Miniature American Shepherd Breed Magazine - Showsight

THE MINIATURE AMERICAN SHEPHERD AS A SHOW DOG by SUE RITTER

T he Miniature American Shep- herd makes an impressive Show Dog. Th e breed standard is clear. Finding a balanced, well- put-together dog or bitch that is close to the Miniature American Breed Standard to exhibit in the conformation ring is an obvious, but very important task. How- ever, turning that beautifully built, super moving Mini into a brilliant show dog takes care and work. A show prospect must be exposed to many new people and show experiences in the formative months prior to show age. Th e special trust they have with their owners must be expanded to all humans, especially those who may handle or examine them. Sure, it takes time for the young dog to mature, to develop balance

with all those parts growing at di ff erent rates, and to grow a nice adult coat, but the comfort and safety they feel at home in known situations must be extended to many places. Th ese super intelligent herding dogs, capable of figuring out how to move mul- tiple animals 10 to 100 times their size in unity, quickly and safely, are predisposed to think first in new situations. However, the more they are exposed to new experi- ences and new people, the quicker they adapt. So with bait training, dog classes, fun days at dog shows, walking around flea markets, asking people to go over your dog, and participating in conformation events prior to regular shows, these won- derful dogs quickly learn that life as a show dog is fun and full of rewards!

“A SHOW PROSPECT MUST BE EXPOSED TO MANY NEW PEOPLE AND SHOW EXPERIENCES...”

266 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , J UNE 2015

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