There are dog show handlers who are not professionals and even specific classes that bar professional handlers or have other requirements

Handling show dogs is not an easy or a high-paying profession, but it can be quite rewarding and let an individual work with a great number of exceptional dogs.

If you get top 3 in “best companion dog” it won’t hold the weight that top 3 in “best of breed” will

First Time new puppy buyers almost always get carried away with the event & normally generally think nothing for paying 50-100$ extra for a piece of paper with a photocopy of 5 Generation pedigree showing parents, grandparents and great grandparents.

I would go out on a limb and suggest that being a dog handler costs (travel, dog food, insurance etc) more than it brings in.

Show Grooming shouldn’t trim or strip so that the dog looks like it lacks hair where it should have it.

Interest in a particular breed or a particular sport is why the people I know pick specific breeds…status should not enter into it.

There are often potential champions laying in front of someones fire, and pet quality in the show ring.

Training towards a show career will start early. The pup will be expertly conditioned and trained to optimize the dog’s potential.

heritage’ or ‘ethical’ dog breeders. They are people who breed the best possible dogs they can because they love a specific breed and want to preserve the best of that breed for future generations

It’s quite expensive running a rescue for Mastiffs as the breeds are expensive for food and medical care and we cover the entire state.

For “coated” breeds showing in conformation, you can get away with a “good but amature” job on many breeds and at smaller shows.

Usually what is reported is the dog’s titles, not their placements.

Humane Society International is raising funds to shut down and rescue 200 dogs off a meat farm. It is one farm only the goal is $25000.00 That brings the dogs to a shelter but it does not pay for food medical care etc.

once a male dog has made champion at a show, his stud price fee will be worth more.

Our bitch came from an excellent bloodline herself, as did the stud…but having a sire that was a champion means big increase in puppies prices.

only breed to improve the overall breed itself making line as close to breed standard as possible.

Morally, when you buy any animal, you should be responsible for doing the right thing, because it is a living being.

Yes, legally, a dog is property.
AND most good breeders make you sign a contract about how you will raise it.

When it comes to puppy prices, sometimes it’s the dog’s line, appearance and wins that matter, sometimes it’s the dog’s temperament, intelligence and health, sometimes it's all three.