Question regarding first registered puppy

[BooBoo & Riley]

I hope someone can answer my question here...

I got BooBoo from a BYB, and we neutered him at 5 months old. Too bad too because his temperment is incredibly good...

We are getting ready to go and pick up our new boxer girl named Courage. She's from a non-show breeder who has registered her litter with AKC. My question is if she turns out to have great temperment, structure, and so forth... is it possible to breed her to a champ line stud without showing her?

I guess what I'm asking is that I know I can't show her, not at this stage of our lives. But if she is good boxer specimen (determined by the experts), then does she have a chance to become a DOM without being in the show ring. I would do all the typical testing that a show breeder would and only offer the puppies for show or contract to be fixed, of course... I guess I do want to better the breed since I've fallen in love with them, but I just don't want to show. Hope I've not totally confused you guys. Thanks.

[JulieM]

It is possible for a bitch to be a DOM without showing herself, yes. DOMs are awarded based on the success of the offspring, and there are several DOMs who are not champions. (I have no idea if they were ever shown or not.) It will be tougher for a bitch to become a DOM if she does not have a strong background of champions and producers behind her, so you would want to choose a strong stud dog (and hopefully wealthy stud dog owners).

The difficult thing will probably be finding experienced objective people to give you an honest evaluation of your bitch. Most people do not want to critique dogs because they may be seen as "badmouthing" another breeder. Stud dog owners cannot always be trusted because they may just say your bitch is good quality so they can get your stud fee. (Not all stud dog owners, of course!) Dog shows really are the most effective way to have your dogs evaluated. Not essential, and certainly not efficient unless you have a flyer, but effective.