[nmgriera]

I am new (today) to this forum and was hoping someone may be able to point me in the right direction. I am starting to research the dachshund breed as their disposition would match our family well. I would like to buy an AKC registered dog, but 1 question I have is does it have to be from a champion line in order to show or show well? Do you have to have a handler? The reason I ask this is one of my son's is an avid dog lover and would like the opportunity to train and show a dog. I think it would be a great experience for dedication, hard work and persistence on my son's part and lots of love and attention as well as the above on the dog's part. To me is a win win. Any advice, direction, or even reputable breeder names would be great! I reside in Northeast Ohio, but am willing to travel to meet the breeder/ dog. Thanks!

- preferred short hair black/ tan, rusty colored wire haired a second pick, or long haired cream for last pick.

 

[ChaosIsAWeim]

Well for breeder's this is your best resource, read everything and anything on this website

http://www.dachshund-dca.org/

here is the breeder referral: http://www.dachshund-dca.org/kennelads.html

If you are wanting to get into the show world, it is best you start with a good dog, so going to one of those breeders will help. Not all AKC registered dogs are show quality, nor are all of them from good responsible breeders.

No you don't need a handler, I have handled all my dogs myself ever since I was a young kid. Really it should not matter who is on the end of the leash if you have a good dog, not saying that happens all the time, all of us in the show world know how political it can get. In dachshunds there are a lot of handlers, but that doesn't mean your son will never win. Showing should be fun.

I would also look into handling classes in your area, a lot of the show holding clubs have classes and some for non members too.

Also he should try junior handling, which is where he is judged on his handling and not the dog, he would need an AKC junior handlers number. He is under 18 right?

Here is info about that: http://www.akc.org/kids_juniors/index.cfm?nav_area=kids_juniors

Here is all the info on AKC conformation: http://www.akc.org/events/conformation/

Also go to shows in your area, meet breeders there, and talk to them about this, most are more than willing to talk. I don't know how far you are from Troy, but there is a show at the Miami County Fairgrounds on the 16th and 17th in June.

Plenty of other shows coming up just look for those with AB next to them as those will be all breed shows

http://infodog.com/panels/oh.htm