The key is, get a good dog, meet people who will teach you to show it to the best of your ability and then get out there and gain experience. Eventually you will find that the show world is indeed full of a lot of good people to balance out the ones you always hear the stories about.

Amy
Can. Ch. Kamann's Over the Rainbow "Bo" (Miniature Poodle)
Cindeross Silver Slippers "Gidget" (Miniature Poodle)

another quick question do you think other breeders would look down on me if I showed belle anyways just for the experience of me handling a dog or would it be better to just wait until I have a dog worth showing

oh and how do join an all breed club thier is one that is about 1/2 an hour drive from me I wrote them and never received a response ( they have no phone # listed or e-mail address) thier is a sheltie specialty club in columbus but that is  a 2 hour drive and right now I have a very clingy 3 year old that wont let me out of her sight

shelties rule!!!

If you explain the situation, good people won't look bad on you. By refusing to breed a lower quality female at such a young are you ARE IN THE RIGHT. Some people may bad-mouth you (I've had my share, mainly one lady in the area whose known for her lines chronic health problems), but the GOOD people will see that you are responsible.

As for showing a non-quality dog, its fine. Just let people know you understand her faults and want to gain experience. They will be especially understanding if your son is showing her. As for the breed club not responding, they tend to do that, so try to meet them in person. I had trouble joining the poodle club of canada at first, but at Bo's second show I met two people who were willing to be my sponsers.

As for the sheltie specialty, I would do it, if your three year old is clingy, let your son show her. People love seeing young people in the ring and you could so to speak "use this to your advantage" as there are a lot of people out there who want to get juniors started out on the right foot.

Hang in there rainsmom, you will get there and eventually get a great showdog and network of mentors, you just need a little patience. Things will come if you stick up for the responsible methods.

Amy
Can. Ch. Kamann's Over the Rainbow "Bo" (Miniature Poodle)
Cindeross Silver Slippers "Gidget" (Miniature Poodle)