Your Choice, Our Choice
The very first question I ever ask people who inquire about available puppies or dogs is as to what purpose do they want a dog? Seldom do I hear outright replies of wanting to show. More often, it's "I just want a pet". In the back of my mind, I do want to faint although I have never experienced fainting in my entire life ... Why in heavens are you inquiring about our pups and our dogs if you have no intentions of showing? Well, of course, the Cob Kennels do have some pet stock once in awhile but still, they are comparable to the dogs advertised as show quality in the newspapers. Seldom do we get cryptorchids, monorchids or dogs that really won't cut it in the show ring as with major disqualifications. And when we do, we withhold the registration papers until they are spayed or neutered. And believe me, when they hear about our terms and conditions, you see that look in their faces of dismay. All we ask is honesty. At Cob, we may not have top-winning dogs that boast of Best-In-Shows but at least we're honest. And we do expect the same from those interested in our dogs.
Simply put, "I just want a pet" means that I want to show but if I say that, it will be expensive. So maybe, I can get lucky with just a pet that would win since it's from a show kennel. It's in the line. If it does not win maybe if I breed it, then I can have my show dog." The thing is, when you want a just of pet quality - you most definitely will get just that. That is, of course if you go to responsible breeders. Now, the backyard breeders and puppy millers are different stories altogether and they work in reverse. All their stocks are most likely all of just pet quality sold as breeding stock and for show. So remember, it does not work the other way around. So, you would still end up one way or another with "just a pet".
If you say, "I want to show but can not afford the hefty price" ... say so. We would appreciate it more. There are ways around it. The reason why show prospects are generally more expensive than the run of the mills is because of the quality. One, a pup coming from a show kennel definitely has more overhead expenses than those that are just backyard breeding. Now if you want to show, you are better off with a young adult than a pup. Wanting a pup to show is more like a subtle way of saying: "I want a puppy to show because I can not afford a young adult." Oh by the way, this also holds true for breeding stock and not just for show quality. Breeding stocks should almost always be of show quality and nothing less but if possible, more.
I have heard, "I don't want to show but I want to breed" which of course, again ... I wish to faint right on the spot. This comes from the fallacy that the breeding stock are usually the littermates of the top-winning dog or the pick of the litter. While it may be true in every sensible way, it is therefore logical too to ask for higher prices for these "breeding stock". After all, they are the would-be top-producers.
When you want a dog, make it clear in your head why you want a dog and what you want to do with the dog. Imagine yourself with a dog and the things that you want to do with your dog. If you can't imagine yourself waking up as early as 5 am to go jogging, then maybe you should stop wishing to have a medium to large hyperactive breed that needs lots of exercise. At least be honest with yourself, you'll be happier.
I remember having come across a prospective buyer once. Yes, he was honest. He said he wanted a dog that can beat his cousin's dog in the show ring. We still did not sell him a dog cause for one, we haven't seen his cousin's dogs. Showing dogs is not just about winning. More so with breeding. Just owning a dog entails a lot of responsibility. So, when you make a choice, we also make our choice. It might not be exactly what you want but in the end, we will all be happier.
The Cob Kennels' is a show home. We seldom have "pet quality" pups but our show and breeding stock can also be your faithful, loving companions - your pet or better yet, an additional family member. You may think your budget is "just for pet". The dog is the only love money can buy and to us, money is not the issue - it is the love you are willing to give to our beloved Cob dogs.
So when you want a dog, consider a Cob dog instead.
Fellow dog lovers (& divers!) are always welcome in our homes!
Don't forget to leave your paw prints (or bouys) behind!
THANK YOU FOR DROPPING BY!
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