Whats the difference (besides price!) between a show prospect puppy and a pet quality puppy?
A show prospect puppy will conform as closely as possible to the AKC and CKCSC standards for the “perfect” Cavalier. That means the markings, conformation, bite and movement will be just so. In addition, the puppy will demonstrate a flair for exhibition. He/she will stand up proudly and have that “look at me” attitude. But a show prospect is just that – a prospect. There is never a guarantee that a puppy showing early potential as a show dog will, in fact, turn out to be successful in the show ring. A pet quality puppy is merely one that the breeder has decided is lacking in some way required to make a successful show dog. It could be something as simple as too much of a particular color, or color placed in the wrong area. It could mean the dog doesn’t have a perfect “scissor” bite or is a bit long in the back or doesn’t have quite the right feel to its coat. “Pet quality” does NOT mean it is an inferior dog. Just that it’s not as likely to be a show champion when competing against dog
