How to find retired show dogs

Hey.  The idea here is how to find retired show dogs that you can get as a pet.  First, I will tell you about whatt I did to find Tina, my retired English Chocolate Lab.  Secondly, I will tell you to persist, and widen your search through Google and Facebook.  Third, I will describe my experience of visiting retired show dogs and how I chose mine.

Research the dog breed you want

As the old saying goes, if you don’t know where you are going, it doesn’t matter you end up.  You have to have a target to go after.  Before getting your target, you should become very familiar with the different dog breeds and which ones you think will make you happy.

I started out wanting either a working breed German Shepherd, or a Lab or an Airedale Terrier or a Malinois..  I read about each, thought about my situation and got input from my wife to see what kind of dog she wanted.  I just wanted a dog that would be an excellent pet, but also one that she would like.  For me, I ruled out German Shepherd, Malinois and Airedale Terrier because of their more aggressive nature.  I did not want a dog that might bite a person.  Besides, my wife did not like any ot these breeds.  You know the old saying, a happy wife makes a happy life.  So, I got her input on the dog breeds and we both liked Labrador Retrievers.

Which type of Labrador should we get?

There are two types Labradors, an American Breed Standard and an English Breed Standard.  All we knew about was the American Breed.  We had one before and her name was “Whirlwind.”  Her personality matched her name.  She was a bundle of energy, always wanting to run, chase a freesbie or retrieve anything. As we had gotten older, our need for a more laid back dog was essential.  I did not want to have to go running with a dog anymore.   

Here is a picture of  an American Lab. Notice the pent up energy within themselves.  They are ready to run and have a good time.  Normally, they are more slender than an English Lab and are taller than English Labs.  American Labs are by nature field dogs.  They love to run, retrieve and have plenty of energy to burn.

English Labs on the other hand are shorter to the ground, more stocky, have a bigger square head and are prone to be more laird back.  They want to love and be loved, rather than run and race around.  They are referred to as a “gentleman’s dog.”  English Labs, like American Labs come in three basic colors:  Yellow, Chocolate and Black.  Below you can see a picture of an English Lab.  Note the differences in their appearance.

How to find different breeders in your area:

So, we decided on an English Lab.  Where could I find one to look at and to interact with to see if my hunch was correct?  I went to Google and typed in English Labs Alpharetta, Georgia and that started my journey.  I got out a piece of paper and a pen and started writing down breeder names, addresses and phone numbers.  Then, I went down the list and started calling each one.  My pitch went something like this.  “Hello, my name is Conley Ingram.  I am looking for a retired show dog, Chocolate English Lab.  Would you happen to have one, or know someone who does?  

After calling 10 dog breeders, I found one that showed dogs and had two available retired show dogs.  My heart pounding, I arranged an appointment time to come by and see these two dogs.  They were not exactly what I was looking for personality wise.  I thinked the breeder for his time and went back to my search.  

After calling about 25 more breeders, and no luck, I widened my search to include nationwide.  I eventually called a breeder up North, I can’t remember which state she was in.  She said that she did not have any, but she had heard on FaceBook of a breeder in North Carolina who had a retired show dog for sale.  To make a long story short, I contacted this breeder and we arranged a time to come see Tina, the retired Chocolate Lab Female Grand Champion.  We brought her home for a trial period of 15 days and decided to keep her.  I don’t remember how much we paid, but it was not all that much.  She has been worth every penny.

Why am I writing this?

I want to give you hope and inspiration that you too can find the dog of your dreams.  Maybe yours is not an English Lab.  They key is to go to dog shows, talk  to breeders, and start near your home.  You can take dog personality tests to you are blue in the face.  The key is you have to go out and interact with them in person.  That way you’ll discover what retired show breed is right for you.

Conclusion

As I mentioned above, I want to leave you with this message.  Retired Show Dogs make great family or single person pets.  You know what you are getting, there are no surprises there.  The dog itself is very well behaved, good looking and impressive.  It just takes a lot of work up front for you to find this dog.  You’ve got to be willing to focus on this goal, do the research, get on the Internet and look up dog shows near your area and actually go to the dog shows and talk with different breeders.  You can tell them what you are looking for, and ask them if they know of any show dog breeders who are looking to retire a dog soon.  You might have to be patient and wait.  While you wait, go to another dog show and then another dog show.  Talk with breeders, get on their mailing lists and let them know what you are looking for- a retired show dog of your breed choice.  Thank you.