Show Help.....PLEASE!?!

Question:
 Okay some of you know that I would like to show my next dog....hopefully a Golden! :D
So I was wondering if some one could tell me what all the show "terms" mean?!?!
Like what is Comformation, and Gaiting and CH?
And all those other terms! :p
Thanks! :)

Answer:
CH = champion
conformation = dog show (i think)
gait= the dogs movement when running, walking etc.

Answer:
Conformation can be the name of the type of show, or the actual conformation of the dog(afterall, that is why the show is called a conformation show :p ).
Lizmo, have you ever seen the Golden breed ring? It is a HUGE handler breed, I believe. Takes alot of dogs to make a major, and takes a very good dog and handler to beat all those dogs.. which is why you see so many prof. handlers in the breed. Can be extremely hard to finish an owner handled dogs in Goldens, if I'm not mistaken.

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oh yeah, for a first dog to show you picked one heck of a tuffy

Answer:
Goldens, German Shepherds, and Shelties are the three major breeds that are in this area. They are usually hard to get points on unless you have a structurally sound and amazing movement type of dog.
Some breeds are hard to get a title at a young age like a belgian - they grow soo differently, their coats are very different as well then other breeds.
Corgis on the other hand, are fairly easy to title around here, not huge competition and they grow fairly stable from what I can tell.
But, as rabbitsarebetter have said..
Am Ch - American Championship
Can Ch - Canadian Championship
BIS - Best In Show
BPIG - Best Puppy in Group
etc etc..

Answer:
So are you guys saying that it is very hard to place with an owner handled Golden? :confused: :(
Well, I am thinking about either a Golden or a Cocker for show! :)
A Golden will be my first choise though ;)

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oh yeah.. because of the shear number of dogs you will be up against

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Corgis on the other hand, are fairly easy to title
That's cause they're the bestest! :D lol, j/k

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That's cause they're the bestest! :D lol, j/k
ROFL! :p :lol-sign:

Answer:
If you want to get into showing, you absolutley can not live without this book!!!! IT IS THE BEST BOOK FOR BEGINNERS! It explains everything so nicely with pictures etc. They give you all the vocabulary used in the show world and what it means. The book also explains how to train a show dog, what to take to the shows, how the shows work, how you accumulate points, the different classes to enter and so much more. This book saved me in the beginning. Even if you are years away, get it. It's a great book!!! Raising A Champion, A beginner's guide to showing dogs. http://www.thewelltraineddog.com/

Answer:
If you want to get into showing, you absolutley can not live without this book!!!! IT IS THE BEST BOOK FOR BEGINNERS! It explains everything so nicely with pictures etc. They give you all the vocabulary used in the show world and what it means. The book also explains how to train a show dog, what to take to the shows, how the shows work, how you accumulate points, the different classes to enter and so much more. This book saved me in the beginning. Even if you are years away, get it. It's a great book!!! Raising A Champion, A beginner's guide to showing dogs. http://www.thewelltraineddog.com/
Thanks Showpug!!! :D That looks like a REALLY good book! Do I hear Christmas Present :p :D

Answer:
Thanks Showpug!!! :D That looks like a REALLY good book! Do I hear Christmas Present :p :D
I am telling you, you will LOVE it. It's big, with pictures and so easy to understand. Ask for it!!!

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I am telling you, you will LOVE it. It's big, with pictures and so easy to understand. Ask for it!!!
Oh I am going to! :D :p
I hope I get it....if not....that is what some of my Christmas money is going to :D
So what do you think of Showing Goldens....every one says they are a very hard to place? :(

Answer:
As far as the golden thing goes, go for it! If a golden is what you really want, then get a golden. Because this is your first dog that you are going to show I wouldn't worry so much about getting titles as getting experience (most obedience competitors don't get an OTCH on their first dog, etc.), and you are going to be living with the dog even when you aren't showing, so if a golden is what would fit best into your life, get a golden. Just my opinion of course :) .

Answer:
As far as the golden thing goes, go for it! If a golden is what you really want, then get a golden. Because this is your first dog that you are going to show I wouldn't worry so much about getting titles as getting experience (most obedience competitors don't get an OTCH on their first dog, etc.), and you are going to be living with the dog even when you aren't showing, so if a golden is what would fit best into your life, get a golden. Just my opinion of course :) .
You know...that make a lot of sence! :D Thanks!
Oh and Yes...he/she would be living with me...MY dog :)
I am also thinking of the Golden being a Show and Therapy dog... :)

Answer:
The reason it's difficult to win in goldens (in AKC at least) is that the point structure is set up so that only one bitch and one dog can receive points at a show.
You enter your class (let's say your bitch is in 9-12 puppy bitches). There may be half a dozen puppies in the class, and you win. That seems like it should be worth something, but you don't get ANY points for that. What they do is take the winners from all the various classes for bitches (puppy classes, bred by exhibitor, open, novice, american bred) and then those bitches compete together for Winner's Bitch. That's the female that then gets the points, and the number of points depends on the number of bitches that compete. Each area has a schedule of points based on how many dogs of that breed typically show in that area.
They do the same thing with the dogs - the winner of each class goes in together and the winner gets Winner's Dog and is awarded the points.
Then both Winner's Bitch and Winner's Dog go in for the Best in Breed competition against any specials that may have entered - specials being dogs and bitches who already have their championships and don't have to compete in the individual classes. If you take Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex or Best of Winners you may receive additional points (again, based on the number of dogs). Maximum number of points at any one show is five. A major is 3-5 points.
You may also receive points if you take a Group 1 win.
Now, if you consider how popular goldens are and how many you must compete against, if you don't have a fairly superior animal then you are probably just going to be "point fodder" for the other goldens. There's nothing wrong with this as you will gain experience and that's a good thing, but if you lose all the time it sure gets old. Starting with a breed that isn't quite so popular will give you more likelihood of picking up some points, but it also can be difficult to get the majors if there aren't enough of the breed around to push the numbers up to the point where winners get at least three points.
I have a chow that I've shown in conformation and she's pointed, but unless she takes a group win she can't get a major here in Alaska because we don't have enough chows showing up here. I would have to travel to the lower 48 states to show her and that's just not worth it to me. So I am doing performance with her instead (I prefer it anyway) and I'll pop her in a conformation show once in awhile just to see what happens. I have to pick and choose my judges too - unfortunately there are a lot of chow judges out there who just pick the heaviest head. They're called "head hunters" and Khana doesn't stand a chance because she has a more open, lovely face devoid of wrinkles.
You can read up more on AKC shows at http://www.akc.org/events/conformation/index.cfm
Melanie and the gang in Alaska

Answer:
It may be harder to get points on a Golden, but don't let it discourage you. Learn with your dog. When you are looking for a Golden pup to show, just try your hardest to seek out the best possible prospect available from champion parents. Yes, if you are patient you will find a breeder that will work with you and mentor you. You just need to let them know that you are serious about showing etc. Goldens are great pets and make beautiful show dogs. I agree with the previous poster that told you to get the right dog for your lifestyle and worry about the showing second. Points or no points, the show ring is still a lot of fun and at the end of the day you have a great pet to warm your couch and your heart. :)
Have you ever been to a dog show? You may want to ask your parents to take you to one so you can watch sometime. You can look up the time and ring that Goldens are showing at and you can watch them. This will give you a better feel for things and it's a lot of fun to go shopping at the shows for cool dog toys and supplies. I can let you know what shows are in your area if you would like.

Answer:
I thought I would let you know the show schedule for Alabama for the next 6 months. I don't know if any of these are near you, but figured I would post anyway.
Nov 11th & 12th Priceville, AL
Nov 18th & 19th Mobile, AL
Nov 25th & 26th Montgomery, AL
Apr 7th & 8th Brierfield, AL
Apr 28th & 29th Montgomery, AL

Answer:
goldens are extremely popular, but you have to remember that some of the dogs in the ring are not going to be of a high quality for a golden,
there are certain ways to show a dog, to bring out his best points and try and hide his weekest points, you would want to find a kennel to help you and teach you how to show a golden
you would need to find a kennel to get a truly superior golden from, that would make it so much easier to title

Answer:
I thought I would let you know the show schedule for Alabama for the next 6 months. I don't know if any of these are near you, but figured I would post anyway.
Nov 11th & 12th Priceville, AL
Nov 18th & 19th Mobile, AL
Nov 25th & 26th Montgomery, AL
Apr 7th & 8th Brierfield, AL
Apr 28th & 29th Montgomery, AL
Montgomery is about an hour from me....but Mobile is about 4 hours away :(
Not sure about the other places though :D
Thanks SO much showpug! You are giving me so much info! :D

Answer:
If you want a Golden, get a Golden - my first show dog is a Doberman... and dobes are just as competitive (if not moreso) than Goldens! And yes, he's pointed... owner handled.
Showing dogs is very expensive... around $28 dollars per entry, per day. Factor in transportation, training, lodging, supplies, *the dog itself*... just be prepared for it all! I'm actually happy that my show dog isn't a dog that will finish easily, because I simply can't afford to campaign a *really good* dog... I'll save that for when I'm older and richer! I was offered a dog that ended up finishing at 14 months of age, and is now being specialed... no way could I have afforded that dog's show career!

Answer:
If you want a Golden, get a Golden - my first show dog is a Doberman... and dobes are just as competitive (if not moreso) than Goldens! And yes, he's pointed... owner handled.
Showing dogs is very expensive... around $28 dollars per entry, per day. Factor in transportation, training, lodging, supplies, *the dog itself*... just be prepared for it all! I'm actually happy that my show dog isn't a dog that will finish easily, because I simply can't afford to campaign a *really good* dog... I'll save that for when I'm older and richer! I was offered a dog that ended up finishing at 14 months of age, and is now being specialed... no way could I have afforded that dog's show career!
Thanks Sizzle :)
Yes this Golden will be handled by ME...owner handled! ;)
Yes, I am starting to save up for a Golden NOW!! and for all the goes with Showing! :D
Just wondering but how much do they usually go for....I mean how much do they usually cost? :)

Answer:
Thanks Sizzle :)
Yes this Golden will be handled by ME...owner handled! ;)
Yes, I am starting to save up for a Golden NOW!! and for all the goes with Showing! :D
Just wondering but how much do they usually go for....I mean how much do they usually cost? :)
I would plan on $1200-$1500 for a show golden. I looked into them once because I was possibly interested in getting one and that is what the show breeders around here are selling show pups for. By the time you are ready, I would plan on $2000.

Answer:
I would plan on $1200-$1500 for a show golden. I looked into them once because I was possibly interested in getting one and that is what the show breeders around here are selling show pups for. By the time you are ready, I would plan on $2000.
Okay thanks! :)
*goes to start saving* :p :D

Answer:
If you want a Golden, get a Golden - my first show dog is a Doberman... and dobes are just as competitive (if not moreso) than Goldens! And yes, he's pointed... owner handled.
Showing dogs is very expensive... around $28 dollars per entry, per day. Factor in transportation, training, lodging, supplies, *the dog itself*... just be prepared for it all! I'm actually happy that my show dog isn't a dog that will finish easily, because I simply can't afford to campaign a *really good* dog... I'll save that for when I'm older and richer! I was offered a dog that ended up finishing at 14 months of age, and is now being specialed... no way could I have afforded that dog's show career!
I would say Dobermans are THE MOST competitive ring at the show LOL! I think that is an outstanding accomplishment that you have owner handled and pointed your Dobe...:)

Answer:
Around here believe it or not Rhodies are the biggest breed entry. Though at the last show papillons were the biggest breed entry (66). All the shows I've gone to had a ton of golden entries, so be prepared for work. Good luck on your (potential) new dog!

Answer:
$2000 is probably a good estimate. It's not hard to save that much, especially when you're young and don't have to worry about utility bills, credit card bills, rent.... yadda yadda yadda.
Ilsa was $1000 as a pet back in early 2002... Ronin was more - he cost me less than usualy since he was abused and I co-owned him, but he was still a pretty penny.
I don't regret a single cent of it though. They're worth it all, and more.
For a Golden, I'd imagine you'd need a table with a grooming arm and noose, a dryer, brushes, shears, towels, a dremel... and don't forget some nice show outfits!
Luckily, conformation training seems to be pretty cheap - I only pay $3 per hour, once a week. And a lot of the training can be done at home.
Show leads can be cheap, but it seems to be the trend in Goldens to have super-fancy show leads. I just bought Ronin a new show lead, and it ended up costing about $80... for ONE lead. But he's been shown for about a year on a $15 lead before we bought the "ritzy" lead!

Answer:
Thanks showpug! I've been told that he'd have a much better shot with a handler, but Ronin cannot go out with a handler - he's too wary of strange people, and was punched by his handler hired by his previous owners... as a result, Ronin does not trust strange people taking him into the ring.
Buuuuuttt.... I don't think I'll be having much trouble, now that he's maturing nicely... ;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/lhartlep/04Oct203.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/lhartlep/26May139.jpg

Answer:
$2000 is probably a good estimate. It's not hard to save that much, especially when you're young and don't have to worry about utility bills, credit card bills, rent.... yadda yadda yadda.
Ilsa was $1000 as a pet back in early 2002... Ronin was more - he cost me less than usualy since he was abused and I co-owned him, but he was still a pretty penny.
I don't regret a single cent of it though. They're worth it all, and more.
For a Golden, I'd imagine you'd need a table with a grooming arm and noose, a dryer, brushes, shears, towels, a dremel... and don't forget some nice show outfits!
Luckily, conformation training seems to be pretty cheap - I only pay $3 per hour, once a week. And a lot of the training can be done at home.
Show leads can be cheap, but it seems to be the trend in Goldens to have super-fancy show leads. I just bought Ronin a new show lead, and it ended up costing about $80... for ONE lead. But he's been shown for about a year on a $15 lead before we bought the "ritzy" lead!
$80 FOR A SHOW LEAD!!!! :yikes: :yikes:
Holy COW!!! :yikes:
Where would you go for Comformation training? The Breeder?
I would like to show dogs when I get older but also have a Traning Facilitly...some day :D
What are Shears? Like Scissors?

Answer:
I go to the local kennel club - the instructor changes every month, and the instructors vary in experience. This month's instructor is a Dachshund breeder and judge!
My breeder actually goes to a collie breeder's facility for training... even though she's been breeding since the 1960's - they treat it more like an open session though. I've been there once, but my breeder is in another state and I only went to help corral puppies.
And yes, shears are scissors. Goldens require quite a bit of grooming - a friend of mine shows goldens. (see photos at http://www.everythinggolden.com/nick's_kids.htm )
You'll need to find a mentor in Goldens that can teach you how to groom - they're groomed to the nines for the show ring! Those tidy, pretty feet can take a very long time to learn how to groom...

Answer:
All our conformation and obedience training around here is trhough a german shepherd club. Well, the best is through the local GSD club. All the papillons I know were trained there. Your breeder should be able to tell you who offers good classes in their area. Or they should be able to point you to someone in your area that would have that information.
EDIT: Just got to thinking of this and I think it's because our breeder used to show and breed gsds before she bred papillons. I'm guessing this is how she knew about this group. Oh well, they're good classes. :p

Answer:
What I suggest to everyone who wants to get into showing, no matter what the breed is to get a mentor. Get a local breeder to agree to let you fallow them around at shows. Learn from them and take handling classes.

Answer:
What I suggest to everyone who wants to get into showing, no matter what the breed is to get a mentor. Get a local breeder to agree to let you fallow them around at shows. Learn from them and take handling classes.
I agree, all very important things! My dog's breeder was my mentor and helped me learn at the shows.

Answer:
What I suggest to everyone who wants to get into showing, no matter what the breed is to get a mentor. Get a local breeder to agree to let you fallow them around at shows. Learn from them and take handling classes.
Oh I am! :D
Probably I am going to find a REALLY good breeder the shows and has Champs in her line of Dogs....and she will help me learn all I need to know about showing Goldens...and the Show ring :D

Answer:
If you get a great prospect from a breeder and that breeder wants to finish that dog, you should make some kind of financial arrangement with the breeder. It is to their benefit that the dog gets finished. Also, if they want to special the dog, they should contribute to that too.
I have seen the golden ring. It is very competitive (but I agree it is not as competitive as the dobe ring). However, if you have a great dog, learn the grooming tips to help with the presentation and are ready to go the long haul, you can do it.
Go to shows.
Talk to breeders. Talk to owners.
Get a pro handler to mentor you. They are always looking for kennel help. That way you get handling and grooming classes from a pro. At some point, you will be showing dogs for the handler because of multi wins in classes. Then you will be ready when you get your pup.
Cole's Mom

Answer:
If you get a great prospect from a breeder and that breeder wants to finish that dog, you should make some kind of financial arrangement with the breeder. It is to their benefit that the dog gets finished. Also, if they want to special the dog, they should contribute to that too.
I have seen the golden ring. It is very competitive (but I agree it is not as competitive as the dobe ring). However, if you have a great dog, learn the grooming tips to help with the presentation and are ready to go the long haul, you can do it.
Go to shows.
Talk to breeders. Talk to owners.
Get a pro handler to mentor you. They are always looking for kennel help. That way you get handling and grooming classes from a pro. At some point, you will be showing dogs for the handler because of multi wins in classes. Then you will be ready when you get your pup.
Cole's Mom
So I should not get the Breeder to mentor me?

Answer:
Comformation can be COMFORMATION show which of course means a show that is judging the dogs body for correct comformation.
Comformation faults are easty westy ( front legs point east and west) , hocky ( rear legs turned turned out) weak topline - top of dog some breeds call for a strong strait topline others like fila and presa do not.
Buy k-9 structure and terminlogy by gilbert great book.
Best of Luck

Answer:
If you get a great prospect from a breeder and that breeder wants to finish that dog, you should make some kind of financial arrangement with the breeder. It is to their benefit that the dog gets finished. Also, if they want to special the dog, they should contribute to that too.
I have seen the golden ring. It is very competitive (but I agree it is not as competitive as the dobe ring). However, if you have a great dog, learn the grooming tips to help with the presentation and are ready to go the long haul, you can do it.
Go to shows.
Talk to breeders. Talk to owners.
Get a pro handler to mentor you. They are always looking for kennel help. That way you get handling and grooming classes from a pro. At some point, you will be showing dogs for the handler because of multi wins in classes. Then you will be ready when you get your pup.
Cole's Mom
These are all great tips, BUT I think your first time around you can only expect so much and make certain arrangements. I think with your first dog, you have to pay your dues and can't be so demanding...afterall, the breeder is trusting a novice with one of their carefully bred, quality animals. Personally, I would make sure you make it clear to the breeder that YOU want to finish the dog and you don't want a handler on it or someone else showing it. Just be clear about what you want from the beginning and the breeder will choose the right prospect for you.
I think breeders make great mentors. It's a person you know and feel comfortable with and they show up to the shows you are at. My first and only mentor was my dog's breeder. She taught me everything I know now and then I branched off into handling classes etc. to learn more.
And lastly, don't just look for someone who breeds from "champion lines"...you want a dog from champion parents or at least having one of the parents being a champion. This is not too much to ask for and you will be able to find it with patience.
Maybe you can ask for your show Golden now and get into juniors ;) It's cut throat, but can be a fun way to learn if you keep it fun...

Answer:
These are all great tips, BUT I think your first time around you can only expect so much and make certain arrangements. I think with your first dog, you have to pay your dues and can't be so demanding...afterall, the breeder is trusting a novice with one of their carefully bred, quality animals. Personally, I would make sure you make it clear to the breeder that YOU want to finish the dog and you don't want a handler on it or someone else showing it. Just be clear about what you want from the beginning and the breeder will choose the right prospect for you.
I think breeders make great mentors. It's a person you know and feel comfortable with and they show up to the shows you are at. My first and only mentor was my dog's breeder. She taught me everything I know now and then I branched off into handling classes etc. to learn more.
And lastly, don't just look for someone who breeds from "champion lines"...you want a dog from champion parents or at least having one of the parents being a champion. This is not too much to ask for and you will be able to find it with patience.
Maybe you can ask for your show Golden now and get into juniors ;) It's cut throat, but can be a fun way to learn if you keep it fun...
Okay so you could have the breeder mentor you ;) *sigh* :)
Oh and I KNOW that I will not be able to get a Golden now....my parents have made it REAL clear that they will have NO more dogs in te house till one of them passes away :(
Also should I start looking for a breeder now?

Answer:
I would start looking for a breeder now because most good breeders have waiting lists, especially for show quality dogs. It would probably be a good idea to keep in touch with the breeder and learn as much as you can about the show ring before you even get a dog, just so you know for sure that it is what you want to do :)

Answer:
I would start looking for a breeder now because most good breeders have waiting lists, especially for show quality dogs. It would probably be a good idea to keep in touch with the breeder and learn as much as you can about the show ring before you even get a dog, just so you know for sure that it is what you want to do :)
See I was asking b/c it would probably be at least 9 to 10 years before I get this dog ;) Just probably :)

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LOL, well then you've got a bit of time :p .

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It is my dream to show dogs too, but just like you it would be some time before I can as well. I am wanting a very popular breed to, a Lab, lol. I love labs, and that is what I have my heart set on showing some day. So go for a golden if its what you realy want. I like goldens to, but I perfer shorter hair, espicially if im going to be showing, it would be much easier to have a dog that doesnt require alot of grooming. Have you considered a Lab as well? they have a lot in common to the golden, in personality, and even looks. I still am going to do more research on different breeds, there is so many I've been thinking about, but I still cant resist the lab.
I am looking at differnt breeders right now, and have a few I like so far. Have you found any breeders you like yet?

Answer:
when i was looking for a show kennel for my future sheltie, a good idea is to find a website which shows the local show results, so you can see which dogs are placing, there will normally be a pattern from certain kennels,
breed clubs normally have one of these pages
then you want to get hold of one of these kennels

Answer:
when i was looking for a show kennel for my future sheltie, a good idea is to find a website which shows the local show results, so you can see which dogs are placing, there will normally be a pattern from certain kennels,
breed clubs normally have one of these pages
then you want to get hold of one of these kennels
www.onofrio.com
www.infodog.com
Here are a couple ;)

Answer:
Yeah go through a superintendent. I use onofrio for the most part. But it really depends on the area. Onofrio is out of OK city I think.
Here's a list of all AKC liscensed superintendents-
http://www.akc.org/events/conformation/superintendents.cfm
Most people I know use infodog and onofrio. Though Onofrio is prone to quite a few spelling mistakes. Beau Sr. was always listed as Ch Ridge Bean Diddly instead of Ch Southridge Beau Diddly when Beau's sister was showing.

Answer:
Okay I am new to this so what am I looking for in these Websites? :confused:
Sorry but I have NO idea what a superintendent is in a dog show? :confused:
It is my dream to show dogs too, but just like you it would be some time before I can as well. I am wanting a very popular breed to, a Lab, lol. I love labs, and that is what I have my heart set on showing some day. So go for a golden if its what you realy want. I like goldens to, but I perfer shorter hair, espicially if im going to be showing, it would be much easier to have a dog that doesnt require alot of grooming. Have you considered a Lab as well? they have a lot in common to the golden, in personality, and even looks. I still am going to do more research on different breeds, there is so many I've been thinking about, but I still cant resist the lab.
I am looking at differnt breeders right now, and have a few I like so far. Have you found any breeders you like yet?
Actually I like the hair on the Golden ;)
Oh I know there are other breeds that I like but the Gldens are REALLY stunning dogs in shows that really stand out to me :D
I think that it would be great if you could show too!

Answer:
What you're looking for on the websites is a pattern as to who is winning most frequently in show results (you'll see a few kennel names pop up over and over again)- generally there WILL be a pattern and it's a good place to start when looking for a quality Golden. It certainly isn't the be-all-end-all though- don't ever base your decision to purchase a puppy from a breeder *purely* on the number of winners they have. There are a fair number of breeders that are producing a lot of winners for reasons OTHER than their superior breeding programs.
If you're looking at getting your next dog in 9-10 years then consider yourself lucky. NOW is the time to start meeting with Golden breeders, and getting to know them. Go to as many shows as you can. Talk with these people, tell them about your intentions, and make it crystal clear how much you want to be involved in this breed. If you find a breeder you really like- offer them your services (free of charge), as kennel help. Cleaning up after dogs, socializing puppies, holding dogs at ringside, etc. It all needs to be done, and VERY few young people these days are willing to get involved so deeply without some sort of reimbursement. I GUARANTEE along the road you will pick up tricks of the trade that will be absolutely invaluable to you in showing Goldens. Grooming, stacking, presentation, spotting faults in animals- you can learn a TON in 9 years, and all of this without having a dog of your own.
By the end of this time you'll be more ready to hit the ring than most newbies, AND you'll have the added advantage of being able to get a puppy from a breeder that will be more willing to entrust you with a FANTASTIC prospect.
Co-ownerships are another good way to go. I have my girl on a co-ownership, and it's been a fantastic arrangement. It's imperative that you get EVERYTHING in writing, and agree on it ALL however, in order to prevent potentially nasty situations fron developing.
Good luck- you've chosen a tough breed to get into as a newbie, but it will make your successes all that much sweeter!

Answer:
Tempura, thank you SO much....:D
On the wbsite...sorry I did not make this clear but....how do you find where these Kennel names are and there dogs?
Right now I am 13....and so it would probably be another 1 to 2 years before I can REALLY get involved in helping breeders out with pups, showing, ect....want to wait till I am 16 and can drive :D
Also if any ones knows any GOOD showing Kennels in the Southeast Alabama area...PLEASE PM me and tell! :)
Oh and I NEVER thought about helping the breeders at ring side and with pups and grooming! That is a GREAT GREAT idea!! :D

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The best way I can explain how to find the kennel names is by telling you what I did when looking for my breeder.
Go to the American Kennel Club website. There's a section titled "Events and Awards" and within that there is a search function, that allows you to find past events. You fill out what you're looking for (the state, what type of event- in your case it will be "conformation," and the time range- something like "from now to 3 months ago" should do the trick). From there, it will pull up a list of shows that occured within that time frame that meet your criteria. Click on the link on any one of the shows it's pulled up that says "view event results." Then you can simply click on the Sporting Group, and then Goldens.
It will give the names of Goldens that have placed. The kennel names will proceed each dog's name. For example- if I was competing with my Shiba boy (who is neutered, but that's not the point ;)) You would see his name as "San Jo Yuki Mai Tai."
San Jo is the kennel name, and is used on EVERY dog that the breeder breeds. When I was looking for Shiba breeders I noticed that locally, "San Jo" was popping up OVER and OVER again with BOBs and group placements. I had a pretty good feeling this breeder was producing some outstanding winners. So I met them in person, and went from there.
If you keep seeing "Goldspun" (just making up a name for the sake of the example), in front of winner after winner's name- you'll want to take a closer look at that breeder's program.
As a thirteen year old- you're the perfect age to start Jr. handling as well. This is a competition based PURELY on the presentation skills of the child handler, and has nothing to do with (or isn't SUPPOSED to have anything to do with) the quality of the dog. All you need is a purebred dog that belongs to you in order to compete. (It must be registered with AKC as well). It's a great way to start learning handling NOW, even when you don't have your Golden puppy.
If you don't have a purebred you can also try 4-H which does a similar Jr. handling competition, but allows mixed breed dogs.
I think it would be a great idea if you're interested. And would look VERY good to Golden breeders when the time comes.

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Here are some of the breeders that I pulled off of Onofrio.
http://home.earthlink.net/~aubridge/
http://www.legendgoldens.com/index.html
http://www.gold-rushgoldens.com/
http://www.xanthos.co.uk/
http://www.runnymedekennels.com/
I have no idea on the overall quality of these breeders, but it's fun to look at different kennels. :)

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Here are some of the breeders that I pulled off of Onofrio.
http://home.earthlink.net/~aubridge/
http://www.legendgoldens.com/index.html
http://www.gold-rushgoldens.com/
http://www.xanthos.co.uk/
http://www.runnymedekennels.com/
I have no idea on the overall quality of these breeders, but it's fun to look at different kennels. :)
Thanks Showpug!!! You are helping me SO much even though you may not know it! ;)
The best way I can explain how to find the kennel names is by telling you what I did when looking for my breeder.
Go to the American Kennel Club website. There's a section titled "Events and Awards" and within that there is a search function, that allows you to find past events. You fill out what you're looking for (the state, what type of event- in your case it will be "conformation," and the time range- something like "from now to 3 months ago" should do the trick). From there, it will pull up a list of shows that occured within that time frame that meet your criteria. Click on the link on any one of the shows it's pulled up that says "view event results." Then you can simply click on the Sporting Group, and then Goldens.
It will give the names of Goldens that have placed. The kennel names will proceed each dog's name. For example- if I was competing with my Shiba boy (who is neutered, but that's not the point ;)) You would see his name as "San Jo Yuki Mai Tai."
San Jo is the kennel name, and is used on EVERY dog that the breeder breeds. When I was looking for Shiba breeders I noticed that locally, "San Jo" was popping up OVER and OVER again with BOBs and group placements. I had a pretty good feeling this breeder was producing some outstanding winners. So I met them in person, and went from there.
If you keep seeing "Goldspun" (just making up a name for the sake of the example), in front of winner after winner's name- you'll want to take a closer look at that breeder's program.
As a thirteen year old- you're the perfect age to start Jr. handling as well. This is a competition based PURELY on the presentation skills of the child handler, and has nothing to do with (or isn't SUPPOSED to have anything to do with) the quality of the dog. All you need is a purebred dog that belongs to you in order to compete. (It must be registered with AKC as well). It's a great way to start learning handling NOW, even when you don't have your Golden puppy.
If you don't have a purebred you can also try 4-H which does a similar Jr. handling competition, but allows mixed breed dogs.
I think it would be a great idea if you're interested. And would look VERY good to Golden breeders when the time comes.
Oh Okay!!! Thanks!!
So 4-H allows mixed breeds? WOW!!! That is AWSOME to know!
So if I understand this right......you could compete with a mix and still win? So what are the judges looking for than? How you handle the dog?

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What we did also was go to a local show and look at dogs around there. We found one lady whose dogs we really liked and it ended up we got beau's breeder's number from her. We looked at a bunch of other local breeders, but we ended up going with her.
Have you checked out this site at all? It might help. PCA was really helpful to me.
http://www.grca.org/
http://www.grca.org/puppyreferrals.asp

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don't limit yourself to dogs just in your area,
you should learn the golden standard so you know what to look for in a dog
you should research the history of the breed,
what kennels were top,
what kennels are top
what kennels are getting to the top
if theres a kennel that was producing high quality dogs, that has now stopped breeding, then you might want that kennel in the pedigree of your puppy somewhere,
there might be a certain dog/bitch you want in your pedigree,
there might be a certain dog/bitch you want a puppy from,
you should do amazingly large amount of research into the goldens, and just everything about them, and showing them.
you need to know what to look for in a good breeder most especially

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Steve, do NOT worry I will do TONS of research on Goldens!!! Not saying that I do not know anything about Goldens but I need and want to do more research on the breed before I even go to a Kennel and talk to them ;) :D

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So if I understand this right......you could compete with a mix and still win? So what are the judges looking for than? How you handle the dog?
Yes- you can compete with a mix and still win. This is because Jr. Handling (ESPECIALLY in 4-H), is all about the skills of the young handler- how well they present their animal. Depending on what breed your dog most closely resembles (say it's a GSD mix), you would handle your dog as people in the German Shepherd ring would traditionally handle their dogs. The emphasis is put completely on you- and your knowledge of dog-care and breeds (if I'm correct).

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Yes- you can compete with a mix and still win. This is because Jr. Handling (ESPECIALLY in 4-H), is all about the skills of the young handler- how well they present their animal. Depending on what breed your dog most closely resembles (say it's a GSD mix), you would handle your dog as people in the German Shepherd ring would traditionally handle their dogs. The emphasis is put completely on you- and your knowledge of dog-care and breeds (if I'm correct).
That sounds really cool....although I know that Lizzie could probably never do it....:(...maybe...She is a border collie mix...but I think that it would be to much for....but than again maybe would have a ball....she LOVES to show off...and strut her stuff :p
Is there an age limit for the dog? and How old do the Handlers have to be?
And where would I find info on this? The AKC?

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As to finding a good Kennel .... your Alabama Golden Club should give you a list of good available litters.

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Tempura, I tried going to the AKC website and doing what you said.....well it seems to not be working for me :(
So I was wondering if some one could tell me how to use the site Showpug listed :)

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There isn't an age limit for the dog in Jr. Showmanship.
For handlers I believe it's 9 years of age, with eligibility remaining until the day you turn 18.
If your girl is a mixed breed you'll have to compete in 4H (AKC requires the dog be purebred), which is a seperate entity entirely from AKC. I've never actually participated in 4H myself, so I would suggest searching it on the internet. You'll need to find a 4H group in your area (which shouldn't be too difficult to do).
And you never know- your girl might very well like to "play show dog." At the very least, practicing with a difficult dog will make you THAT MUCH BETTER at handling. Good judges recognize the difference between a handler that works hard with their dog and has a real bond, and those that have a push-button dog, one that shows itself. (You'll find a LOT more of these in AKC Jr. handling, where many of the kids "sign on" to fabulous dogs that are already champions).