If you have surfed around my site you will have seen Rumour’s AKC Championship certificate, Rumour in images with a handler, images of my dog Belle running agility with my son Josh, Belle kayaking with my daughter Morgan, and both dogs just lounging on the couch.
You will also have noticed that Belle is not in any of the win pictures with the handlers. That is because Belle is not a show quality portie while Rumour is of show quality.
I love them both the same. Neither is a lesser dog than the other in any thing other than their conformation to a breed standard.
Deciding which type of puppy to purchase and spend your life with is the next question.
All puppies will be in that first category as a great family pet. I am happy to see all my puppies go to families that will love them, but I am also breeding to preserve the breed and achieve the ideal portie that conforms to the standard that will bring my kennel of dogs forward.
The link below is to an article by Denise Flaim, of the AKC. She is a respected breeder, judge, and author. Her article discussing the intricacies of what are the differences between pet and show dogs is a must read for anyone purchasing a new puppy from a reputable breeder of pure and purposefully bred dogs.
I encourage you to read the article, then ask yourself some questions about your intentions. The world of dog showing is exciting but not for everyone. However, there are options, such as co-ownership, or sending your pup out with a handler, that allow an owner to have some of the fun with out all of the responsibility.