You’d be surprised how many champions are tossed aside when they outlive their usefulness.
They rack up the titles, breed or get bred and the next generation of ‘better’ pups takes their place.
Breeders often don’t want another mouth to feed so they’re ‘adopted out’.
[euphemistically speaking]
In 1986, Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand went to the slaughterhouse.
I’ve had people tell me I should show Odin.
Not just no but hell no.
My husband raises rodeo bulls. We have 2 old retired bucking bulls, living out there lives in the pasture. They are not going to the slaughter house, no way.
God bless you for that.
I don’t know anyone in my breed who would place a retired CH INTACT (that is not spayed or neutered) in just any home. It’s simply just not done. Now, maybe in some breeds, but I can tell you, that in goldens, that would get you shunned.
Yes, I have placed dogs who didn’t turn out into pet homes, just like I don’t keep every puppy in a litter (on the same sort of spay/neuter contract, or already spayed/neutered). Of course, I haven’t had a zillion champions, so it’s not like I have had to decide what to do with them, but I will say that if I had say 10 champions and I could decide to put a few in good pet homes (and yes, I screen my pet homes quite carefully) or let them be part of a large pack at my own house, I see nothing wrong in putting them in a home where they would be the center of attention.
That’s not the same as going to the slaughterhouse.
Whether or not to show is a very personal choice. For one thing it’s quite expensive. For another it’s not for the faint of heart. It can be gut wrenching ot have someone tell you your dog is not good enough. And, it’s hard work. So, I don’t blame you.