When I got my first GSD the only breeder I knew was the backyard breeder I got the dog from. I didn't even know that the GSCDA existed. I learned about dog shows because of the obedience class that I was in. I showed the dog in some conformation matches and learned through general observation and the snide comments just loud enough for me to hear that the dog was not show quality. Nothing helpful or encouraging, only hurtful. But I'm still here, must be hardheaded! Diane Msg: #2 in digest From: Barbara Amidon <amidon481@xxxxxxx> Subject: Re: Some Judges Should Keep Their Opinions To Themselves Date: Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:49:35 GMT Before any one starts to show they should go to the breeder or someone with knowledge and find out if this dog is show quality.It will save hurt feelings ..Any dog wihout major faults can be shown but this doesnt make it a show animal..My feelings were not HURT when learning it helped me do better..Barbara BISS Ch. Echo-Cham's River Phoenix OFA H&E AKA "River" Da-Jo's Crestview Ironman AKA "Tony" Candia's Hard Rock Candy v Tejas AKA "Rocky" ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2009. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================