I would like to get into showing chis in confirmation. The 2 I have now are just pets, as they are CKC registered and not AKC registered. Once I feel that I have learned some of the ropes, I would then like to begin looking for a show prospect puppy and training for the ring. I was thinking about visiting the local dog shows in my area and trying to find someone to be a mentor to me and teach me how to pick out a good quality dog. Does this sound like a good plan, or is there something else that I would need to do to prepare? I thought a live mentor who is experienced with the show world would be a good way for me to learn. Any imput from experienced handlers and breeders would be great.

the popular consensus on here seems to be that youre best bet would be to go to the shows. But for those of you who show/breed, wouldn't it be easier to just buy a pet quality from a show breeder then eventually get a show quality one from the same breeder? that way, when you finally decide you want to show, s/he would already be your friend and would be more than happy to help mentor and give you a great puppy. that way, you wouldnt have to go through the hassle of being rejected and treated coldly the first couple of times by show breeders who dont know you...

Well I say you shouldn't buy a pet quality first. But you can make contact with several breeders. Keep in touch with them and if you think you're ready for a showdog, call them and see what they can do for you. I stalked Keeffer's breeder for about 2 years lol.

__________________
A friend is someone who reaches for your hand but touches your heart. xxx Marjanna and Keeffer

what do you mean by "stalk" ? *lol* like follow her to shows? or did you call her all the time? maybe its just my experience but the top breeders that ive ran into seem to be pretty standoffish ( with the exception of megan and its only because we had a lot in common). i couldnt imagine anyone even getting close to stalking any of them because youd probably end up getting yelled at...or on their email block list.

OMG, That seems kind of scary, that no one would be willing to share their knowledge with a newbie... It looks like I am in for some disappointment if I thought that I would just make friends with someone and hope to learn from them ...

oh no! maybe you will. the ones ive came across just had long waiting list (polite but firm that they do not have any chi available at the moment and it will be 2 years before they do) or were pretty standoffish ( "i cannot guarantee what i will have nor can i do much for you until i can look you in the eye.") if youre fine with people waitlisting you ( when secretly theyre giving their puppies to friends) or talking to you that way ( like i mentioned above) then youll be ok. but im not. im very sensitive. but of course, you prob wont even get responses like the second bc youll be meeting them in person when you inquire...but from what people have told me ( and from what ive experienced) getting a puppy thats "pet quality" from a top show breeder is very hard...i would imagine that it would be a LOT harder getting a "show quality" one. im not talking about ALL show breeders being like this, though! im just referring to the well known ones with the really, really nice dogs...

Well I already send her emails before her very first litter. We were both on the same chihuahua forum. but we only found out when I placed a picture of her gorgeous girl and said she was my ideal chihuahua. She recognized my emailadress. I've emailed her for about 2 years and talked to her at shows. She likes it when people send her an email and then take the effort to go to a show and introduce themselves. She likes it when people stay in touch. The very first time I emailed her I already said I wanted one at the end of 2007 or beginning of 2008. And she emailed me when she had litters, send me photo's and if I had a question she just answered it. She's really nice. O yeah, and Keeffer came home at christmas eve 2007, just the time I wanted a dog.

__________________
A friend is someone who reaches for your hand but touches your heart. xxx Marjanna and Keeffer

Don't rush in and buy the best you can. Go to shows and look and learn first. Make sure you speak to exhibitors but don't harass them until they have been in the ring. They will be concentrating on what is happening in the ring.