I have a question for the more experienced folks in multiple events with their dogs.  Why does it appear that most folks who show thier dogs want to get that show championship before any field titles on their dogs?  I see a great deal of dogs with AKC Ch titles that have never been through any other testing.  I realize most are tested through other systems afterwards and achieve titles just fine.  I guess I am just confused on why the unwritten AKC method is so out of bed with the Deutsch Kurzhaar method of testing.  This question is not meant to say one is better than the other, I am just trying to understand the methodology of what seems predominate in AKC right now. 

Personally I am trying to emulate the DK system with my AKC dogs, again not saying one is better than the other and pick a fight.  Maybe the freedom of choice in the AKC system is the answer to this.  I just wanted some more experienced folks opinions. 

Please don't make this thread a battle of which is better just help me understand some other mentailities.

I know what you are saying. I look through the entries at Westminster and most dogs have no performance titles. It's sad. My two friends from here that went down to show (Malinois and Border Terrier) both have multiple obedience, agility, herding or earthdog titles. They should be proud. Especially looking through Sporting. Working, herding groups- amazing the lack of any performance titles whatsoever.

A friend and I were just talking about this subject yesterday. Also, of you look at a lot of the show dogs that are working dogs (such as Labs, Shepherds, Rotties, etc) most could NEVER do the job they were bred for. You have two types. I have a friend with successful field Goldens, also has a few OTCH's- none could ever enter a show ring. Sadly some of the GSPs are going that way as well. Around here, most are way out of standard. Huge- tall- heavy. Sad. My boy is 24"- smack in the middle of standard and he looks like a mini-GSP!

I guess I am an anomaly as I tend to hold mine out of the breed ring until they are really developed (I personally do not think a puppy should be put up over adult dogs as a puppy with good conformation does not mean they will have good conformation as an adult). I guess I have seen too many puppies that looked pretty good at 6 - 9 months, but fell apart as adults. As a result Halo had her CD and a HIT before she finished.  Ringo will have his JH and probably his CD before he finishes.  I do enter my dogs in a few small shows when they are young just to get them ring experience.  I also believe that you have to train your dog before you take them in the breed ring, just like with performance events.  Again, I seem to be more of an exception with this as well.

Of course, I am not planning on campaigning my dog either.  That may be why so many want to finish their pup early, to give them plenty of time to campaign them.  Personally, I prefer the focus on the performance, but like getting the CH on my dogs too.