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Meggie · 11-06-2007, 07:53 AM

I think to a certain extent that size does matter.
The Kennel Club standard, & I presume the American one too, says "up to 7lb"
and I think the aim at least should be to breed within the standard. I know not all puppies turn out that way, but I think the aim at least should be to try to preserve the breed as it was intended by the people who went to all the trouble to develop this lovely little breed.
There will always be puppies born that grow bigger, bound to happen when there are Clydesdales, Paisleys etc in the ancestry, and these make perfect pets for people who want a more robust little dog. But if you don't consider size then the breed could alter beyond being a toy dog, there are lots you see over here that are as big as my Cairns & wouldn't look out of place being shown in the terrier group.

I suppose I am a bit overly concerned about preserving breeds. This is because my other breed, Skye Terriers which I show & breed, has now been placed on the "Native Breeds At Risk" register at the Kennel Club it is so in danger of dying out. In some recent years there have been less than 50 puppies registered for the whole year, this year only two litters so far.

I know yorkies are more popular so not at risk but, being one of our native breeds here in the North of England, I would hate for them to change beyond recognition.

11-06-2007, 07:53 AM	#34
Meggie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Yorkshire, England Posts: 784	I think to a certain extent that size does matter. The Kennel Club standard, & I presume the American one too, says "up to 7lb" and I think the aim at least should be to breed within the standard. I know not all puppies turn out that way, but I think the aim at least should be to try to preserve the breed as it was intended by the people who went to all the trouble to develop this lovely little breed. There will always be puppies born that grow bigger, bound to happen when there are Clydesdales, Paisleys etc in the ancestry, and these make perfect pets for people who want a more robust little dog. But if you don't consider size then the breed could alter beyond being a toy dog, there are lots you see over here that are as big as my Cairns & wouldn't look out of place being shown in the terrier group. I suppose I am a bit overly concerned about preserving breeds. This is because my other breed, Skye Terriers which I show & breed, has now been placed on the "Native Breeds At Risk" register at the Kennel Club it is so in danger of dying out. In some recent years there have been less than 50 puppies registered for the whole year, this year only two litters so far. I know yorkies are more popular so not at risk but, being one of our native breeds here in the North of England, I would hate for them to change beyond recognition.