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Originally Posted by Ladyhawk  I'm finding that one thing that sets a show breeder apart from someone who just knows the standard is that you have to develp an eye for a dog as well. I have been studying non stop and learning from other exhibitors and judges to have an eye for a good dog. Reading the standard is not going to help you to judge a good front or rear, it's not going to help you understand and identify balance and proportion. How much forechest should a yorkie have? How much step under the tail? How deep should the brisket be and where should it fall in comparison to the elbow? These are things that you must learn to improve the breed and the best place to learn them is by working with exhibitors and judges who know and have mastered these skills as well as watching correct yorkies gaiting and stacked in the ring. Showing is an educational experience and a necessary hands on one because you can only learn so much from a book. I stood by Mr. Wolpert a couple of Sundays ago and tryed to see what he was seeing as he critiqued a dog in the ring. The man has been showing and breeding since 1965 and has an incredible eye, I was so honored just to be standing there. Bev Sheridan watched Danali for just a few moments and pointed out things that I hadn't noticed before though I have watched her with a critical eye since she was born. Now I know what to look for when evaluating a stud for her someday. Just staying at home and reading books isn't going to get me the education that I need to breed the quality dogs that I want to breed, I have to get my butt out there and work hard for my education. The difference in a BYB and a show breeder for me is that a show breeder just doesn't sit home and do it they get out there and persue it! |
THANK YOU!!! All the books in the world can only give so much information...it's getting out there and whether it be in the show ring or being at ringside soaking up knowledge with an experienced show breeder/exhibitor. Only thing I will add is this...everyone will have a different interperation of what the standard means and what an individual will like but with that said when you are really involved in the breed you should have a pretty good idea of what is the best representation of the breed
Donna Bird
Brooklynn's Yorkshire Terriers