On thing I wanted to add concerning breeding...seeing a CH in front of a dogs name is nice, it does mean the dog looks nice and probably moves pretty well, however imo it really doesn't prove anything else....what else is there? Has this dog proven it is really sound of limb & temperament? When I look at a pedigree I want to see more then a CH it doesn't matter if I am looking for pet only or for a show potential ...if a dog doesn't have sound conformation or sound temperament it is likely it won't hold up to the rigors of being a family pet very well...I want to see more from a dog...CGC, rally, obedience, tracking, agility, herding, carting, field/hunt trials, etc...I want to see dogs that have proven they have stable temperaments  and are capable of going hiking, camping, playing with the kids, doing therapy work, etc..I want to see a well rounded, happy, healthy dog a complete package.

 

Just an example is the GSD..now I see many in the show ring that have their CH, but these dogs are conformationally unsound (and many temperamently unsound as well) They may "look" pretty but that's it. If one really reads and understands the breed standard for GSD they would see that these dogs aren't being bred to standard either despite the fact they are winning. (I do know GSD family had them for many years) Ideally a responsible GSD breeder would not only breed for standard and do health testing but would prove their dogs can hold up and not be crippled at an early age or eu because of temperament issues. My families dogs were bred to standard both conformationally as well as temperament. They were reliable family dogs..they alos were very capable of going out and doing their job, herding, all day without break down.