Why don't we show our dogs?

People tell me that my male Frenchie is gorgeous and ask "Why don't you show him?" there are a few reasons that we don't show our dogs and none of those reasons have to do with the quality or lack of quality in our dogs. The main reason I choose not to show is that Showing in itself does not necessarily better the breed. Some would argue that point as your dog is judged for the standards and being the ultimate specimen of the breed. My problem with this concept is that in order to achieve some of the very characteristics that make the ultimate specimen of the breed you may be violating ethical codes to do it. Inbreeding or line breeding (a milder form of inbreeding ) can produce a beautiful specimen with all the qualities to make that one dog almost perfect. However it can also breed in some undesirable traits down the line or even in the siblings of that particular dog. ( the brother they keep in the basement.) Many people would condone this type of breeding just for the glory of having a gorgeous dog. If in doubt check this out! http://www.puppygramnet.com/canine_dog_history.html (Thank you Mary Beers)

Another reason I do not show is that in order to show I would need to travel. We live way out in the hills 30 miles from the nearest city. I would have to leave my other dogs and puppies at home. I will not trust a pet sitter with my dogs and puppies.

As far as I am concerned adding stress to a dogs life just so I can say I have a Grand Champion, is selfish.

In addition I would rather spend the money it takes to show dogs on the dogs themselves rather than playing "My dog is better than your dog" at the expense of my other dogs

Miniature Dachshunds

This Is Ziva one of our Miniature Dachshund Dams. She and her Sister Katelyn will be Bred for the first time in the Summer to Fall of 2010. They have both Dapple and Pied coloring in their bloodlines so it will be like a box of Cracker jacks anticipating what we will get. Ziva is long coated and very petite, while Katie is smooth coated with a more stream lined conformation. Grimm our Sire is shaped much the same as Katelyn. We asre really looking forward to next year when all of our Dams will be old enough to breed, Dachshunds and Frenchies alike.